Occupational noise exposure has long been associated with hearing loss. Still, new research suggests it could have even more severe health consequences. A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology Asia 2024 conference found that years of exposure to loud workplace noise raises high blood pressure risk significantly.
Chronic Noise Exposure and High Blood Pressure
The research, led by Golam Dastageer Prince, MBBS, MPH, of Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services, focused on adult power loom weavers, a group routinely exposed to noise levels between 96 and 111 decibels (dB) in their work environment. To put that into perspective, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set an exposure limit of 85 dB for an eight-hour workday. Anything above 85 dB increases the risk of hearing loss and other health issues.
The study examined 289 workers from weaving factories in Bangladesh, with an average age of 34. Participants completed face-to-face interviews that gathered information on sociodemographic factors, behavior, dietary habits, and family medical history. Using standard procedures, researchers also measured blood pressure, height, weight, and noise intensity. Most workers had been in these noisy environments for nearly 16 years, often without ear protection. The findings revealed a clear positive correlation between noise exposure duration and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that prolonged exposure significantly contributed to elevated blood pressure levels.
Key findings include:
- 31.5% of the participants had hypertension, while 53.3% were classified as prehypertensive.
- Each year of noise exposure increased the likelihood of hypertension by 10%, independent of age, BMI, and smoking.
How Chronic Noise Leads to High Blood Pressure
So, why does noise exposure lead to hypertension? The exact mechanism is still being explored, but it’s believed that chronic exposure to loud noises can trigger a stress response in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances that, over time, elevate blood pressure. Dr. Golam Dastageer Prince, MBBS, MPH, the study’s lead author, explained that the body’s response to continuous noise exposure can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.
“While the mechanism is still not well-explored, it is thought that the stress response by the body to chronic sound exposure causes hormonal imbalances that gradually leads to a permanent elevation of blood pressure.” Dr. Prince explained. He also noted that hypertension affects over a billion people worldwide, yet only 1 in 5 manage to control it. Without proper management, high blood pressure can lead to premature death.
The Risks Extend Beyond the Loom
While this particular study focused on power loom workers, the implications for other industries are clear. Chronic exposure to loud noise in any workplace—such as factories, construction sites, and even some offices—may significantly increase the risk of hypertension. However, it’s important to note that not all noise exposure carries the same risks.
Research has shown that environmental noise pollution from highways, airports, and train tracks can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Yet, as Dr. Prince explains, the nature of industrial noise in the workplace may make it more harmful. “Noise pollution experienced near home typically ebbs and flows, while the industrial exposures in the study are typically continuous in pattern due to the machinery and remain at a constant sound level,” Prince said. This continuous exposure to high-decibel noise—often without any respite—creates relentless stress on the body. This may lead to more severe health outcomes.
Addressing the Risks
Focusing on workplace safety and health standards is crucial to mitigating the health risks of noise exposure. Dr. Prince advocates for greater awareness not only about noise-induced hearing loss but also about its cardiovascular effects. The study found none of the workers used ear protection, underscoring the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace interventions.
“Hopefully, we can raise awareness of not only noise-induced hearing loss but the impact of noise on blood pressure and workers’ behaviors toward using PPE,” Dr. Prince said. He added that “pushing for structural improvements to industries” could help protect workers from these health risks.
Introducing better noise control measures in factories could be beneficial. This might include sound-absorbing materials and machinery designed to reduce noise levels, or providing workers with ear protection and regular health check-ups to monitor their cardiovascular health.
More Research and Preventive Action
Dr. Prince emphasized the need for more research into the mechanisms linking chronic noise exposure to cardiovascular health and long-term health outcomes for workers. Such studies could provide valuable insights into how occupational health guidelines should evolve to address these emerging risks.
In the meantime, raising awareness about the effects of noise exposure in the workplace and the importance of protective measures, including ear protection and noise reduction strategies, is critical. Implementing these changes can protect workers’ hearing and safeguard their overall health.
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