New noise monitors near Texas airport

by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition

Photo credit: Mohammed Omar Rashid

The Dallas Express reported that Fort Worth, Texas installed two new solar-powered aircraft noise monitors in the city’s southeast neighborhoods. It also states that the technology will validate residents’ noise concerns and help address community concerns.

Aviation noise is a major health issue in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration considers a 65 decibel day-night noise level to be compatible with residential land use near and under airports. As an airport noise group dealing with aircraft noise problems near Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle explains, this is problematic for many reasons. As a physician, I’m more concerned with the fact that the FAA’s allowable noise level exceeds the safe noise level for the American public as calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The health dangers of aircraft noise have been extensively studied. There can be no rational doubt that aircraft noise causes hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease and increased mortality to those exposed to it. Several important research papers demonstrate that aircraft noise affects the cardiovascular system; that the effects of aircraft noise exposure on the vascular system cannot be habituated to; and that specific nighttime flights can cause heart attacks and death.

The FAA uses annoyance as its measure of how noise affects the public. Annoyance isn’t a trivial thing. It is stressful, and stress is bad for health. Additionally, aircraft noise affects the poor and minority communities disproportionately.  We hope the new aircraft noise monitors in Fort Worth will help airport authorities reduce aircraft noise near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Those concerned about aviation noise should make certain that their elected representatives are aware that aircraft noise is literally killing their constituents. Maybe that will finally get Congress to do something about aircraft noise.

Quieter skies will help make the world a better and healthier place for all.