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.

Previous studies have hinted that people surrounded by more environmental noise—low, deep rumblings from air-conditioning units, elevator motors, distant traffic and ventilation…

The larger lesson may be that environmental health risks are not always the loudest or most visible ones. Modern life has filled homes, offices, hospitals, transportation systems,…