Overview

• The EEA report finds over 112 million people in 31 countries are exposed to noise levels above EU thresholds for road, rail, and air traffic.
• Germany faces the highest burden with roughly 22 million residents encountering daytime noise above 55 decibels.
• Without stronger measures, the EU is unlikely to achieve its target of cutting chronic traffic noise exposure by 30 percent by 2030.
• Prolonged exposure to traffic noise is linked to cardiovascular and mental health issues, diabetes, premature mortality, and disproportionately affects children.
• Annual economic and social costs total at least €95.6 billion through a loss of 1.3 million healthy life years.