Aircraft noise is the most disruptive transport source per decibel. Its spectrum is broad, its peaks are sharp, and its trajectories make exposure unpredictable for nearby residents. The WHO 2018 guidelines conclude the evidence for a cardiovascular effect (especially hypertension and ischaemic heart disease) is the strongest of all transport modes.
The 4 % per 10 dB rule
Babisch (2014) estimated a 4 % increase in coronary heart disease incidence per 10 dB increase in long-term Lden exposure above 50 dB. The Heathrow BMJ study (Hansell et al., 2013) found a statistically significant increase in hospital admissions for stroke and cardiovascular causes in the highest-exposure zones (Lnight > 55 dB).
What it means in Ile-de-France
Bruitparif's 2020 public health impact assessment concluded that residents living within the Lden 55 dB contour of Orly and Roissy lose on average between 7 and 11 months of healthy life (DALY metric) compared to similar populations outside the contour. That number is conservative - it only counts cardiovascular endpoints.
"The conversation about nocturnal flight bans is not political hygiene. It is public health, backed by a consistent pan-European evidence base."
How ClearSpot flags it
We overlay the DGAC noise plans (plan d'exposition au bruit and plan de gene sonore) for every French airport with published contours. Within the Lden >= 55 dB envelope we default to "not clear" on the aviation sub-module, even when the ambient road noise would otherwise be fine.