Environmental noise pollution

Noise is unwanted or harmful sound. Environmental noise comes from transport (roads, railways, air traffic) and industry. It may occur in combination with air pollution.

Environmental noise does not include noise from domestic activities, neighbours, workplaces or military activities. 

What are the health risks associated with noise pollution?

Exposure to environmental noise can harm human health. Health risks include cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, poor performance and learning, mental health problems, stress and reduced quality of life.

What is being done in Wales?

Legislation requires Ministers to make plans tackle environmental noise near major roads and railways around our largest cities and in quiet areas like parks, schools and hospitals.

What is Public Health Wales doing?

We support actions to reduce or prevent noise and create soundscapes beneficial to health and well-being. We recommend solutions that reduce both noise and air pollution. We do this by informing local planning and environmental permitting decisions.

More information

For help to deal with noise from neighbours and commercial premises contact your local authority, usually this is the environmental health section.