Effects of aircraft noise exposure on saliva cortisol near airports in France

Occup Environ Med. 2017 Aug;74(8):612-618. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104208. Epub 2017 Apr 25.

Abstract

Background: Saliva cortisol is a possible marker of noise-induced stress and could then mediate the relation observed between exposure to aircraft or road traffic noise and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between transportation noise and cortisol levels is still unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate the variability of saliva cortisol concentration as an indicator of disturbed hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation in relation to long-term aircraft noise exposure.

Methods: Saliva samples were taken when awakening and before going to bed for 1244 participants older than 18 years of age. Information about health, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors was also collected by means of a face-to-face questionnaire performed at home by an interviewer. Aircraft noise exposure was assessed for each participant's home address using noise maps. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the effects of aircraft noise exposure on the morning and evening cortisol levels and on the daily variation of cortisol per hour.

Results: This study suggests a modification of the cortisol circadian rhythm in relation to aircraft noise exposure. This exposure was associated with a smaller variation of cortisol levels over the day, with unchanged morning cortisol levels, but higher cortisol levels in the evening.

Conclusions: These findings provide some support for a psychological stress induced by aircraft noise exposure, resulting in HPA dysregulation and a flattened cortisol rhythm, thus contributing to cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Epidemiology; HPA dysregulation; aircraft noise exposure; saliva cortisol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aircraft
  • Airports
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Noise, Transportation / adverse effects*
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone