Exposure to Noise Pollution During Pregnancy and the Necessity of Revising Environmental Health Standards

Abstract

Congenital anomalies are among the leading causes of neonatal mortality and disability in human societies, rooted in both genetic factors and environmental triggers. Findings from a systematic review of over 1.5 million participants worldwide indicate that maternal exposure to noise pollution, particularly at levels exceeding 80 decibels, increases the risk of structural congenital anomalies by up to 68. This meta-analysis of 11 studies confirms that environmental and occupational noise through the activation of maternal stress systems and the disruption of fetal developmental processes possesses the potential to cause serious harm to the health of future generations. Although no significant association was observed between noise pollution and cardiac defects, the adverse effects on other organs underscore the urgent need for intervention by health and environmental policymakers to support population growth and "youthful population" objectives. Accordingly, policy strategies proposed to address this challenge include "integrating noise exposure screening into primary prenatal care," "revising protective regulations in industrial workplaces," and "implementing acoustic engineering standards in urban fabrics." Implementing these strategies can reduce the financial burden on the health system associated with disability treatments while enhancing the biological security of mothers during the critical period of pregnancy and improving overall health indicators. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.