A longitudinal study into response to vibrations and noise due to rail traffic: design, questionnaire and respons

Abstract

Despite a call for attention already for years, the health effects of vibrations due to rail traffic have been understudied. In the meanwhile, rail traffic (passenger and freight) is increasing and regulations for vibration need to be adapted accordingly. In order to fill this gap and with the aim to better inform policy, a baseline survey was performed in 2013 among people of 16 years and older living within 300 meter from a railroad track (N= 4927). Based on the results and in view of the railroad expansion, monitoring was advised. In 2019 and 2021 the measurements were repeated in participants who indicated that they could be contacted again. This resulted in 1349 and 784 participants in measurement 1 and 2 respectively. This allows studying trends in effects while accounting for co-determinants and changes in exposure, providing the building blocks for further development of policy and regulations on railway vibration. We are currently analyzing the data, and will present the first results at the conference