News and Resources
Find resources including media coverage,
press releases, research, and podcasts.
Community impacts of aviation noise: a pilot survey
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
A study by Quiet Communities' Jamie Banks and Becky Petrou O'Rourke, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, surveyed 1,452 residents of aviation-impacted communities and found that loud, repetitive, low-altitude aircraft noise is causing significant mental and physical health concerns, with military aircraft exposure producing the greatest adverse impacts. The authors argue that current U.S. aviation noise policies, which are decades old and based on outdated concepts of "annoyance," fail to account for the serious health consequences experienced by affected communities and urgently need reform.
QC Newsletter: Small local action, big impact
The Quiet Communities newsletter introduces a hyperlocal campaign to raise awareness about noise pollution and its health impacts, particularly from gas leaf blowers. It highlights upcoming events and initiatives focused on addressing noise issues and encourages community participation by posting flyers. The organization aims to promote quiet as a valuable resource and improve public health.
Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
The research by Barbara M. Alexander and colleagues examines landscapers' exposure to noise, carbon monoxide, respirable dust, and respirable crystalline silica across 11 worksites. Most workers faced noise levels above safe limits, especially with fuel-powered tools versus battery-powered ones. Although CO overexposure was not observed, RCS overexposure was common in hardscaping tasks. The study emphasizes the need for engineering controls and protective measures to reduce these occupational risks.
Sound Off: Policy reform needed to protect public health from aircraft noise
Whidbey News-Times
The article highlights a new study by Quiet Communities' Jamie Banks and Becky Petrou O'Rourke, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, which surveyed over 1,400 residents impacted by aviation noise. The study found that current U.S. aviation noise policies based on outdated "annoyance" metrics fail to capture the serious mental and physical health consequences experienced by affected communities, with military aircraft exposure being particularly damaging. The Sound Defense Alliance, which advocates against Navy Growler jet noise in the Pacific Northwest, praised the study's call for national policy reform.
QC Close-Up with Mary Tatigian and Lt. Dave Bruening from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office
This QC Close-Up conversation explored how a Florida community is tackling noise and pollution from illegal modified mufflers. Our guests, Quiet Streets Program Chair and registered nurse Mary Tatigian and Lt. Dave Bruening from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, shared the steps their community is taking to address harmful noise.
Noise causes cardiovascular disease: it’s time to act
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology
A paper co-authored by Quiet Communities founder and president Jamie Banks alongside leading cardiovascular researchers presents comprehensive evidence that transportation noise causes cardiovascular disease through mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. The review finds that road traffic noise is associated with a 3.2% increase in overall cardiovascular risk per 10 dB increase in noise level, and that chronic exposure does not lead to habituation, with nighttime noise being particularly harmful. The authors call for immediate policy action, urging professional societies to recognize noise as a significant cardiovascular risk factor and policymakers to reduce public exposure to harmful noise levels.
EPA under pressure to revive noise program
E&E News
The article covers Quiet Communities' escalating campaign to compel the EPA to revive its long-dormant noise pollution program, established under the 1972 Noise Control Act but defunded during the Reagan era. QC president Jamie Banks, along with former EPA noise office director Chuck Elkins and law professors advising the group, argue that excessive noise threatens the health of over 100 million Americans and disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income neighborhoods.
Street Illegal: A Hot Take on Hot Cars
The blog discusses how loud cars and motorcycles create significant health and quality-of-life problems in St. Paul. The author argues that traditional noise enforcement is ineffective and suggests using automated noise cameras—already used in other cities—to ticket noisy vehicles, urging local leaders and residents to consider this solution.
QC Newsletter: A breakthrough year for Quiet Communities
The Quiet Communities newsletter showcases achievements from 2024, such as winning two HHS Environmental Justice awards and transitioning 820 institutions to electric equipment. It emphasizes combating noise pollution, encourages community engagement and membership growth, and highlights successful local initiatives.
The city’s search for quiet
The article explores the health effects of noise pollution in New York City, where 90% of adults are exposed to harmful noise levels. Jamie Banks, founder and president of Quiet Communities, is quoted discussing the federal government's failure to enforce the 1972 Noise Control Act since the EPA's noise office shut down in 1982, as well as the difficulty of measuring the most bothersome low-frequency noise sources like airplanes, construction, and leaf blowers.
How to Make a Noisy Apartment Less Noisy
The article features practical, affordable tips from interior designers, acousticians, and DIY enthusiasts for reducing noise in New York City apartments without major renovations. Psychologist Arline Bronzaft, a member emerita of Quiet Communities' scientific advisory council who spent five decades researching the health impacts of noise, is quoted advising neighbors to address noise issues with a polite, direct, and good-humored approach.
How to make a noisy apartment less noisy
The article by Laura Fenton provides tips for reducing noise in apartments with input from experts like Arline Bronzaft. She advises addressing noise issues with neighbors politely and directly.
A sleepless Louisiana community battles noise pollution: ‘It’s like torture’
The article highlights the struggles of a community on Hano Road, Louisiana, which faces persistent noise pollution due to frequent gravel and garbage truck traffic, mainly active between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m. This issue reflects a broader national problem, as the federal Office of Noise Abatement and Control has been defunct for four decades, leaving noise regulation largely to local governments.
Philly lawmaker proposes loud muffler ban
Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon introduced House Bill 2556 to combat vehicle noise pollution. The bill proposes banning the sale of devices that increase exhaust noise and penalizing violators with fines and potential jail time.
QC Close-Up: City of Glendale, CA
In this exclusive QC Close Up with Dan Mabe, President, AGZA and Dan Brotman, Councilmember and Former Mayor of the City of Glendale, California. This Close Up presentation is focused on the topic of transitioning to quieter, healthier electric landscape equipment and some of the huge strides we're making to quiet Landscaping practices across the country.
QC Newsletter: It’s time to kick the noise habit
The Quiet Communities newsletter emphasizes the urgent need to tackle noise pollution, comparing it to "the new secondhand smoke." It highlights a new campaign for raising awareness and celebrates receiving a Phase 2 award for promoting sustainable landscaping practices. The newsletter includes updates on community initiatives, expert insights into noise health impacts, and encourages member participation, offering a complimentary book on noise awareness for members.
Collier County renews push against illegal mufflers amid increasing noise violations
FOX4 Now
News clip covers the Collier County Noise Task Force and its efforts to curb modified mufflers in the county.
SWFL noise task force cracking down on modified mufflers
WINK News
News segment details the Southwest Florida Noise Task Force and its efforts to crack down on modified muffler noise in the state.
This is the future of lawn mowers
The article references Quiet Communities and its president, Jamie Banks, who emphasizes the reduced noise pollution and environmental benefits of electric lawn mowers compared to gas-powered models. Banks points out that electric mowers require less maintenance, ultimately resulting in cost savings and creating a friendlier environment for ecosystems and pollinators.
Gas Leaf Blowers are Health Hazards
Gas leaf blowers (GLBs) generate harmful air and noise pollution, posing health risks to children and long-term users. Emissions from GLBs are equivalent to extensive car travel and are linked to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health problems. Their loud noise exceeds safe levels, leading to hearing loss and impaired communication, especially in young children. The article recommends using electric tools and manual methods as alternatives and urges municipalities to ban or restrict GLBs.
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