Impact of Noise Pollution on Human Cardiovascular System
Esther O. Aluko *
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, AkwaIbom State, Nigeria.
Victor U. Nna
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B.1115 Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Noise pollution is one of the man-made environmental hazards that is given the least attention. By World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition, noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality. Industrial facilities, entertainment joints, highway, railway, airplane traffic, construction activities and some indoor activities are major sources of noise. Prolong or frequent exposure to excessively loud noise can cause degeneration of the spiral organ resulting in high frequency deafness. Despite the awareness of noise impact on auditory function, people are still engaged in activities that generate loud noise. In some developing countries where electrical power supply is not reliable, the use of generators has contributed immensely to environmental noise. Studies have reported that noise increases the prevalence of hypertension which is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. The increasing number of hypertensive individuals in developing countries might be owed to incessant noise. If the governments of these countries do not take necessary measures to combat noise pollution, their countries might be populated with cardiovascular disease individuals.
Keywords: Blood pressure, cardiovascular system, hypertension, noise, pollution