A new study by the World Health Organization, published in the medical journal The Lancet, reveals an alarming link between long-term exposure to noise and serious health problems, writes gazeta.ru.

According to experts, eight hours of exposure to background noise exceeding 85 decibels can trigger a range of dangerous pathologies. Noise pollution is now considered a dangerous environmental factor, comparable in harm to air pollution.

Scientists define noise as air vibrations in the range of human hearing. Of particular concern is the development of tinnitus - a disruption of the connection between the brain and the hearing apparatus, which, according to the WHO, affects every seventh adult European. In severe cases, this disease can lead to complete hearing loss.

The study also found a wide range of other negative effects of noise pollution, from cardiovascular and digestive problems to sleep disorders. The latter are particularly dangerous because they can cause stress, nervous system disorders and weakened immunity, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Experts insist on the need to take urgent measures to reduce urban noise levels and create more favorable conditions for healthy sleep in order to prevent further deterioration in the health of the population.