Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The Necessity of Policy-making for Environmental and Occupational Noise Pollution: Emphasizing Safe Fertility and Population Youthfulness

Document Type : policy brief

Authors
1 Student Research Committee, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , AND Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
2 Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i871.1296
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."

Highlights

Mahboubeh Hojati: Google Scholar

Sahebjan Torkian: Google Scholar

Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 44, Issue 871
3rd Week,September (Policy Brief)
September and October 2026
Pages 1296-1300

  • Receive Date 04 April 2026
  • Accept Date 18 April 2026