An article in the magazine New Scientist reveals the startling fact that up to 3 percent of deaths from heart attacks could be caused by, or at least occur sooner because of, sudden noises.

The World Health Organization (WHO) thinks that up to 200,000 deaths per year could be caused by noise pollution.

Less lethal but also damaging are the results of long-term low-level noise exposure. In such cases sleeping problems and even hearing damage can be the result.

Part of the New Scientist article is available from the magazine’s website here