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Narayanganj, Bangladesh – Chronic exposure to occupational noise has long been recognized as a significant health hazard, primarily for its association with hearing loss, stress, and reduced concentration. Now, a new study presented at the ACC Asia 2024 conference has uncovered a troubling link between sustained noise exposure and increased blood pressure levels among adult power loom weavers. The research, led by Golam Dastageer Prince, MBBS, MPH, a medical officer at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh, found that not only did chronic noise exposure elevate blood pressure overall, but each additional year of exposure heightened the odds of developing high blood pressure by 10%.
“While the mechanism is still not well-explored, it is thought that the stress response by the body to chronic sound exposure causes hormonal imbalances that gradually lead to a permanent elevation of blood pressure,” explained Prince. “High blood pressure impacts more than a billion people worldwide, and just 1 in 5 have it under control, yet it is a major cause of premature death. In addition to treating high blood pressure through appropriate means, we must find ways to mitigate exposure to noise if we want to reduce the cardiovascular risk of these patients.”
Study Highlights Alarming Impact on Power Loom Workers
The study, conducted by researchers from DGHS Bangladesh, focused on 289 adult workers employed in weaving factories in the Araihazar sub-district of Narayanganj. Over the course of 2023, participants were interviewed face-to-face and completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables, behavior, dietary habits, and family medical history. Researchers also measured participants’ blood pressure, height, weight, and workplace noise intensity following standard procedures.
The study cohort, predominantly male and married with an average age of 34 years, faced challenging working conditions. Many participants were illiterate, and their average workplace exposure duration was nearly 16 years. Noise intensity levels in the factories ranged from 96 to 111 decibels, significantly exceeding the recommended exposure limits set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States, which advises that occupational noise exposure should not exceed 85 decibels on average over an eight-hour workday. In contrast, sounds at or below 70 decibels are generally considered safe.
Lack of Protective Measures and Health Implications
One of the study’s most concerning findings was the absence of ear protection among the workers. “None of the study population was found to be wearing ear protection personal protective equipment,” Prince noted. “Hopefully, we can raise awareness of not only noise-induced hearing loss but also the impact of noise on blood pressure and workers’ behaviors and attitudes towards using personal protective equipment.”
The health implications of chronic noise exposure were stark. The study population had a 31.5% rate of high blood pressure, with an additional 53.3% being classified as prehypertensive. A positive correlation between blood pressure and noise exposure duration was evident, with each year of exposure increasing the odds of high blood pressure by 10%, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, and smoking status.
“As the study focused on workers exposed to more than 85 decibels of noise for long periods, any profession causing workers to experience similar exposure might experience similar blood pressure impacts,” said Prince. “We definitely need more exploratory studies to reveal more information about the potential mechanisms and long-term health outcomes.”
Broader Implications and Future Research
The findings add to the growing body of evidence linking noise pollution to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. While previous studies have highlighted the risks associated with living near noise pollution from highways, trains, and air traffic, Prince emphasized that the industrial noise exposure faced by the study participants is distinct in its constant and continuous nature, unlike the fluctuating noise levels experienced in daily life.
The study underscores the urgent need for structural improvements in industrial settings, stricter enforcement of noise safety regulations, and greater use of protective equipment to safeguard workers’ health. As research continues to unravel the complex relationship between noise and cardiovascular health, it is clear that occupational noise exposure remains a significant public health challenge that requires immediate attention.
