Exposure of Europe’s population to environmental noise (Indicator)

Between 2017 and 2022, there was a marginal decline in the population affected by harmful noise levels.However, definitive conclusions regarding this trend are difficult to make due to changes in the calculation methodologies used during these years.  

Nevertheless, data from 2022 indicate that a substantial number of people still live in areas where transport noise is detrimental to health. Approximately 106 million individuals — over 20% of Europe's population — are exposed to long-term, unhealthy noise levels from road, rail and aircraft sources, as defined by END thresholds (which refer to exposure levels of 55dB or above during the day-evening-night period). 

Considering that the recommended values established by WHO are significantly lower than the END thresholds (WHO, 2018), it is likely that a much larger segment of the population is exposed to transport noise levels that are harmful to health. Therefore, when applying WHO’s thresholds, it is estimated that over 30% of Europe’s population could be affected, with this figure exceeding 50% in many urban areas. 

Road traffic remains the primary contributor to noise pollution in urban and rural settings, while railway and aircraft noise, though impacting fewer individuals, also significantly add to local noise.

Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.