BOOMING HEALTH RISK: Whidbey Island Residents Say Jets Are Too Loud

Thousands of residents in the state are impacted by a loud noise that some say is the sound of freedom. It's the sound of military attack jets and a new study has found that the sound may be impacting the health of 74,000 in Washington State.

THE STUDY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

The new study by the University of Washington looked at how the noise from Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft has on the health of those living Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The results are surprising because they show that the noise is more than an annoyance. It's actually effecting the health of the residents who live near the base.

THE NOISE IS NOTHING LIKE THE NOISE FROM A COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT

The study says there's a big difference between commercial aircraft flying above areas and attack jets that fly low over neighborhoods. That loud noise on a constant basis can make big impacts on health including lost sleep, high stress levels and a basic disruption of life. The study also found the noise is causing delayed learning in students who live near the base. Those in the study live in the cities of Oak Harbor and Coupeville. It also found the noise is effecting some 85 percent of the residents of the Swinomish Indian Reservation.

WOW...THAT'S SOME LOUD JET NOISE

Noise monitors in the study found the jets produced more than 100 decibels as they pass over neighborhoods. The noise has been a problem for residents ever since more of the Growlers were moved to the base. Currently they make an average of 110,000 flights every year.
Officials at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island have no comment on the study.