Source: European Environment Agency

Over one in five Europeans faces the detrimental effects of long-term noise pollution from road, rail, and air transport. A new briefing from the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals that this noise exposure contributes to over half a million children experiencing difficulties in reading, with nearly 60,000 facing behavioural challenges across Europe.

The EEA’s report, titled ‘The effect of environmental noise on children’s reading ability and behaviour in Europe’, assesses how transport noise impacts children’s reading skills and behaviour. This analysis is grounded in a comprehensive study conducted by the EEA’s European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment.

According to noise data submitted to the EEA, it is estimated that over 20% of Europeans are subjected to levels of transport noise that can adversely affect their health. Research further suggests that children living in or attending schools in noisy areas tend to perform worse in reading and display more behavioural issues.

A recent briefing from the EEA reveals that over 500,000 children in Europe struggle with reading difficulties, while around 60,000 face behavioral issues linked to transport noise.

To combat these noise-related challenges, the EEA emphasizes the importance of reducing noise exposure in both homes and schools, as this could significantly enhance children’s lifelong prospects and overall well-being. The briefing advocates for the adoption of effective noise reduction strategies.

Proposed measures include implementing lower speed limits, utilizing low-noise pavements and tires, and imposing operational restrictions on planes and trains to tackle noise at its source. Additionally, positioning school classrooms and children’s bedrooms away from busy roads whenever feasible, along with incorporating noise-reducing landscaping and other acoustic solutions, could further diminish children’s exposure to disruptive sounds.

The EU’s zero pollution action plan aims to cut the number of individuals chronically affected by transport noise by 30% by 2030, compared to 2017 levels. However, current evaluations suggest that this ambitious goal may not be met.