In France, researchers drew on a large cohort to establish a link between noise pollution and heightened risks of emotional and relational difficulties. More precisely, the authors highlighted a connection between early exposure to road traffic noise and the rise of emotional and relational problems in children by the age of ten.
Noise pollution in Europe
As explained by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in a publication from March 2026, environmental noise is the second environmental driver of health problems in Europe. It ranks just behind air pollution. In practice, no fewer than 112 million Europeans – roughly 20% of the population – are exposed to transport noise levels deemed harmful. Moreover, these levels exceed the European safety threshold of 55 decibels (dB).
« Compte tenu des effets néfastes du bruit sur une grande partie de la population européenne, la pollution sonore environnementale est devenue une préoccupation majeure pour les citoyens et les décideurs politiques. », affirmait l’AEE.
A large-scale study on the effects on children
According to the Sorbonne Institute of Public Health, there is a link between early exposure to road traffic noise and the increase in emotional and relational difficulties among children at age 10. This study, published in The Lancet Public Health in August 2026, draws on data from more than 8,000 children in the Elfe cohort who have been followed since birth.
« This study aimed to examine the connections between different sources of residential noise exposure and the emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, as well as to explore potential vulnerability periods during childhood. We used data from a representative cohort of French children followed from birth to age 10 and took into account noise sources related to road, air, and rail traffic. », peut-on lire dans la publication.
Quite alarming conclusions
The authors drew several takeaways. Starting at 60 dB of persistent road traffic noise from birth to age 5 and a half, the risk of internalizing symptoms rises by age 10 and a half. These internalizing symptoms notably include withdrawal, anxiety, and relational problems, among others. The researchers also stated that exposure beginning at 2 months and continuing until 5 and a half years weighs on social relationships, particularly within the family. In the case of late exposure around age 5 and a half, externalizing problems such as hyperactivity and inattention are more likely.
According to scientists, chronic noise induces physiological stress that affects brain development. In other words, noise drives the body to react physically as if facing permanent danger and thus to secrete cortisol—the stress hormone—via the adrenal glands. Under normal circumstances, cortisol helps the body mobilize energy to flee or defend itself. In a chronic noise setting—day or night—the cortisol level remains abnormally elevated and sustained. It should be noted that only road traffic shows this association, not other forms of transport such as airplanes and trains.
Facing what appears to be a genuine public health challenge, the authors emphasized the importance of urban planning, speed limits, and, crucially, acoustic insulation. The aim is to reduce children’s exposure to noise. Despite these findings, the researchers plan to continue their work on larger cohorts to lend greater weight to their results.
