Environmental noise pollution from transport severely impacts European health, causing sleep issues and long-term illnesses.
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Many Europeans are affected by harmful environmental noise, primarily from transport sectors like roads, trains, and aircraft, with the number aiming for a 30% reduction according to stricter WHO guidelines. Seventeen million Europeans experience significant noise pollution, and nearly five million suffer from related sleep disturbances. Constant transport noise contributes to 66,000 premature deaths annually in Europe, alongside cases of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Road traffic is the main source, affecting 92 million people with noise levels exceeding EU limits. Noise pollution, along with air pollution and heatwaves, is among the top three health threats. Experts note that constant noise keeps the body in a state of perpetual fight or flight, leading to physiological reactions like inflammation and oxidative stress, which can increase risks for various health issues. Noise pollution is a widespread problem across Europe, affecting residents in major cities like Athens and Brussels due to various sources. In Lithuania, residents are accustomed to transport noise, but complaints are often higher regarding leisure noise. While legal frameworks exist, such as the EU Environmental Noise Directive, implementation is often hindered by cost. Green spaces are highlighted as crucial for absorbing noise waves and vibrations in urban environments.
