Traffic noise, air pollution and cognition: separating overlapping associations
Most associations with cognitive outcomes changed little after accounting for both exposures, while evidence about their combined effects remained uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across most cognitive outcomes, associations with air pollution and traffic noise remained similar after researchers accounted for the other exposure. That suggests neither exposure fully explained the other's observed association in these studies. Evidence that the exposures interacted was inconsistent, and the review does not establish separate or combined causal effects on cognition.
The authors rated overall evidence confidence as low to moderate and generalizability as moderate. They called for clearer reporting of adjustment results and further examination of interactions.
What researchers found
Associations with cognitive outcomes
Long-term exposure studies; comparison of estimates before versus after accounting for both air pollution and noise. Exact observation periods were not reported.
Why both exposures matter
Traffic can contribute to both air pollution and noise, making their associations difficult to separate. The review examined whether accounting for one exposure changed the estimated association between the other and cognition.
Interaction remains unresolved
Some studies at higher exposure levels suggested that associations with one exposure depended on the other; studies at lower levels did not detect this. These findings do not establish a threshold or consistent combined effect.
The original publication
Co-exposure to air pollution and noise from traffic and their association with cognitive impairment in adults. Systematic review.
Hildt C, Tzivian L, Ogurtsova K et al.
Environ Res · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41422898
- Record checked
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