Environmental Noise Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Problems in Children: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We systematically summarized and evaluated evidence on association between traffic noise exposure and indicators of neurodevelopmental and mental health problems.

RECENT FINDINGS: Twelve studies on 10 unique populations were reviewed. Different outcomes, mostly measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its subscales, were reported. Overall bias in each study was acceptable, but the quality of evidence for specific outcomes was "low" to "very low," according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Data supporting the harmful effect of noise on neurodevelopmental and mental health in children are heterogeneous and limited. Direction of potentially harmful effect was most consistent for road traffic noise and total SDQ score and hyperactivity/inattention. At this point, there is only suggestive evidence that road traffic noise might lead to neurodevelopmental problems in children.