Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Jamie Banks featured in NBC Piece

As the demand for AI infrastructure grows, so does the number of people forced to  live near and listen to them. But unlike other noise sources that come and go, data center noise runs 24/7. QC Founder and President Jamie Banks, Ph.D., M.Sc., recently spoke with NBC News about how sustained noise exposure can trigger harmful stress responses in the body. According to research, the inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by chronic noise can damage blood vessels, leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia, psychiatric disorders, learning impairment in children, and even increased mortality rates. 

Universal Studios Hollywood adds sound barriers in response to community complaints 

It’s never foolproof, but sometimes, community advocacy works. Universal Studios Hollywood recently announced it will install two new sound barriers around its “Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift” attraction following noise complaints from neighboring residents. The move reflects growing recognition of the harmful impacts of  noise, and the many solutions there are to these noise problems. While sound barriers are a reactive measure, they're a concrete step toward protecting visitors' peace and health. As more attractions and facilities acknowledge their impact on surrounding communities, we hope to see this move inspire proactive noise planning from the start, rather than after the fact.