Imagine this: you wake up to the constant hum of traffic, the screech of brakes, and the distant wail of sirens. This is the daily reality for countless people living in urban areas, and it’s taking a toll on their health.
Two years ago, my aunt, a woman known for her dramatic flair, came to stay at my flat in East London. Each morning, she would emerge, her eyes still covered by a sleep mask, and launch into a tirade about the unbearable noise. “Sirens! Buses! This noise will kill me!” she’d exclaim.
At the time, her complaints seemed exaggerated. However, as research continues to pile up, it becomes increasingly clear that she was not far off the mark. Noise pollution is a silent killer, slowly chipping away at our well-being.
The Silent Killer
Across the country, from Bury to Bristol, residents are constantly exposed to dangerous levels of noise. Last year, the UN declared London one of the noisiest cities in Europe, with average noise levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety threshold. The consequences are dire: hearing loss, shortened lifespans, an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, depression, and even type 2 diabetes. Children are particularly vulnerable, with studies exploring the link between noise and cognitive development and behavioral issues.
It’s almost like secondhand smoking, a constant stressor that we don’t even realize is affecting us.
The Unequal Burden
While we might get used to the noise, it’s not something everyone can simply ignore. The loudest voices against noise pollution often belong to wealthy residents who have the resources to escape it. They can buy soundproofing, move to quieter neighborhoods, or simply complain until the offending noise disappears.
However, the reality is that lower-income residents, living near motorways, airports, and industrial areas, are the most affected by noise pollution. This is not just about the loudness of the noise, but also about the lack of resources to mitigate it. Poorer areas tend to have less green space, which acts as a natural sound buffer, and their roads are often in worse condition, amplifying the noise.
A Collective Problem, a Collective Solution
Noise pollution is a class issue, and it’s time we acknowledge that. While personal responsibility is important, it’s also crucial to recognize that our collective environment plays a significant role in how we experience noise.
We need to look beyond individual actions and focus on creating a more equitable and quieter urban environment for everyone. This means implementing stricter noise reduction policies, holding property developers accountable for their soundproofing obligations, and addressing the issue of noise pollution in our cities’ planning and development.
The House of Lords has already taken the first step by launching an inquiry into the impacts of noise and light pollution on human health. It’s time to make some noise about this issue and demand a better, quieter future for everyone.
