Aircraft noise exposure and mortality: an exploratory study around Brussels Airport

Background

Airports are important sources of environmental exposures, including noise and air pollution. While aircraft noise has been associated with adverse health outcomes, evidence remains limited for populations living near Brussels Airport. This study explores associations between aircraft noise exposure and mortality in Brussels residents, while accounting for the broader urban exposome.

Methods

Data from the Belgian Health Interview Surveys (2008, 2013, 2018) were linked to geocoded environmental exposure data and mortality follow-up until 2023 (cause-specific mortality until 2021). Analyses included 7,631 adults living in the Brussels-Capital Region. Aircraft noise exposure was defined as annual mean Lden ≥55 dB. Missing data were handled using random forest multiple imputation. Associations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality were assessed using Cox models with basic and full adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental factors (black carbon, green space, road traffic noise).

Results

Mean follow-up was 8 years; 985 deaths occurred, and 419 participants were lost for follow-up. Overall, 3.4% were exposed to aircraft noise. The main causes of death were circulatory diseases (29%) and neoplasms (19%). Aircraft noise exposure was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.10–2.34) and mortality from neoplasms (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.04–5.90). A non-significant higher risk was found for cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI 0.64–3.43).

Conclusions

Aircraft noise exposure was associated with increased all-cause mortality and mortality from neoplasms. Given the limited number of cause-specific deaths, these findings require confirmation with extended follow-up data. Future work will assess whether these associations may partly reflect co-exposure to ultrafine particles using additional exposure proxies, including residential distance to the airport.

Key messages

• Aircraft noise exposure around Brussels Airport was associated with increased all-cause mortality and mortality from neoplasms in this exploratory population-based study.

• Findings suggest airport-related health impacts may reflect combined exposures, including noise and ultrafine particles, warranting further investigation with extended follow-up.