Physiological functions
Workers exposed to high levels of industrial noise for 5-30 years may show increased blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension
For workers exposed to noise, and for people living near airports, industries and noisy streets, noise exposure may have a large temporary, as well as permanent impact on physiological functions. After prolonged exposure sensitive individuals in the general population may develop permanent effects, such as hypertension, and ischemic heart disease associated with exposure to high noise levels. Sound also evoke reflex responses, particularly when they are unfamiliar and have a sudden onset.
Workers exposed to high levels of industrial noise for 5-30 years may show increased blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension. Cardiovascular effects have also been demonstrated after long term exposure to air and road traffic with LAeq, 24h values of 65-70 dB(A). Although the associations are weak, the effect is somewhat stronger for ischemic heart disease than for hypertension. Still these small risk increments are important because a large number of people are exposed.
