Effect of low-level occupational noise exposure on urinary cortisol and health of workers

Exposure to low-level noise may result in annoyance, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and adverse long-term health effects. The purpose was to study the effects of occupational noise exposure, perceived stress, stress symptoms, noise annoyance, and urine cortisol in workers. A total of 148 workers were included, using questionnaires to evaluate stress and noise annoyance. The noise levels were assessed using Leq8hr, survey measurement, and urine cortisol. The result showed no correlation found between stress and occupational noise exposure. For each stress factor, high level group had more anxiety and depression than low levels group (p < 0.05). Cortisol was significantly correlated with the perception effect on life and health (r = 0.255, p = 0.003, and r = 0.266, p = 0.002). Environmental noise annoyance was associated with cortisol levels (p < 0.05). Those with mental illnesses and treating drug users had higher cortisol levels (chi-square = 4.842, p = 0.028). In conclusion, the factors affecting the level of stress of industrial workers came from personal factors rather than physical factors. Environmental noise affects stress and cortisol more than work-related noise. Mental factors affected urine cortisol levels more than physical factors. To reduce worker stress, address who is more susceptible and implement strategies for reducing.