Visual representation of low-frequency environmental noise from climate control systems. Credit: Sumeet Kulkarni, Nagoya University
Previous studies have hinted that people surrounded by more environmental noise—low, deep rumblings from air-conditioning units, elevator motors, distant traffic and ventilation ducts—tend to have worse kidney function. But these studies could not identify which part of the noise was to blame or the specific ways it might affect the kidneys.
Now, a team led by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine has provided the first direct experimental evidence that the low-frequency component of environmental noise is responsible for adverse effects on kidney health in mice.
Their findings were published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Pitch matters more than volume
