Jets over Labrador and Quebec: noise effects on human health.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the noise from low-level flights over Labrador and Quebec is harmful to human health.


METHODS
Search of MEDLINE for articles on the effect of noise, particularly impulse noise associated with low-level flights, and a search of the references from identified articles.


RESULTS
The noise levels from low-level flights could affect hearing acuity. However, the more important consequences appear to be stress-mediated physiologic effects, especially cardiovascular ones, and psychologic distress, particularly in children. Subjective perception of control over the noise has been found to mitigate some physiologic effects.


CONCLUSIONS
There is sufficient evidence to show that the noise from low-level flights is harmful to human health.
Rosenberg
J
J
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D000401:Aircraft; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007223:Infant; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D009624:Noise, Transportation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011792:Quebec; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology