Ayanna Haskell
09/10/2009
5:39
In a recent study, a doctor by the name of Jonas Björk found that traffic noises can raise your blood pressure (hypertension). The “amount” of noise is equal to a dishwasher or loud conversation. Most people don't encounter very loud noises unless driving or in traffic. This is not a major risk, diabetes and smoking still hold the highest ranks but loud noises do have a place. Other factors such as age, sex, race, alcohol intake, etc. For the elderly, its harder for them to detect the noise level because of hearing issues and just ignoring it. People who live in highly urban areas have to do more to reduce the risk of hypertension. There is a lot of traffic and a higher population in urban areas. The increase in blood pressure is not instant, it comes along over time after a large amount of exposure.
As a driver who likes to listen to loud music and a recent driver of New York, loud noises are everywhere. I was surprised by this article because of the traffic I have witnessed and been in. Both in North Carolina and New York. New York is a highly populated area and even though only about one – fourth of citizens have a drivers license, there still is a creation of high amounts of traffic. Many people take the train, which I think creates an even higher decibel of noise. Hypertension is a serious issue. It effects many people in all areas of the world. So does high traffic. There are many urban areas all around the world. Where there is high traffic volumes, there is substantial risk (over time) of hypertension.
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