Correct Response: C. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), health problems that result from excessive environmental noise include, in addition to hearing loss: stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, sleep disruption, and reduced productivity. As a biological stressor, noise can influence multiple aspects of the body's physiological system. Physiological effects include elevated levels of serum cholesterol and glucose, digestive disorders, and tachycardia. Studies have demonstrated that high noise levels in occupational settings have adverse cardiovascular effects on workers, including coronary heart disease. Noise pollution is not considered a significant cause of dizziness and visual disorders (A), obsessive compulsive disorders (B), or chemical hypersensitivities (D).
