Children Exposed to Traffic Noise These Days... Experience Declines in Cognitive Ability and Memory Development

Children Exposed to Road Traffic Noise Show Delayed Memory and Attention Development
More Vulnerable to Noise During Concentration and Learning
Research Suggests Need for Noise Policy Improvement Near Schools

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[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A study has revealed that students exposed to road traffic noise may experience delayed cognitive development essential for their academic performance. Moreover, it has been found to affect the development of attention and memory, drawing significant attention.

According to recent reports from foreign media such as The Guardian, the Barcelona Institute for Global Health conducted a study over one year involving approximately 2,700 children aged 7 to 10 from 38 schools within the city. The study analyzed the impact of traffic noise on cognitive development and was published in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal.

The research team measured traffic noise outside and inside classrooms four times over one year starting in 2012. They focused on prepubescent lower-grade elementary students, whose concentration and short-term working memory rapidly develop and are essential for later learning, and evaluated these abilities accordingly.

Unlike other studies, this research also considered the effects of air pollution, family income, and educational level.

The results showed that children exposed to traffic noise about three times more than their peers over one year exhibited approximately 23% slower memory development and 5% slower attention development.

Dr. Maria Foraster, who led the study, stated, "People usually do not think traffic noise would be harmful from a physical perspective," adding, "This study demonstrated that humans do not adapt to this noise and show physiological responses."

Dr. Maria emphasized, "Current policies are based solely on average decibel levels, which makes this study important."

The study revealed that the highest levels of traffic noise heard inside classrooms, such as loud truck sounds or accelerating vehicles, have a greater impact than noise levels above average. Noise with greater fluctuations in volume causes more significant effects than consistent noise.

The research team found that traffic noise encountered at school is more harmful than that experienced at home because children are more vulnerable to noise during concentration or learning processes.

The team concluded, "Policies aimed at reducing road traffic noise inside and outside schools can provide tangible benefits to children's cognitive development and future health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.