Scientists say main roads often result in noise pollution from traffic, which can have an adverse reaction on residents’ sleeping patterns and therefore their willingness to exercise.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, found those who live under a flight path or near an airport were most likely to suffer from weight problems as a result of noise pollution. Andrei Pyko, lead author of the study at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, said traffic noise is a common and increasing environmental exposure because of urbanization. Road traffic is the dominating source, followed by railway and aircraft noise.

“Health effects related to traffic noise are widespread and span from annoyance, sleep disturbances and changes in stress hormone levels to adverse effects on the cardiovascular system,” Dr Pyko said.

Increasing evidence points to traffic noise as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke.

.............RATNAKAR