Non-auditory: 9th International Congress on Noise as a Public Health Problem (ICBEN) 2008, Foxwoods, CT
Environmental noise and mental health: Five year review and future
directions
Irene van Kamp1*, Hugh Davies2
1 National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Po Box 1 Mailbox 10,
372 BA BILTHOVEN, Netherlands
2 UBC School of Environmental Health, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada,
hugh.davies@ubc.ca
* corresponding author: e-mail: Irene.van.kamp@rivm.nl
INTRODUCTION
Since the previous review of Stansfeld and Lercher (2003) there has been modest
but continuing interest in the mental health effects of noise over the last five years
(2003-2008). In particular the aspect of noise sensitivity has been studied more ex-
tensively in this period. Also recent results of longitudinal studies around major air-
ports and the so called LARES (Large Analysis and Review of European housing and
health Status) study shed more light on the relationship between noise and mental
health, and the role of mediating factors. In children the effect of noise on hyperactive
symptoms was confirmed and an effect of noise on subjective health symptoms
found in several studies. A few studies placed - both theoretically and empirically -
the relationship between noise and mental health in a broader context of sound-
scapes and environmental quality. Especially of interest is the increasing attention for
the restorative function of quiet and green areas in particular, where mental health
effects are concerned.
NOISE AND MENTAL HEALTH: EVIDENCE
Mental health effects in adults
Mental health is a general term referring to a state of emotional and psychological
well being allowing someone to function in society and cope with the demands of
daily living. The effect of environmental noise on mental health has not been mapped
extensively. Results from recent international surveys suggest that long term noise
exposure is associated with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
witho