We have learned to ignore it. It is in all the spaces we frequent and it is has ceased to be annoying and has become, quite simply, an everyday occurrence.. At home, between neighbours and household appliances; at work, between calls, conversations and constant reverberation; and in the street with that deafening traffic. Now now it's not just noiseis a global health problem.
Today marks the International Noise Awareness Day. This is a date that invites us to focus on something that often goes unnoticed: the extent to which we have integrated noise into the way we live and work without stopping to think about its consequences. Beyond discomfort, we are talking about concentration, rest, stress and health.
This is borne out by the data. According to the European Environment Agency and the World Health Organisation, in Europe there are 95 million people exposed to harmful road traffic noise levels. In addition, a 20% of the urban population is subject to levels considered harmful to health, and even a 25% of the Natura 2000 network is affected by environmental noise with negative impact on the ecosystem.
This day reminds us of something simple but key: noise should not be assumed as inevitable. Questioning how much we have normalised it is the first step towards rethinking our spaces and moving towards healthier and more balanced environments.
