The constant hum of traffic — engines roaring, horns honking, and buses screeching to a halt — often drowns out pleasant sounds like gentle rain, rustling leaves, or chirping birds.
Though noise might seem like a minor inconvenience compared to larger personal or global issues, it has far-reaching effects on our health and communities.
Research highlights that sustained exposure to noise levels of 65 decibels (dB) or higher can lead to severe health issues, including an increased risk of heart attack, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems. As cities become denser and traffic grows louder, the health implications of noise become ever more critical.
Healthnews’ analysis of 30 countries and 434 cities in the European Environment Agency member states reveals that 285 cities are affected by harmful traffic noise in the 65–69 dB range.
On average, 7.84% of the population in these cities is exposed to dangerous noise levels, indicating a widespread public health concern.
Methodology
The data for the analysis was extracted from noise exposure reports submitted by European Environment Agency member states under the Environmental Noise Directive. The dataset was published on July 30th, 2024, and covers noise pollution for 2021.
The Environmental Noise Directive (END, 2002/49/EC) is the main EU instrument for identifying noise pollution levels. The number of inhabitants and area size for each city or area were obtained from the same dataset.
To assess the impact of noise pollution, we calculated the percentage of the population affected by road noise levels in the 65–69 Lden range.
Our analysis focused on the Lden (Day-Evening-Night Level) metric, which averages noise exposure over 24 hours.
| Country | City | No. of inhabitants | Area (km²) | No. of inhabitants exposed to (Lden) 65–69 dB (road) | % of inhabitants affected |
| Spain | San Sebastian, Donostia | 178,446 | 15.31 | 48,900 | 27.40% |
| Italy | Messina | 220,094 | 213.75 | 58,600 | 26.62% |
| Italy | Terni | 110,940 | 211.8 | 25,600 | 23.08% |
| Spain | Logroño | 150,808 | 78.97 | 33,900 | 22.48% |
| Spain | Vigo | 291,082 | 108.18 | 65,300 | 22.43% |
| Italy | Pescara | 119,445 | 34.38 | 26,700 | 22.35% |
| Croatia | Split | 160,577 | 79.39 | 33,400 | 20.80% |
| Lithuania | Šiauliai | 109,636 | 81 | 21,600 | 19.70% |
| Italy | Sassari | 111,600 | 69.4 | 21,300 | 19.09% |
| France | Paris | 7,068,800 | 814.24 | 1,276,700 | 18.06% |
For complete data, check here.
Insights on noise pollution in European countries
The countries with the highest percentages of inhabitants affected by noise pollution tend to be smaller nations like Luxembourg and Croatia, where around 17% and 14% of the population in analyzed cities is impacted, respectively.
Countries like Italy and Spain also suffer from road noise, with over 10% of their populations affected.
When considering the total number of people exposed to noise pollution from road sources (specifically at 65–69 dB), larger countries like Germany and France have the highest numbers, with over 2 million residents exposed in each.
Italy follows with over 1.25 million people affected, while the Netherlands and Spain have between 600,000–700,000 citizens exposed.
Countries with the highest average percentage of inhabitants affected by noise pollution:
- Luxembourg (17.35% of inhabitants affected)
- Croatia (14.04%)
- Italy (11.07%)
- Spain (10.63%)
- Belgium (10.61%)
Countries with the highest number of people exposed to noise pollution (65–69 dB from road sources):
- Germany (2,266,800 people)
- France (2,222,300 people)
- Italy (1,257,100 people)
- Netherlands (677,200 people)
- Spain (669,500 people)
What’s being done to reduce noise pollution?
All European Environment Agency (EEA) member states are subject to the Environmental Noise Directive (END), which aims to assess, manage, and reduce environmental noise pollution. It requires member states to prepare strategic noise maps for large urban areas and major transport hubs, identifying regions where noise levels exceed harmful thresholds. Based on these maps, countries must develop action plans to mitigate noise pollution.
Generally, this includes installing noise barriers, using low-noise road surfaces, lowering speed limits, rerouting traffic, and encouraging alternative transportation methods like cycling and public transport.
Top 10 cities with the highest noise pollution
Noise pollution isn’t just a rare inconvenience in these cities — it’s a daily health hazard for a significant percentage of the inhabitants.
#1 San Sebastian, Spain
In the charming coastal city of San Sebastian, noise pollution is becoming a growing concern. It ranks as the most noise-polluted city in the EU.
With 27.4% of its 178,446 residents affected by road noise, about 48,900 people are exposed to sound levels between 65 and 69 dB.
The tight urban layout and a rise in vehicle traffic force many locals to endure the constant hum of engines and horns daily.
#2 Messina, Italy
Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Messina experiences an influx of heavy vehicle traffic, particularly from trucks and buses traveling to and from the port.
Approximately 26.6% of its 220,094 inhabitants, or 58,600 people, live with constant noise levels of 65–69 dB.
An earlier study on environmental noise pollution in Messina also revealed that over 25% of the city’s residents are significantly disturbed by road traffic noise.
The city's unique geo-morphological structure, combined with its role as a transit hub for vehicles moving between shipping ports and highways, has led to high traffic volumes, particularly in areas near the ports.
#3 Terni, Italy
Nestled in the heart of Italy, around 23% of Terni’s 110,940 residents face harmful noise levels from road traffic, affecting 25,600 people.
With factories operating around the clock and trucks passing through the city’s large 211.8 km² area, residents struggle to cope with the constant buzz, often resorting to soundproofing measures.
#4 Logroño, Spain
Known for its wine culture, Logroño’s streets are filled with tourists and locals alike, but with this activity comes noise.
About 22.48% of its 150,808 residents — or 33,900 people — are subjected to the constant sound of traffic.
In this 78.97 km² city, the cobbled streets amplify the noise of cars and delivery trucks, making quiet zones scarce, even in the city's quieter neighborhoods.
#5 Vigo, Spain
As one of Spain’s key fishing and shipping hubs, Vigo experiences a near-constant flow of trucks and cargo ships.
With 22.43% of its 291,082 residents exposed to 65–69 dB of road noise, 65,300 people are affected.
The city's industrial growth, particularly along the coast, contributes to a persistent hum that seeps into nearby residential areas. The whir of air conditioning units further adds to the noise, as the city’s humid climate forces many to keep their windows shut.
#6 Pescara, Italy
The seaside resort of Pescara sees its noise levels rise during the tourist season when traffic and crowds peak.
Out of its 119,445 residents, 22.35% — around 26,700 people — experience noise levels between 65 and 69 dB.
The city’s compact 34.38 km² area makes the traffic noise from both locals and visitors unavoidable. Along the coastal roads, scooters and buses contribute heavily to the noise, with many residents seeking relief by heading further inland during the peak summer months.
#7 Split, Croatia
Though Split is famous for its ancient Roman architecture and stunning views, modern traffic noise disrupts daily life for many.
Around 20.8% of its 160,577 residents are exposed to harmful noise levels, affecting 33,400 residents.
The narrow streets funnel the sound of cars and motorbikes, especially near the historic Diocletian’s Palace, where tourism brings an additional layer of noise from outdoor events and public performances.
#8 Šiauliai, Lithuania
In Šiauliai, Lithuania’s fourth-largest city, the peaceful atmosphere of its countryside is interrupted by growing road noise.
About 19.7% of the 109,636 residents, or 21,600 people, live with 65–69 dB of sound, much of it generated by heavy trucks passing through the city’s industrial sector.
Residents living near highways experience this noise day and night, and it has sparked discussions on better urban planning to reduce exposure.
#9 Sassari, Italy
Sassari is the fourth Italian city to appear on the list, ranking 9th among the noisiest cities in the EU.
Around 19.09% of its 111,600 residents are affected, meaning 21,300 people in the city are exposed to 65–69 dB from road traffic.
The compact urban core amplifies the sounds of buses and delivery trucks, while ongoing construction projects in the historic districts add to the daily noise.
#10 Paris, France
The iconic city of Paris sees more than its fair share of traffic noise, with over 18.06% of its 7 million residents, or 1.27 million people, exposed to 65–69 dB of road noise.
Tourists flocking to see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe add to the hustle and bustle, and the constant flow of buses, cars, and mopeds makes it difficult to find peace.
Public demonstrations, construction, and public transport noise further add to the soundscape in this vast 814.24 km² city.
Conclusion
Most people living in the city know that simply opening a window invites a barrage of disruptive noise. But this issue goes beyond personal inconvenience; the quality of our public spaces directly impacts our well-being and sense of connection.
Although directives push countries to implement noise reduction measures, the rapid growth of cities often makes it more about preventing noise from spiraling out of control than truly solving the problem.
If things continue as they are, citizens are unlikely to see any real improvements in noise pollution in the near future.
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