Air Traffic Noise Increases Prescriptions of Cardiovascular Drugs in the Vicinity of a Major Airport

Abstract

ISEE-209 Objective: To investigate the impact of air traffic noise on prescriptions of therapeutic drugs in the vicinity of a major German airport. Material and Methods: Prescription data of 809,379 persons, insured in statutory sickness funds, 42.3% of the total population of Cologne City and 2 counties adjacent to Cologne-Bonn Airport, were linked to address-specific data on 2004 air traffic noise (ATN) during various time periods (day: 6 am to 10 pm; night: 10 pm to 6 am, 11 pm to 1 am, and 3 to 5 am), road and train traffic noise. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed using as an independent variable ATN; and as confounding variables night-time road and train traffic noise, prevalence of persons on social welfare, density of nursing homes, and interaction of ATN parameters with prevalence of social welfare recipients. Results: Of the various day- and night-time periods, most pronounced effects were seen due to average ATN Leq of 40 to 61 dB(A) between 3 and 5 am. Overall, effects were larger in women than in men. When analyzing data by median of ATN (3–5 am) prescription (ever) of antihypertensive drugs showed odds ratios (OR) in men of 1.054 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.961–1.156] below median (BM) and of 1.242 (95% CI 1.08–1.428) above median (AM). In women respective ORs were 1.268 (95% CI 1.173–1.370) BM and 1.663 (95% CI 1.480–1.867) AM. Other cardiovascular drugs came with larger ORs in both genders. ORs for having both antihypertensive as well as other cardiac drugs prescribed were even larger: men BM 1.171 (95% CI 1.017–1.350) vs. AM 1.435 (95% CI 1.142–1.804) and women BM 1.373 (95% CI 1.205–1.564) vs. AM 2.838 (95% CI 2.307–3.491). Conclusions: Air traffic noise increases significantly the risk of having cardiovascular drugs prescribed more in women than in men.