Exposure to aircraft noise impairs child development, education and quality of life, according to findings from a large-scale study of noise and children's health conducted in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The Road Traffic and Aircraft Noise and Children's Cognition and Health research conducted among primary school children based near London Heathrow airport found that aircraft noise exposure at school was related to poorer reading ability. Early analysis of findings from a follow-up study of these children six years later, now aged 15 to 16 years, suggests noise exposure may also affect reading comprehension at secondary school.
The project findings from around Europe indicate that new schools should not be planned close to airports where noise exposure exceeds the World Health Organisation's recommended levels for school playgrounds. Researchers further advise that measures (such as insulation) should be taken to reduce noise levels in those existing schools where noise exposure is excessive.
ESRC Grant Number RES-062-23-1165
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