Noise

Noise is present almost everywhere and at all times. Many people are affected by high levels of noise, which impairs their health and quality of life. One of the main reasons for this is the increase in traffic and in the number of noise sources, such as leaf blowers and large events. Many people have also become more critical of negative environmental impacts in general and noise in particular. A significant reduction in noise exposure from road, rail and air traffic can only be achieved through the coordinated use of many different instruments: from vehicle and road design to tax legislation and transport and urban planning.

Traffic noise can increase risk of depression and anxiety disorders

View on rails with a suburban train, behind it city panorama

It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent. read more

Infrasound at or under perception threshold does not cause acute physical reactions

An experimental study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) found no correlation between infrasound immissions at or below the perception threshold and acute reactions on the human body. However, the test persons classified the infrasound sounds as "somewhat" to "moderately" annoying. read more

Heat pumps and the like: low-frequency hum annoys a growing number of people

Complaints about low-frequency noise – the so-called humming phenomenon – have risen sharply in recent years. A new guide by UBA provides advice on the ideal installation of heat pumps and the like. read more

Noise can make people ill: New teaching material for schools

comic drawing: a head of a child, sourrounded by noisy things, like an ambulance, a radio and a loud speaker

Sleep disorders, increased blood pressure or even ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – noise can make people ill, even as early as childhood. A new interactive brochure from the UBA teaches third and fourth-year pupils about acoustics and noise in a playful way and aims to raise awareness of the problem of noise. read more