Environmental noise and non-auditory health impacts in Hong Kong

Abstract

The magnitude of noise pollution is fast-growing worldwide. Environmental noise has been linked with several non-auditory health impacts, including annoyance, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular diseases and impaired cognitive performance. Also, environmental noise exposure is associated with increased reported psychological symptoms, prolonged healing time of patients and poorer performance of staff in hospitals. Hong Kong has been suffering from environmental noise for years, especially transportation noise, but lack of relevant local studies to support public health intervention. This review is attempted to summarize three governmental study reports and overseas studies on the relationship between noise and non-auditory effects. Also data on noise complaints will be briefly analysed as a supplement. It is ascertained that noise pollution and noise-induced annoyance and sleep disturbance are prevalent in Hong Kong. Also, noise mapping and subjective auditory effect scales are already available. Noise complaint level in Hong Kong is generally lower than levels in London and New York City, but is probably underestimated. Future studies are needed to emphasize on noise exposure in particular areas and vulnerable populations