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Noise: Greater London

Asked by Sarah OlneyLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 3 February 2025UIN 26585

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the number of people living in London that have recorded (a) physical and (b) mental illnesses linked to noise pollution.

Answered by Andrew Gwynne

A specific estimate of the number of people living in London that have recorded physical and mental illnesses linked to noise pollution has not been completed.

In 2023, the UK Health Security Agency published the findings from a new study that maps the effects of transport noise on health and wellbeing across England, including London. It was estimated that transport noise in London was responsible for the equivalent of thirty-six thousand healthy life years lost in disability in 2018. This includes effects from roads, railways, and air traffic. This work was based on methods developed by the World Health Organization, with further information available at the following link:

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2023/06/29/noise-pollution-mapping-the-health-impacts-of-transportation-noise-in-england/

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