600,000 blighted by Heathrow noise

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A map, published by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, shows an area stretching from the southern outskirts of Maidenhead in the west to the edge of Camberwell in the east.

According to the Government, this equates to 600,000 people. Everybody living within the outer ring of the map is exposed to aircraft noise of at least 55 decibels - the average level of a conversation. A recent government study found that "significant annoyance" from aircraft noise starts at 50 decibels. People living closer to the airport are subject to much louder noise, with a 75 decibel reading.

Campaigners against Heathrow expansion said the map raised questions about plans to increase the numberof flights from 420,000 a year to more than 700,000, especially after a new study showed a correlation between exposure to noise and ill health.

The study, led by Dr Lars Jarup of Imperial College, surveyed more than 600 residents around Heathrow and similar numbers at Berlin, Amsterdam, Milan, Stockholm and Athens airports.

It found there was a "significant" relationship between exposure to nighttime aircraft noise and high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

John Stewart of HACAN ClearSkies said: "This study should stop Government plans to expand Heathrow dead in their tracks. Rather than mouthing the mantra that expansion and night flights are needed for economic reasons, the Government should look after the health of its people."

Environment minister Jonathan Shaw said: "A great deal has already been done to reduce noise from transport and industry but we need to build on and continue this work. These maps are part of that process."