How noise affects the health of Luxembourg residents
@chairulfajar_, Unsplash
Noise pollution is a growing problem for urban residents. In Luxembourg, where traffic, aviation and industry generate significant levels of noise, the government is taking steps to reduce it. In his response to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Sven Clement, Serge Wilmes, Minister for Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, outlined current measures and future plans to combat noise.
Based on EU Directive 2002/49/CE, noise measurements are taken every five years from various sources: road and rail transport, Findel Airport and large industrial sites. Based on this data, five noise mitigation action plans are created which include:
- Traffic noise
- Noise from railways
- Airport noise
- Noise problems in the Luxembourg agglomeration
- Noise problems in the southern agglomeration of the country
These plans include specific measures such as infrastructure improvements, the use of noise-reducing technologies and regulatory restrictions. However, they do not cover all aspects of noise pollution - for example, domestic noise in residential areas, which is regulated at the municipal level.
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to noise causes various negative health effects. Long-term effects have been assessed as part of noise map analyses:
- irritation and discomfort of residents,
- chronic sleep disorders,
- cardiovascular disease.
Statistics on this are published on the www.data.public.lu platform. In addition, in 2022, the Ministry of Environment conducted a survey among the population on the perception of noise and its effects, the results of which are available at www.emwelt.lu.
Municipalities have autonomy to regulate noise pollution. They can use preventive measures such as strategic environmental assessments as part of town planning (PAG). The authorities organise trainings and seminars for technical staff of city administrations.
As far as business is concerned, construction sites and industrial enterprises are obliged to comply with the established noise limits. Main regulatory documents:
- Grand Ducal Decree of 13 February 1979 (règlement grand-ducal modifié du 13 février 1979) establishing permissible noise levels for businesses and construction sites,
- Act of 10 June 1999 (loi modifiée du 10 juin 1999) on classified enterprises,
- Law of 9 May 2014 (loi modifiée du 9 mai 2014) on industrial emissions, which may set stricter standards for specific companies.
Luxembourg regulations are regularly revised to take into account new international research on the health effects of noise.
The Ministry of the Environment holds public consultations and presentations on noise pollution. Current studies and answers to frequently asked questions are published on the website www.emwelt.lu. In addition, environmental events (e.g. the 2024 Climate Days in Belval) provide citizens with information on noise and how to reduce noise pollution.
