Infrasound and Human Health: Mechanisms, Effects, and Applications

Infrasound, physically defined as sound at frequencies below 20 Hertz, can travel long distances with minimal attenuation and permeate biological tissues due to its marked particle displacement and deep penetration. Generated by both natural phenomena and human-made systems, infrasound has drawn increasing scientific and public attention regarding its potential physiological and psychological effects. Experimental studies demonstrate that infrasound can modulate mechanosensitive structures at the cellular level, particularly pressure-sensitive ion channels such as PIEZO1 and TRPV4, leading to intracellular calcium influx, oxidative stress, altered intercellular communication, and in some settings, apoptosis. These responses vary according to sound pressure levels, frequencies, exposure duration, and tissue type. In the cardiovascular system, higher sound pressures have been associated with mitochondrial injury and fibrosis, whereas low sound pressures may exert context-dependent protective effects. In animal models, prolonged or intense exposure to infrasound has been shown to induce neuroinflammatory responses and memory impairment. Short-term studies in humans at moderate intensities have reported minimal physiological changes, with psychological and contextual factors influencing symptom perception. Occupational environments such as factories and agricultural settings may contain elevated levels of infrasound, underscoring the importance of systematic measurements and exposure assessments. At the same time, controlled infrasound stimulation has shown potential as an adjunct modality in bone repair and tissue regeneration, highlighting its dual capacity as both a biological stressor and a possible therapeutic tool. Overall, existing data indicate that infrasound may be harmful at chronic exposure depending on intensity and frequency, yet beneficial when precisely regulated. Future research should standardize exposure metrics, refine measurement technologies, and clarify dose–response relationships to better define the health risks and therapeutic applications of infrasound.