Is it unhealthy to live next to train tracks?


Is it unhealthy to live next to train tracks? In one study conducted at the BNSF Railway Hobart Railyard in Los Angeles, the California Environmental Protection Agency estimated that residents living near a railyard experienced a higher risk of carcinogen exposure.


Can train vibrations damage house?

No, train vibrations do not cause cracking in houses (sheetrock, stucco, etc) that are more than 20 to 30 feet away from the tracks.


How close is too close to railroad?

A train can extend three or more feet on either side of the steel rail, so the safe zone for pedestrians is well beyond three feet on either side. And when vehicles are stopped at a designated crossing, they should remain 15 feet or more from a rail.


Can you feel vibration on train tracks?

Trains do create vibration, and if you live close enough to the tracks, you can probably feel it when the train goes by. However, there is a very large difference between the point at which a human feels vibration and the point at which vibration can cause damage to even the most fragile structures.


How do you deal with living next to train tracks?

The easiest ways to reduce these noises is by installing sound blocking products at the source of entry into your home.
  • Soundproof curtains are one of the easiest ways to combat train noise. ...
  • You can also abate noise by creating outdoor barriers. ...
  • Check your exterior doors, as well as any outlets and openings.


How far away can you feel a train vibration?

It is suggested in general that vibrations are not noticeable at distances over 300 m from the railway [23].


How far away from train is safe?

A train can extend three or more feet on either side of the steel rail, so the safe zone for pedestrians is well beyond three feet on either side. And when vehicles are stopped at a designated crossing, they should remain 15 feet or more from a rail.


Is it safe to live next to a train?

In one study conducted at the BNSF Railway Hobart Railyard in Los Angeles, the California Environmental Protection Agency estimated that residents living near a railyard experienced a higher risk of carcinogen exposure.