A new study from the United Kingdom says people living close to airports are at a higher risk of developing health issues.
As part of the study, researchers assessed the health records of 3,600 people who lived close to airports and 21,300 individuals who did not.
Those living close to airports amid constant exposure to aircraft noise were found to possess thicker heart muscles that correlated with an upwards of four times higher risk of a heart attack, life-threatening heart rhythm, or stroke. Individuals who lived in high-noise areas had between 10% to 20% worse heart structure and function than those who did not.
“Our study is observational so we cannot say with certainty that high levels of aircraft noise caused these differences in heart structure and function… However, our findings add to a growing body of evidence that aircraft noise can adversely affect heart health and our health more generally,” said senior study author and cardiologist Dr. Gaby Captur, per the New York Post.
Last year, The Dallas Express reported on another study that supported the long-held belief that the sounds of nature are soothing, while traffic noise is anything but. The study also revealed that natural soundscapes, compared to the sound of traffic, left people feeling happier after a stressful event.
The City of Dallas has been working to address noise complaints from residents who live near the Dallas Love Field Airport. One suggestion from impacted residents was a voluntary curfew on scheduled commercial flights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The City of Fort Worth has similarly struggled with a loud airport. In 2023, they requested an additional $15 million from the FAA to help dampen noise in residential areas near Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport.
The researchers noted that aircraft noise is particularly disruptive since it is less predictable than road or rail noise.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting daytime aircraft noise to 45 decibels and the maximum to 40 decibels at night to prevent adverse health impacts.