Transport noise impacting health of millions of Europeans

The European Environment Agency have published their annual update on the state of Europe's environment. An evaluation of the current status and future outlook for transport noise pollution in Europe and its associated impacts on human health is included. This uses data reported by countries under the Environmental Noise Directive (END).  From 2017 - 2022 a slight decrease in the population affected by harmful noise levels is estimated. However, 2022 data still shows around 150 million people, or over 30% of Europe’s population, may be exposed to unhealthy noise levels, rising to over 50% in many urban areas. Road traffic is the primary source of noise pollution in both urban and rural areas, while railway and aircraft noise, though affecting fewer people, are also significant contributors to local noise issues. It is estimated that long-term exposure to noise pollution from transport in the EU currently contributes to about 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 cases of cardiovascular diseases and 22,000 cases of type 2 diabetes each year. The EU is unlikely to achieve its 2030 zero pollution action plan (ZPAP) target on noise without further action, including regulatory or legislative change.