Long-term wind turbine noise exposure and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation in the Danish Nurse cohort

Elvira V Bräuner,Jeanette T Jørgensen,Anne Katrine Duun-Henriksen,Claus Backalarz,Jens E Laursen,Torben H Pedersen,Mette K Simonsen,Zorana J Andersen

doi:10.1016/j.envint.2019.104915

Elvira V Bräuner, Jeanette T Jørgensen + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.104915

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Abstract

BackgroundThe potential health effects related to wind turbine noise (WTN) have received increased focus during the past decades, but evidence is sparse. We examined the association between long-term exposure to wind turbine noise and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsFirst ever hospital admission of AF amongst 28,731 female nurses in the Danish Nurse Cohort were identified in the Danish National Patient register until ultimo 2013. WTN levels at residential addresses between 1982 and 2013 were estimated using the Nord2000 noise propagation model, as the annual means of Lden, Lday, Levening and Lnight at the most exposed façade. Time-varying Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the association between the 11-, 5- and 1-year rolling means of WTN levels and AF incidence. Results1430 nurses developed AF by end of follow-up in 2013. Mean (standard deviation) baseline residential noise levels amongst exposed nurses were 26.3 (6.7) dB and slightly higher in those who developed AF (27.3 (7.31) dB), than those who didn't (26.2 (6.6)). We observed a 30% statistically significant increased risk (95% CI: 1.05–1.61) of AF amongst nurses exposed to long-term (11-year running mean) WTN levels ≥20 dB(A) at night compared to nurses exposed to levels <20 dB(A). Similar effects were observed with day (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01–1.54), and evening (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01–1.54) noise levels. ConclusionsWe found suggestive evidence of an association between long-term exposure to WTN and AF amongst female nurses. However, interpretation should be cautious as exposure levels were low.

Highlights

There is presently a global focus on the development of renewable energy expansions and zero‐carbon shares in energy systems and wind energy is a suitable solution to achieve this (Rockström et al, 2017)
We examined the association between long-term exposure to wind turbine noise and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF)
We observed a 30% statistically significant increased risk of AF amongst nurses exposed to long-term (11-year running mean) wind turbine noise (WTN) levels ≥20 dB(A) at night compared to nurses exposed to levels < 20 dB(A)

Summary

Introduction

There is presently a global focus on the development of renewable energy expansions and zero‐carbon shares in energy systems and wind energy is a suitable solution to achieve this (Rockström et al, 2017). Noise emissions from wind turbines are different and not associated with particulate or gaseous oxidative stressors (relevant for cardiovascular endpoints), highlighting the need for research of potential cardiovascular health effects of WTN (Pedersen et al, 2009; Pedersen and Waye, 2004). The potential health effects related to wind turbine noise (WTN) have received increased focus during the past decades, but evidence is sparse. We examined the association between long-term exposure to wind turbine noise and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). We observed a 30% statistically significant increased risk (95% CI: 1.05–1.61) of AF amongst nurses exposed to long-term (11-year running mean) WTN levels ≥20 dB(A) at night compared to nurses exposed to levels < 20 dB(A). Conclusions: We found suggestive evidence of an association between long-term exposure to WTN and AF amongst female nurses. Interpretation should be cautious as exposure levels were low

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