The Necessity of Policy-Making for Environmental and Occupational Noise Pollution: Emphasizing Safe Fertility and Population Youthfulness; [موزلیراذگتسایسردیگدولآتوصییطیحمویلغشابدیکاتربرورابینماوناوجیتیعمج] Publisher

Summary: Can loud environments affect pregnancy? A review of 13 studies linked noise at 80 dB or above to higher miscarriage risk, though perinatal mortality was not linked. #Pregnancy #NoisePollution

Hojati M ; Torkian S
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2026

Abstract

Noise pollution represents a significant environmental hazard associated with adverse fetal outcomes during pregnancy, particularly miscarriage and perinatal mortality. This policy brief is developed based on the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies involving over 615,000 pregnant women, revealing a significant 44% increase in the risk of miscarriage following exposure to noise levels of 80 decibels (dB) and higher in both occupational and residential environments. Findings indicate that maternal noise stress, by stimulating hormonal axes and elevating cortisol levels, leads to disruptions in placental blood flow and fetal implantation. Despite extensive scientific evidence and the strategic priority of Population Youthfulness in national macro-policies, environmental and occupational exposure standards for the protection of pregnant women have not yet been rigorously revised. This document demonstrates that while no significant correlation between noise and perinatal mortality was observed in this specific study, the high risk of miscarriage in noisy industrial and urban settings poses a serious threat to reproductive health and demographic objectives. Therefore, prioritizing preventive programs, such as transferring pregnant women from high-noise industrial units and enforcing strict acoustic engineering regulations in residential areas adjacent to highways and noise-polluted hotspots, is recommended. These actions can lead to a reduction in spontaneous and therapeutic miscarriage rates, facilitating a safe environment for fetal development and enabling the realization of the Family Support and Population Youthfulness Law. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.