HEAL’s work focuses on bringing the health expertise and latest research on health impacts of environmental noise to decision-makers and the general public alike.
Health impacts of environmental noise include an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, impacts on learning abilities of children, and sleep disturbance. Recent research has also shown that noise can increase the risk of a stroke.
News on our policy work
Health groups disappointment on EP noise vote
The majority of MEPs regrettably put the interest of noisy car makers ahead of their constituencies’ health, despite solid evidence on how current noise levels in Europe harm our health. Health groups including HEAL and EPHA and sustainable transport group Transport and Environment (T&E) all expressed their disappointment. Read more...
Quieter cars and lorries essential for improved health and more economically viable
On 18 December 2012, members of the European Parliament’s Environment and Public Health committee will vote on new EU standards for vehicle noise. Traffic noise is the second biggest threat to health after air pollution, so this first update on noise standards is a not-to-be missed opportunity for public health protection. It also makes a lot of economic sense, since the benefits outweigh the costs by a factor of 30 to 1. Read more...
NGOs highlight benefits of stringent noise standards
HEAL, T&E, EEB together with Eurocities, the network of major European cities - have called on EU Member States to reject attempts to further weaken the proposal on new EU vehicle noise limits. Ahead of a Competitiveness Council working group meeting, the joint letter highlighted the benefits to public health and national budgets of stringent noise standards. Learn more ...
Learn more about HEAL’s views and policy work on Noise
8 February 2013: Beyond disappointment – European lawmakers on the side of automobile industry on traffic noise vote
8 February 2013: European parliament condemns European citizens to noisier cities
25 April 2012: EU citizens call for quick action to curb traffic noise
9 December 2011: Reaction to new EU vehicle noise limits proposal
25 May 2011: EU announces plan to make cars and lorries quieter
All press releases on Noise »To: Attachés of the Competitivness Council working group Re: Benefits to public health and EU budgets of stringent noise standards
29 May 2012To: Members of the EP’s Environment Committee Re: ENVI discussion on vehicle noise – comments from health, transport and environment groups
All letters on Noise »30 January 2013: EU vehicle noise emission standards: health evidence and concerns
23 November 2012: Joint declaration: A Sound Investment to Reduce Vehicle Noise
25 October 2012: HEAL response to public consultation on EU noise policy
12 April 2012: Joint Position Paper on new EU vehicles noise limits
All position papers on Noise »
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