Is industrial noise impacting your neighborhood? Brown University researchers seek Mississippi households for community study

JANS – Have you ever wondered how the noise from nearby factories, plants, data centers, or heavy traffic is affecting your family’s daily life? Prolonged exposure to high noise levels isn’t just a nuisance; it is a public health issue that can increase stress, disrupt sleep, and elevate blood pressure.

To better understand these impacts, the Community Noise Lab at the Brown University School of Public Health is conducting a statewide environmental health study across Mississippi. The research team is collecting long-term measurements of community noise pollution, with a specific focus on neighborhoods heavily impacted by nearby industrial sites and manufacturing facilities.

How You Can Participate

The research team is currently looking for local residents willing to host a noise monitor on their property for one week.

Participating is completely free, safe, and requires zero effort from the homeowner:

• No electricity required: The monitors are 100% battery-powered, meaning they won’t use your home’s power or increase your utility bill.

• Zero maintenance: The research team handles the setup. You simply go about your normal week.

• Keep your data: At the end of the hosting period, the lab will provide you with a personalized summary report detailing the exact noise levels measured at your home throughout the week.

This project is an opportunity to gather concrete, scientific data on what Mississippi communities are experiencing every day. By hosting a monitor, you can help map the real-world impact of industrial noise on local neighborhoods. 

Get Involved Today

If you live in an area impacted by industry and are interested in hosting a monitor for one week, the research team wants to hear from you.

Please email the Mississippi Site Research Scientist, Dr. Cristina Nica, at: cristina_nica@brown.edu and the Research Assistant, Kelsey Mathew, at: kelsey_mathews@brown.edu.