How noise endangers our health - an invisible danger with a big impact

What is noise anyway?

Noise is unwanted or disturbing sound. Exposure often begins below the pain threshold: while hearing damage is possible from around 85 decibels (dB), studies show that long-term exposure can lead to health problems from 55-65 dB. Noise at night is particularly critical. Our sleep can be disturbed from as little as 30 dB - for example by distant traffic or neighbors.

When does noise start to make you ill?

Noise levels as low as 65 decibels can be stressful. The body reacts with stress to constant environmental noise - for example from road traffic or machinery. This type of noise stress triggers a chain reaction: Blood pressure rises, the heart beats faster, stress hormones such as cortisol are released. Anyone who is exposed to this condition on a daily basis has an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders and psychological problems.

In short: the consequences of noise are measurable - even if we have long since "blocked out" the noise.

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Classification in decibels (dB)

‍(Tip: The air-Q measures noise reliably from 30 dB upwards).

Car noise makes you ill - especially in cities

Car noise is one of the main causes of chronic noise pollution in Germany. In cities in particular, it is present almost around the clock. The tricky thing is that some people are no longer even aware of traffic noise. 

The problem: our body doesn't get used to it - it remains in a state of alarm, which makes us ill in the long term. Traffic noise disturbs sleep, especially at night. And poor sleep in turn promotes diabetes, depression and a weakened immune system.

Noise protection along the highway - for example through walls, whispering asphalt or a 30 km/h speed limit - is therefore not a luxury, but a necessary contribution to public health.

Noise in the workplace - an underestimated risk

Noise in the workplace is also often trivialized. However, many employees - e.g. in production, logistics or in open-plan offices - suffer from constant background noise. This not only reduces concentration, but also increases the risk of errors, exhaustion and burnout. Even background noise such as printers, conversations or ringing telephones can make you ill in the long term.

It is better to measure and analyze noise sources and reduce them in a targeted manner - for example with sensors such as the air-Q, which also record noise data in real time.

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WHO warning: Noise as a health risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes noise as the second biggest environmental health risk in Europe - right after air pollution. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, around 80% of the population in Germany alone feel annoyed by noise - many of them on a daily basis.

Effects of noise - more than just annoying

The effects of noise affect almost all areas of our lives:

• Physical:
  Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  Continuous noise can trigger high blood pressure and significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Psychological:
  Noise makes you irritable, unfocused and mentally more vulnerable.
  Even moderate noise exposure promotes stress reactions and can lead to exhaustion or depression in the long term.
• Social:
  Noise increases the potential for aggression and puts a strain on social interaction.
  People who are constantly exposed to noise become irritable more quickly, withdraw or get into conflicts more often.
• Children:
  Noise impairs the development of language, learning and behavior.
  Children who live permanently in a noisy environment are more likely to have concentration problems and emotional problems.

What we can do about noise pollution

Some measures that help:

• Identify noise sources (e.g. with the air-Q)
  
  
• Noise protection windows and insulation in the living area
  
  
• Noise protection measures on roads and highways
  
  
• Create quiet workplaces and break areas
  
  
• Consciously protect your sleep - no permanent sound reinforcement
  
  

How does the air-Q help?

Noise is invisible - but with the air-Q air analyzer it becomes measurable. The integrated noise sensor detects noise in the range from 30 to over 100 dB and documents the exposure around the clock. This makes it possible to recognize

• When and how often noise peaks occur
  
  
• Whether noise pollution disturbs sleep at night
  
  
• Which measures really make a difference (e.g. soundproof windows or different room design)
  
  

With air-Q, a vague feeling becomes hard data. And only those who know how much stress they are under can take targeted action.

Conclusion: Noise is not background noise

Whether at work, on the highway or in the middle of the city: noise has an effect - always. And it makes us ill if we don't take it seriously. The good news is that with the right technology and greater awareness, it is possible to identify and reduce many types of exposure. If you measure the exposure, you understand the cause. If you reduce it, you protect your health.

The air-Q not only measures air quality, but also detects noise pollution in everyday life - and thus helps to detect noise stress at an early stage and take targeted countermeasures