Environmental noise reduction can improve health. The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) calls for noise reduction programs at work, school, and in communities to prevent noise-related diseases. Noise exposure is linked to heart disease, sleep disorders, negative emotions, low birth weights, reduced reading skills and memory in children, and tinnitus. The economic impact of noise-related health problems is similar to that of health problems from passive exposure to smoking. Noise regulations vary among state and local agencies. The AAN calls for quieter machinery and equipment; less road, airport, and train noise; and better federal, state, and local laws to reduce environmental noise.