Noise: The other pollution hurting our health

By Nina Avramova, CNN

Updated 2202 GMT (0602 HKT) October 9, 2018

Helsinki Airport in Finland has become the most recent airport to quiet down due to advances in technology. This means announcements for flights will be made only at the gate area. The country's tourism slogan is, after all, 'Silence, Please.'
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
Helsinki Airport in Finland has become the most recent airport to quiet down due to advances in technology. This means announcements for flights will be made only at the gate area. The country's tourism slogan is, after all, 'Silence, Please.'
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Silent airports have been gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. Through the use of technology, facilities are able to reduce noise pollution without sacrificing timely and helpful information updates.  
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
Silent airports have been gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. Through the use of technology, facilities are able to reduce noise pollution without sacrificing timely and helpful information updates.  
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In Munich Airport, InfoGate kiosks allow for face-to-face, video-based conversation with a live customer representative in the traveler's language of choice. In addition, documents can be scanned, printed and exchanged between the two parties.
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
In Munich Airport, InfoGate kiosks allow for face-to-face, video-based conversation with a live customer representative in the traveler's language of choice. In addition, documents can be scanned, printed and exchanged between the two parties.
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With the touch of a finger, passengers can tap a "you are here" display, and InfoGate's interactive signs give directions.
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
With the touch of a finger, passengers can tap a "you are here" display, and InfoGate's interactive signs give directions.
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Many international airports now have their own apps. Most of these provide flight status updates, interactive terminal maps, weather information, security guides and other airport-specific features.
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
Many international airports now have their own apps. Most of these provide flight status updates, interactive terminal maps, weather information, security guides and other airport-specific features.
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With Bluetooth, passengers can also get information sent to them as they are going from Point A to Point B. This technology keeps passengers informed, depending on the time they are supposed to be at the gate and their specific location.
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
With Bluetooth, passengers can also get information sent to them as they are going from Point A to Point B. This technology keeps passengers informed, depending on the time they are supposed to be at the gate and their specific location.
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AviaVox has developed technology to ensure that announcements are easier to understand -- and in multiple languages. The system has been installed in several European airports.
Photos: Silence, please. This is an airport
AviaVox has developed technology to ensure that announcements are easier to understand -- and in multiple languages. The system has been installed in several European airports.
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Story highlights

  • Noise levels can lead to several health risks, including heart attacks
  • Children's cognition can be affected by plane noise
  • New guidelines include suggested noise levels for different noise sources, including leisure noise

(CNN)One in five Europeans is regularly exposed to noise levels that could "significantly" damage their health, the World Health Organization says, and it updated guidelines on those levels in Europe on Tuesday.

Environmental noise is among the "top environmental risks to health," according to the WHO report.
    More than 100 million Europeans are affected by road traffic noise alone each year. "Noise continues to be a concern," noted Dr. Dorota Jarosińska, program manager for living and working environments at the WHO regional office for Europe.
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