Researchers selected Dublin, Ireland to study how noise pollution changed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Using 12 noise monitoring stations, it was determined that prior to the outbreak, Dublin: 
- had hourly average noises ranging from 50-65 dB 
- had nighttime average noises as high as 70 dB 


Kenyon College

Noise pollution stems from the accumulation of disruptive sounds and can cause adverse health affects to people and other organisms. Noise pollution can be dangerous in many ways. 
- High noise levels increase the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, hypertension, hearing loss, tinnitus (associated with hearing loss), and sleep disorders 
- Noise pollution disproportionately impacts individuals with autism, who may be sensitive to sound
- Excessive exposure to noise may cause emotional and psychological problems 

Noise Pollution (Pre-COVID-19)

Basu, B., Murphy, E., Molter, A., Sarkar Basu, A., Sannigrahi, S., Belmonte, M., & Pilla, F. (2020). Effect of COVID-19 on Noise Pollution Change in Dublin, Ireland. ArXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2008.08993v1 

Effect of COVID-19 on Noise Pollution Change in Dublin, Ireland

Noise Pollution: Dublin (Ireland)

Higher noise-pollution exposure is significantly associated with worse mental health. Especially correlated with anxiety and stress. 

But with possible attributes of:
- Social factors/ Socio-demographic attributes: age, income
- Social environment: community attachment, housing satisfaction


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