Noise and Air Pollution from Traffic Sources

Investigators: H. Davies, S. Henderson, M. Brauer from the University of British Columbia and J. Vlaanderen from the University of Utrecht

Objectives
Examine correlations among traffic-related noise and air pollution variables in an urban setting in Canada using the research infrastructure established for the Border Air Quality Study (BAQS).

Project Summary
Several studies have reported an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) with increased road traffic noise and independently with increased road-traffic-related air pollution, although not all associations between cardiovascular disease and traffic noise or traffic-related air pollution have been consistent. Based on the similarities in source and health outcomes, there is potential for traffic noise to confound traffic-related air pollution studies and vice versa. Characterizing the relationship between traffic noise and traffic -related air pollution levels will contribute to the interpretation of previously reported studies and the design of new studies. Using the research infrastructure established for the Border Air Quality Study (BAQS) we examined correlations among traffic-related noise and air pollution variables in an urban setting in Canada.

Presentations

2008
Air Pollution, Noise & Adult Cardiovascular Disease presented by Paul Demers at the BC Lung Association's 5th Annual Air Quality and Health Workshop March 28, 2008 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Download presentation

2006
Correlation between co-exposures to noise and air pollution from traffic sources presented by J. Vlaanderen, H. Davies, S. Henderson, M. Brauer at the ISEE/ISEA Conference in Paris, September 2006. Download abstract or presentation.

Noise, Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease

Investigators: H. Davies, M. Buzzelli, M. Brauer, and P. Demers

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the interaction between noise, air pollution, and cardiovascular disease.  In order to do this, we will study all adults who lived in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) between 1999 and 2003, and examine the links between residential addresses and hospitalizations and deaths from cardiovascular disease.  A “noise map” of the GVRD will be developed to show which addresses are associated with high traffic noise levels.

Project Summary
During the past two decades, epidemiological studies conducted worldwide have shown an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly deaths, in relation to both short- and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution. At the same time, studies have demonstrated associations between exposure to road traffic noise and cardiovascular disease.  Automobile traffic is a major source of both air and noise pollutants, and therefore the relationship between them and CVD may be complicated, resulting in confounding if study design does not account for this relation.  No studies have yet looked at the potential interactions between these two exposures. This study examines the association of residential noise and cardiovascular disease and the interaction of noise and air pollution and cardiovascular disease among a cohort of adults living in the GVRD.

This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in 2008 and now has its own website.

photo by ovl

photo by Peter Kaminski