A recent study commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has found that exposure to constant traffic noise can increase the risk of anxiety disorders and depression. The study also suggests that a reduction in traffic noise, such as implementing a speed limit of 30 km/h in cities, could help reduce this health risk. Previous studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. Autolärm, or car noise, has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, while a 10-decibel increase in noise from road, rail, or air traffic can increase the risk of depression by up to 4-11% and anxiety disorders by up to 3-15%.
According to Dirk Messner, President of the UBA, the study’s findings highlight the fact that noise is still a greatly underestimated health risk in Germany. Many people are exposed to high levels of noise that can affect their health and quality of life. To protect the population from the negative effects of environmental noise on their physical and mental well-being, the UBA recommends implementing a speed limit of 30 km/h in cities and increasing protection against nighttime noise pollution. This includes introducing a wake-up criterion for rail traffic and limiting regular flight operations between 10 pm and 6 am at airports surrounded by densely populated areas.
The study also provides empirical evidence of the long-term health consequences that can result from nighttime awakenings due to rail traffic noise. The analysis of data from the LIFE Adult study shows that the risk of developing an anxiety disorder or depression doubles when three or more nighttime awakenings occur due to rail traffic noise. However, it should be noted that the LIFE Adult study is a relatively young cohort study launched in 2011, and about 43% of the participants who were present at the first data collection could not be re-examined after five years, possibly due to the difficult conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, selection-related distortions of the research results of the LIFE Adult study cannot be completely ruled out.
