Background Although several cross-sectional studies have shown that aircraft noise exposure was associated with an increased risk of hypertension, a limited number of longitudinal studies have addressed this issue. This study is part of the DEBATS (Discussion on the health effect of aircraft noise) research programme and aimed to investigate the association between aircraft noise exposure and the incidence of hypertension.

Methods In 2013, 1244 adults living near three major French airports were included in this longitudinal study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as demographic and lifestyle factors, were collected at baseline and after 2 and 4 years of follow-up during face-to-face interviews. Exposure to aircraft noise was estimated for each participant’s home address using noise maps. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed Poisson and linear regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Results A 10 dB(A) increase in aircraft noise levels in terms of L_den was associated with a higher incidence of hypertension (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.36, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.82). The association was also significant for L_day (IRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07; to 1.85) and L_night (IRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.71). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased with all noise indicators.

Conclusion These results strengthen those obtained from the cross-sectional analysis of the data collected at the time of inclusion in DEBATS, as well as those from previous studies conducted in other countries. Hence, they support the hypothesis that aircraft noise exposure may be considered as a risk factor for hypertension.