Canadian researchers say that persistent and loud noise in the workplace more than doubles the risk for heart disease.

The study authors noted that among the group of people who are at highest risk the most affected are younger men who smoke. This itself is the biggest cause of raising the risk factor for heart disease.

Lead researcher Dr. Wen Qi Gan, from the School of Environmental Health at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver said, “Excess noise exposure in the workplace is an important occupational health issue, especially for younger workers.”

He said the any loud noise which is persistent is the one which is unwanted. Loud music or talking can’t be counted as noise. During the study noise was defined as industrial noise like mining moise, lumbering and wood product manufacturing.

“Noise control is critical to prevent these noise-related diseases. Whenever possible, protect yourself from exposure to excess noise,” he advised.

The report is published in the Oct. 6 online edition of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.