Santo Domingo faces rising noise pollution and health risks

Noise levels in Santo Domingo have reached significant heights, with averages on major avenues like 27 de Febrero and Máximo Gómez exceeding 78 dB during peak afternoon hours. According to the Ministry of Environment, individual car horns can reach up to 110 dB.

Health implications are a primary concern, as the World Health Organization warns that noise levels above 55 dB can damage cardiovascular health. Research from DIW Berlin suggests a correlation between high traffic noise and increased rates of conflict and crime, noting that saturated brains tend to react rather than reason.

In contrast to high-noise areas, more forested neighborhoods with fewer commercial noise sources tend to experience lower rates of crime and accidents. The lack of quiet spaces in the city is highlighted as a factor that contributes to stress and social tension.