The American College of Cardiology has reported a link between chronic noise exposure and high blood pressure in workers using powered weaving machines. The study upholds earlier research on sustained occupational noise and the harm it causes to cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
- The evidence further confirms the damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud workplace noise to cardiovascular health.
- The risk of high blood pressure increased by 10% for every year worked on the industrial weaving machinery.
"As the study focused on workers exposed to more than 85 decibels noise for long periods of time, any profession causing workers to experience similar exposure might experience similar blood pressure impacts. —Golam Dastageer Prince, MBBS, MPH, medical officer, Directorate of General Health Services, Bangladesh
The big picture
High-noise exposure is a proven occupational hazard, often associated with hearing loss, stress, and lower concentration. This latest research adds evidence that chronic noise exposure increases the likelihood of developing hypertension over time.
Wearing hearing protection prevents noise-induced hearing loss in loud workplaces.
Details
- 289 adult workers from weaving factories in Bangladesh participated in the study.
- The average duration of workplace noise exposure was 16 years.
- Factory noise levels ranged from 96 to 111 decibels. OSHA recommends no more than 85 decibels on average for an eight-hour workday. Sound at or below 70 decibels is considered safe.
- 31.5% of the study population had high blood pressure; 53.3% were prehypertensive.
The takeaway
Wear hearing protection when exposed to loud noise, regardless of its origin, work, or recreation.
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