Hi Deena, thanks for sharing this! As an occupational health epidemiologist, the point about environmental noise exposure particularly resonated with me.

In occupational settings, we take noise seriously: we monitor exposures, set enforceable thresholds, and implement controls. But in communities, chronic environmental noise often goes unmeasured and unaddressed – despite clear links to the health issues you mentioned.

There’s a lot we could borrow from occupational health to protect the public more effectively. A few examples:

1. Community noise mapping and thresholds: Just like exposure assessments at work, cities could monitor residential noise levels over time – especially at night – and act when WHO-recommended thresholds (e.g., 55 dB Lnight) are exceeded.

2. Zoning and built environment controls: Like engineering controls in workplaces, urban planning could prioritise noise buffers like green spaces, sound-insulating materials in construction, or rerouting traffic away from dense housing.

3. Noise fatigue tracking in high-risk populations: In occupational health, we monitor fatigue and hearing loss over time. A similar approach could be piloted in schools, elder care, or high-exposure neighbourhoods using wearable tech or longitudinal surveys.

Noise might be “invisible,” but it’s a modifiable risk factor. We just need to start treating it that way in public health.

Very much agree about public health as low-hanging fruit when it comes to impact- hence my career pivot! We often use the term “wicked problems” to describe the public health challenges that are complex, interconnected, and basically refuse to be “solved”. In my view, some of the “wickedest” problems in epidemiology include climate change and health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), antimicrobial resistance, mental health, pandemic preparedness, and global health equity (among others). 

My own research mostly focuses on NCDs (particularly diabetes) and occupational health epidemiology, while I teach subjects like climate change and public health, as well as health communication (which I also see as particularly important given the rise of health misinformation). I’ve also served on various mental health and global health boards and committees, so I guess you could say I’m trying to contribute to solving as many of these big public health problems as I can! 

thanks Toby, will do!

Hi EAs, I’m Dee, first-time forum poster but long-time advocate for EA principles since first discovering the movement through Peter Singer’s work. I’ve always had a particular interest in global health and wellbeing, which initially inspired me to complete a medical degree. While I enjoyed my studies, I became somewhat disheartened with the scope of impact I could have as a single doctor in a system largely geared towards treatment rather than prevention of disease. After a career pivot to management consulting for a couple of years, I eventually completed my PhD in epidemiology. I’m now using my research experience and medical knowledge to tackle complex public health problems. 

The more I’ve solidified my own goals to do good, including through my career as well as through giving to effective causes, I’ve sought to further engage with EA content and the community. I look forward to connecting and sharing ideas with you all!