Europe Reassess Extent and Impacts of Environmental Noise

摘要

Analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA) concludes that member states of the European Union have not succeeded in meeting goals of the 2002 Environmental Noise Directive (END). "Countries are undertaking a variety of actions to reduce and manage environmental noise, but as yet it is difficult to evaluate their benefits in terms of positive health outcomes," the EEA report concludes. "Environmental noise is a pervasive pollutant that adversely affects the health and well-being of European citizens and wildlife. Policy objectives on environmental noise have not yet been achieved [and] the number of people exposed to high levels of road traffic noise remains high and is likely to increase in the future." Key findings: environmental noise from road, rail, aircraft and industry sources affects millions of people, causing significant public health impacts;