Infrasound in Buildings Linked to Stress and Irritability

Tue, 05 May 2026 21:24:00 +0200

Recent research suggests that the eerie or unsettling feelings often reported in old buildings may be linked to infrasound, a type of sound vibration below the threshold of human hearing. Infrasound can come from natural sources like storms, as well as human-made sources such as traffic, ventilation systems, or aging building infrastructure. In a controlled experiment, participants were exposed to infrasound at 18 Hz while listening to music. They reported higher levels of irritability, felt less engaged, and perceived the music as sadder, despite being unable to consciously detect the infrasound. Salivary cortisol levels, a biomarker for stress, were also elevated in those exposed. The researchers suggest that the body can physiologically respond to these vibrations even without conscious awareness. While the biological mechanism is not yet fully understood, prolonged exposure to infrasound could contribute to sustained stress, irritability, or mood changes. The findings could help ex