Association between community noise and children's cognitive and behavioral development: A prospective cohort study
Michelle Raess1, Alexandra Valeria Maria Brentani2, Benjamin Flückiger1
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Environment International
|November 5, 2021
Summary
Community noise significantly impacts child development. Exposure above 70 dB (Lden) and 60 dB (Lnight) is linked to increased behavioral issues and decreased cognitive function in preschool children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Child Development
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on community noise effects on child development in low- and middle-income countries.
- Noise exposure is linked to adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between community noise and behavioral/cognitive development in preschool children in São Paulo.
- To assess longitudinal impacts of noise on child development.
Main Methods:
- Linked birth cohort data with noise exposure (Lden, Lnight) using land use regression.
- Assessed child development using SDQ, PRIDI, CBCL, and IDELA at ages 3 and 6.
- Employed cross-sectional and longitudinal regression models.
Main Results:
- A 10 dB increase in Lden above 70 dB correlated with higher odds of abnormal SDQ scores and increased CBCL problem scores.
- Longitudinal analysis showed a 10 dB increase associated with more behavioral problems and decreased cognition.
- Similar results were observed for Lnight above 60 dB.
Conclusions:
- Community noise levels exceeding 70 dB (Lden) and 60 dB (Lnight) may negatively affect preschool children's behavioral and cognitive development.
- Findings highlight the need for noise reduction strategies in urban environments to protect child development.
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