Exhibit F: Toronto Public Health Report – “How Loud is Too Loud?”
In 2017, Toronto Public Health (TPH) released a technical report titled “How Loud is Too Loud? Health Impacts of Environmental Noise in Toronto.” This document confirmed that environmental noise in Toronto—driven largely by transportation—is a serious public health hazard.
This exhibit summarizes key findings from Toronto Public Health’s report in a format that can be dropped directly into case files, grievances, investigative work, and media briefs.
- Lower Thresholds: Health impacts occur at noise levels between 42 and 60 dBA, far below the old 70 dBA standard.
- Income Inequality: Low-income neighbourhoods are 11 times more likely to be exposed to harmful night noise.
- Emerging Risks: The report flags new evidence linking noise to diabetes, stroke, and pulmonary disease.
- Conclusion: “The available evidence suggests that environmental noise in Toronto occurs at levels that could be detrimental to health.”
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1. “How Loud is Too Loud?” — The Core Admission
The report acknowledges a critical shift in medical science: the level of noise required to damage health is much lower than previously thought. It states that “health effects occur at much lower exposure levels” than the 70 dBA standard previously used by TPH (2000). For unions, legal teams, and investigators, this is a baseline admission of harm from the City’s own health authority.
2. Specific Health Thresholds (Table 1 Data)
The report compiles evidence showing exactly where health risks begin. These thresholds are significantly lower than current airport noise levels.
| Health Effect | Threshold (dBA) | Type of Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Self-reported sleep disturbance | 42 dBA (Lnight) | Chronic |
| Annoyance / Disturbance | 42 dBA (Lden) | Chronic |
| Hypertension | 50 dBA (Lden) | Chronic |
| Ischaemic Heart Disease | 60 dBA (Lden) | Chronic |
| Learning & Memory | 50 dBA (Leq) | Acute & Chronic |
| Reported Awakening | 53 dBA (SEL Indoors) | Acute |
Source: Adapted from Table 1, “How Loud is Too Loud?” (TPH 2017), citing European Environment Agency data.
3. Emerging Health Evidence: Diabetes & Stroke
The report highlights “emerging evidence” that was not previously considered in noise regulations.
Diabetes
- The report cites studies finding an 11% increase in the relative risk of mortality from diabetes for every 1 dBA increase in night noise (Recio et al., 2016).
- Long-term noise exposure affects metabolic processes, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease
- For people over 64.5 years of age, exposure to every 10 dBA increase in traffic noise was associated with a 27% higher risk for stroke (Sørensen et al., 2011).
- Mortality from myocardial infarction (heart attack) increases by 3.5% for every 1 dBA increase in nighttime noise levels for seniors (Recio et al., 2016).
4. The Inequality of Noise
One of the most damning findings in the report is the socioeconomic disparity. TPH found that:
In May 2025, the Toronto Board of Health unanimously adopted a motion acknowledging the health consequences of excessive aircraft noise on Toronto residents. I was present at that meeting. The Board directed the City to engage multiple provincial and federal ministries, requested accountability from the GTAA, and urged Transport Canada and the GTAA to fund an independently overseen health study comparing affected neighbourhoods with unaffected controls, including impacts on children’s learning. Despite this, Toronto Public Health has since informed residents that it will “read but not respond” to further correspondence on this issue — a position that is difficult to reconcile with its mandate to protect the health of Toronto residents.
Turn This Evidence Into a Formal Record
Generate a formal demand letter you can adapt for individual complaints, union grievances, legal correspondence, or media follow-up.
Pearson Accountability Alliance builds the evidence base. We also stand alongside other independent, resident-led groups who organize, mobilize, and advocate on the ground. We are complementary, not competing.
Pearson Accountability Alliance
Independent Environmental & Public Health Research for Toronto Pearson Communities.