<
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/23/road-traffic-noise-parkinsons-disease-study-health>
"Long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of
Parkinson’s disease, the biggest study of its kind has found.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder in which parts of the brain
become damaged over time, affecting movement and balance.
Existing research has found potential biological pathways that link noise
exposure to Parkinson’s disease, largely due to stress responses and disrupted
sleep. The researchers modelled noise exposure at the most and least exposed
exterior of the residence of each participant and calculated the difference in
noise levels.
The magnitude of the effect was modest but consistent; at the most exposed
facade, for every 11.5dB rise in noise level, the risk of Parkinson’s disease
rose by 3% over the study period.
Having a quiet part of the home may mitigate the association between exposure
to road traffic noise and higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to the
findings.
The study, published in
Jama Neurology, included 3.1 million Danish
participants aged 40 and over, and followed them for 18 years. It was
established using nationwide health register data, making it the largest study
on road traffic noise and Parkinson’s disease.
Previous research linked the rise in neurological disorders, including
Parkinson’s disease, with exposure to environmental toxins. Environmental risk
factors such as air pollution, microplastics and pesticides have become the
main focus of prevention strategies.
The study is one of the first to make the link to noise pollution. Chronic
noise exposure exceeding World Health Organization thresholds affects nearly
one-third of Europeans. Thomas Münzel, one of the authors of the study, said
environmental noise is “still a young entrant in the Parkinson’s disease
risk-factor literature”.
Münzel said the study’s findings should move noise from a speculative to a
credible risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, prompting further research into
the topic."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
