Some findings on health issues linked to noise pollution in Ulaanbaatar city
- VernacularTitle:Улаанбаатар хотын хүн амын дуу, шуугианы бохирдлоос үүдэлтэй өвчлөлийг судалсан дүн
- Author:
Unurzaya E
1
;
Mygmarjargal N
1
;
Altangerel B
1
;
Mygmardorj Ch
1
;
Enhjargal A
1
;
Oyun-Erdene O
1
;
Suvd B
2
Author Information
1. National Center for Public Health
2. Ach Medical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Hearing loss;
mental disorder;
noise pollution;
nonpsychotic
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2025;212(2):42-51
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Introduction:According to the WHO, being exposed to loud noise for a long time can be very harmful
to health. It can lead to heart and blood vessel problems, mental health issues, trouble
sleeping, and hearing loss. Noise pollution has a negative effect on the brain and nervous
system, and it can cause many problems. High-frequency noise, in particular, can disturb the
central nervous system. This can lead to problems like poor concentration, more anxiety, and
feeling mentally tired. Many studies around the world have shown that noise levels of ≥85 dB
at work increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.In Ulaanbaatar,
environmental noise pollution continues to grow due to population growth, construction, and
urban planning. Therefore, it is important to find out whether environmental noise pollution is
linked to mental and behavioral disorders, insomnia, nervous fatigue, high blood pressure,
and hearing loss among the population.
Goal:The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of primary hypertension (I10), nervous
fatigue (F48.0), sleep disorders (F51.0), and tinnitus (H83.3) caused by environmental noise
among the population of Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Methods:A descriptive research design was applied to examine statistical data from the Center for
Health Development regarding diseases related to noise pollution. Based on the 10th revision
of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the study focused on conditions such
as neurasthenia (F48.0), non-organic sleep disorders (F51), primary hypertension (I10), and
hearing disorders (H83.3). The analysis included data recorded between 2014 and 2023
among the population of Ulaanbaatar city. Epidemiological analysis was performed using
SPSS-24 software, and the results were calculated per 10,000 population.
Ethical Considerations:This study did not receive any external funding or financial support from public or private
organizations. It utilizes secondary data from the Health Development Center, which does
not contain any personal information.
Results:In 2014, the average age of individuals diagnosed with neurasthenia (F48.0) was 40.1±12.6
years; for non-organic sleep disorders (F51.0), it was 48.1±14.5 years; for noise-induced
hearing disorders (H83.3), 47.2±12.7 years; and for primary hypertension (I10), the average
age was 59.0±11.4 years. By 2023, the average age for primary hypertension had slightly
decreased to 58.0±12.9 years. Since 2014, the number of cases of nervous fatigue, non
organic sleep disorders, and hearing problems caused by noise has risen in Ulaanbaatar.
In 2023, the average age of people with primary hypertension (I10) dropped to 58.0±12.9
years. Noise-related illnesses are common among people aged 40 to 60 in Ulaanbaatar, and
this is lowering their quality of life.
Conclusion:Noise-related illnesses are being recorded among the 40–60 age group in Ulaanbaatar,
which is negatively affecting their quality of life. It is urgently necessary to introduce
measures for adequate protection of the population from the negative health effects of
environmental noise.
- Full text:2025122317415946951MAUS-2025-212(2)-42-51.pdf
