1. Conference on noise
24 April 2017 John F Ryan Director public health

2. Health in all policies
The approach to noise and reduction of public health impact is a good example of a "health in all policies" approach
Noise from transport is an important determinant of health
The report on implementation of the noise directive is a useful opportunity to measure progress so far

3. Health impacts
Health impacts concern individuals, groups of the population which are more exposed than others (particularly the deprived)
They also affect the cost burden on health systems and sustainability
Finally, they influence the health of the workforce and the economy generally

4. Is noise recognised?
Does noise gets the recognition of other environmental determinants of health?
Probably not! Awareness of air pollution and water quality is certainly higher
Noise is not included in Indicators of health at EU level!
Occasions such as today, and the report on the Directive on environmental noise are good opportunities to raise awareness

5. Examples of effects on health
The EEA report of 2014 identified noise exposure as a direct determinant of hypertension and cardiovascular risk
This report points to about 910,000 additional cases of hypertension linked to noise in 2011.
Hospital admissions for Coronary heart disease were estimated at 43,000 per year due to noise

6. Examples of effects on health 2
These figures on CVD, even if considered on their own, are significant
The human health burden is multiplied by the economic burden of poor health in the workforce
The impact on health system sustainability is considerable

7. Examples of effects on health 3
A particularly worrying angle is the effect of noise on children's health
Cognitive impairment has the potential to handicap future generations, to reduce quality of life, and to reduce potential for a healthy workforce.
Such impacts fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged sections of society, increasing health inequalities

8. Prevention and promotion
Commissioner Andriukaitis has stressed the potential of keeping people in good health for longer
He also stresses the importance of prevention of chronic non communicable disease and promotion of good health

9. Potential
From the available evidence, there is potential for more health promotion and reduction of health impacts from the effects of noise
With a growing burden of non-communicable disease (80% of health care costs), and UN/WHO targets, important to include noise reduction as a lever in achieving sustainable development goals

10. Knowledge gaps Important to have the facts when making the argument
Implementation reports on Directives and EEA reports of great value
Need to make sure information reaches the right targets and that we fill knowledge gaps (impact assessments)

11. Mobilise citizen power
Mobilizing citizen power and dialogue with stakeholders can help to drive progress, particularly on health issues
Possibility to use health policy platform as a means to increase awareness and visibility of the noise issue as a determinant of health

12. Conclusions
Aim is to ensure a 'high level of human health protection in all EU policies' (Article 168 Treaty)
Noise legislation is a good example of ensuring that effects of noise on health are minimised
A long way to go and potential for improvement both for health and for sustainability