Harmonised European approach will help to reduce noise exposure
The JRC has published today a report with new Common Noise Assessment Methods (CNOSSOS-EU) that will enable the production of comparable data on noise exposure from road, rail, air traffic and industry in Europe. This is a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the EU policy on noise that aims to reduce noise pollution, a growing health and economic concern. Member States will have to start using the new methods for the next round of EU-wide strategic noise mapping in 2017.
This common framework for noise assessment methods will allow comparable and reliable information to be gathered on noise levels and the associated health implications to which EU citizens are exposed. It will also help facilitate appropriate action plans to prevent and reduce exposure to harmful levels of noise in a sustainable way. The social costs of traffic, rail and road noise across the European Union were recently estimated at € 40 billion per year, equivalent to 0.35% of the EU’s GDP.
