Transport noise, vulnerability and inequalities — who is most affected?

This briefing reviews the latest evidence on vulnerability to transport noise. It examines inequalities in exposure across European cities, drawing on data linking exposure to transport noise with socio-demographic characteristics.

Key messages

• Transport noise affects the entire population, but certain groups may experience a disproportionate health burden due to greater susceptibility, higher exposure levels or reduced capacity to cope with noise.
• Older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions are likely to be more susceptible to noise-related health effects because many of the health outcomes associated with noise exposure are more prevalent in these groups, and noise-related stress and sleep disturbance may further aggravate existing health conditions.
• Further research is needed to better understand how transport noise may exacerbate existing health vulnerabilities and to identify hotspots.
• Across European cities, certain demographics tend to be exposed to higher levels of road traffic noise. However, these associations varied considerably between cities, reflecting the influence of local factors.
• In order to address noise-related vulnerabilities and inequalities, it is necessary to apply universal measures to protect all residents from harmful levels of transport noise alongside targeted interventions for vulnerable and disproportionately exposed populations.