14 DAY TRIAL // Researchers working with the Harvard School of Public Health and the Boston University School of Public Health say that, according to evidence at hand, noise pollution caused by aircraft ups a person's risk of experiencing heart problems.
Apparently, older people are the ones most likely to be affected and to require medical attention.
In a paper published in yesterday's issue of the British Medical Journal, the researchers explain that, in areas where aircraft noise is about 10 decibels higher than average, hospital admission rates for cardiovascular disease are about 3.5% higher.
Most of the people who have to be admitted are over the age of 65, they further detail.
“Our study emphasizes that interventions that reduce noise exposures could reduce cardiovascular risks among people living near airports,” co-author Jonathan Levy commented on these findings, as cited by EurekAlert.
“This can be done through improved aircraft technology and optimized flight paths, by using runways strategically to avoid when possible residential areas when people are sleeping, and by soundproofing of homes and other buildings,” he added.