Does night-time aircraft noise trigger mortality? A case-crossover study on 24 886 cardiovascular deaths

Eur Heart J. 2021 Feb 21;42(8):835-843. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa957.

Abstract

Aims: It is unclear whether night-time noise events, including from aeroplanes, could trigger a cardiovascular death. In this study, we investigate the potential acute effects of aircraft noise on mortality and the specific role of different night-time exposure windows by means of a case-crossover study design.

Methods and results: We selected 24 886 cases of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) from the Swiss National Cohort around Zürich Airport between 2000 and 2015. For night-time deaths, exposure levels 2 h preceding death were significantly associated with mortality for all causes of CVD [OR = 1.44 (1.03-2.04) for the highest exposure group (LAeq > 50 dB vs. <20 dB)]. Most consistent associations were observed for ischaemic heart diseases, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arrhythmia. Association were more pronounced for females (P = 0.02) and for people living in areas with low road and railway background noise (P = 0.01) and in buildings constructed before 1970 (P = 0.36). We calculated a population attributable fraction of 3% in our study population.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that night-time aircraft noise can trigger acute cardiovascular mortality. The association was similar to that previously observed for long-term aircraft noise exposure.

Keywords: Acute effects; Aircraft noise; Cardiovascular mortality; Case-crossover.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aircraft
  • Airports
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Noise, Transportation* / adverse effects