More than 110 million Europeans exposed to harmful transport noise, EEA warns

More than 110 million people across Europe — or more than 20% of the population — are exposed to dangerous levels of transport noise that threaten human health, the environment, and economic stability, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report released today (24 June).

The EEA's Environmental Noise in Europe 2025 report reveals that progress in reducing exposure to harmful noise has been slow and warns that the European Union’s zero-pollution goal of cutting noise-related disturbance by 30% by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved without stronger national and EU-level action.

Road traffic is the most widespread source of noise pollution, affecting around 92 million people with day-evening-night sound levels above 55 decibels — the EU’s health protection threshold. Railway and aircraft noise also impact millions, particularly in urban areas and near transport hubs.

Using World Health Organization guidelines, the EEA estimates that more than 150 million people — more than 30% of Europeans — are exposed to long-term transport noise levels considered unhealthy. Prolonged exposure is linked to severe health consequences, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health issues, type 2 diabetes, and even premature death.

The report estimates that transport noise leads to 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 new cardiovascular disease cases, and 22,000 new type 2 diabetes cases each year. Children are particularly at risk, with more than 560,000 affected by impaired reading comprehension and nearly 272,000 cases of childhood obesity linked to noise exposure.

Economically, the burden is also severe: environmental noise is responsible for at least €95.6 billion ($110 billion) in annual losses, or 0.6% of Europe’s GDP.

Meanwhile, nearly 30% of Natura 2000 protected areas face noise levels that threaten wildlife behaviour and biodiversity.

The EEA calls for urgent measures to reduce transport noise, including stronger regulation, investment in quieter infrastructure, and urban planning that prioritises health and environmental wellbeing.

Copied