scholarly journals HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF INTERVENTIONS FOR REDUCING EXCESSIVE ACOUSTIC IMPACT ON RESIDENTIAL AREAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 671-676
Author(s):  
Olga I. Kopytenkova ◽  
T. A. Afanaseva ◽  
L. B. Burnashov ◽  
E. B. Kuznetsova

Introduction. The most important external sources of excessive noise levels on the territories of residential development are transportation sources (road, rail, aviation). The aim of the present study is the hygienic assessment of the acoustic situation in the areas in the zone of influence of traffic flows and currently used measures to reduce the excess acoustic impact on residential premises. Material and methods. The studies were carried out on the territories along the roads and Railways, with different intensity of traffic flows in accordance with GOST 23337-2014 Noise. Methods of noise measurement in residential areas and in the premises of residential and public buildings, MUK 4.3.2194-07 “Methods of noise measurement in residential areas and in the premises of residential and public buildings.” Experimental studies of materials used for the construction of acoustic screens were carried out. Here were investigated window units were used to reduce external noise in the house. Sound pressure levels in octave bands (dB) and sound levels (dBA) in the sound-measuring reverberation chamber were measured in accordance with GOST 27296-2012. Results. Exceeding the permissible equivalent noise levels at a distance from 2 to 7.5 m from the roadway of vehicles in the daytime reaches 25-32 dBA. Noise from railway transport at a distance of 25 m from the source in terms of the equivalent sound level for freight transport is of 77 dBA, maximum - 83 dBA; for cargo transport, Sapsan, Lastochka, Allegro identical data were obtained; for passenger trains, the equivalent sound level accounted for 71 dBA, for electric trains - 66-69 dBA. Exceeding the standards for octave frequencies were most often observed at low frequencies from 31.5 to 500 Hz. The air noise insulation index (dB) is higher for the concrete and wood chips material, i.e. the material with higher density. The study of the parameters of the window blocks allowed us to establish all the studied samples to provide a reduction in the equivalent noise level by more than 20 dBA, but differ in the spectral characteristics of noise damping. Conclusion. Traffic flows create excessive noise levels in urban and rural settlements and impair the quality of life of the population. The effectiveness of existing measures aimed to mitigating noise in the source of generation by both road and rail transport has been exhausted. Acoustic screens in high-rise buildings have very limited efficiency. An option to reduce the adverse impact of external noise on public health is the construction of buildings protected from noise. Placement of buildings along the linear objects of road and rail transport should be provided at the stage of planning of quarters, the construction of such buildings should be carried out on special projects. When designing and building, special attention should be paid to the window units used and the quality of their installation. Window blocks should be selected on the basis of frequency characteristics of noise attenuation.

Author(s):  
J. A. Oyedepo ◽  
D. M. Omoniyi ◽  
D. E. Oluyege ◽  
E. I. Babajide

The study investigated the spatial variability in the distribution of noise pollution in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Measurements of noise were taken from 10 locations on campus namely; the academic environment including the University library and college lecture auditoria, the residential areas comprising the Student hostels and Vice-chancellor’s lodge as well as other populated areas like the car park and student union building. The noise measurement was done in the morning and evenings of Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays over a period of 3 weeks in July 2019. The noise measurement was done with the aid of Smart Sensor Digital Sound Level meter (Model: AR824). The sampling points were geo-located using a hand-held receiver for Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Questionnaires were administered to members of the University community (staff and students) to determine their respective perception of campus noise on academic activities. Data (noise and survey) were subjected to statistical analysis. Spatial analysis of the noise levels includes surface interpolation (Krigging) to determine the spatial pattern of noise across the campus, particularly, the most tranquil and most chaotic locations. The results show noise pollution levels reaching 74.3 (db) and 73.0 (db) during weekdays at some locations on campus. The noise emission level at some locations within the University exceeded the World Health Organization and Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria’s permissible level of 55 db for residential areas. Generally, it was observed that the ambient noise from heavy duty generating with the student chattering put noise level above 35(db) to 55(db) recommended for educational institutions. It can be inferred from statistical analyses and spatial interpolations of recorded noise levels, that noise levels of many areas in FUNAAB exceed the recommended 40 db required for an institution of higher learning. The study however finds that staff and students have adjusted to the noise on campus. Lecturers have resorted to the use of public address systems in large classes while students go to serene locations for better assimilation when studying. The study recommends reduction of point-source noises such as replacing the diesel generators with solar power. Signage should be displayed at sensitive areas such as library to reduce unnecessary noise.


Author(s):  
Chun-Yip Hon ◽  
Illia Tchernikov ◽  
Craig Fairclough ◽  
Alberto Behar

Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers’ attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA—the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers’ perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.


2018 ◽  
Vol 250 ◽  
pp. 02006
Author(s):  
Zaiton Haron ◽  
Darus Nadirah ◽  
Supandi Mohamad Afif ◽  
Yahya Khairulzan ◽  
Nordiana Mashros ◽  
...  

Transverse rumble strips (TRS) are commonly being installed to alert the drivers through sound and vibration effects. The sound produced affects the existing traffic noise level which caused noise annoyance to the nearby residents. This study aims to assess the traffic noise due to TRS at residential areas by determining the roadside noise levels, traffic and road characteristics and evaluating the relationship between these parameters. Middle overlapped (MO), middle layer overlapped (MLO) and raised rumbler (RR) TRS profiles with same thickness were selected. The measurements of roadside noise levels and skid resistance were conducted using sound level meter (SLM) and British pendulum tester (BPT) respectively. Traffic characteristics were evaluated using previous data measured using automatic traffic counter (ATC). In overall, MLO produced highest roadside noise levels with increase of 20.5dBA from baseline. Generally, the increase of roadside noise level due to TRS is strong with speed, weak to medium with skid resistance of TRS and no relationship with traffic volume. Based on three TRS profile types, MLO is not suitable to be installed on the roadways adjacent to the residential areas as the increase of roadside noise level is significant which is more than 5dBA compared to MO and RR.


Author(s):  
Menekse Salar ◽  
M. Fehmi Capanoglu ◽  
Anjaneya Bandekar ◽  
Richard F. Sesek

Excessive noise is a global occupational health hazard with considerable social and physiological impact, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (Nelson et al., 2005). Noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in American workplaces. This study was performed in the Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Program’s Biomechanics Laboratory at Auburn University. The main purpose of this study was to compare the noise levels made by different air nozzles actually used by a bakery facility to nozzles whose manufacturers purported that they produce significantly less noise. Noise levels were determined using a sound level meter, which was positioned at ear level at distances of 5 and 10 feet. At the factory, air pressure (~100 psi) was used to push product downstream and to speed product cooling. The nozzles used were simple pipes or traditional air nozzles with side venting, but not of a “low noise” design. Two nozzles used by the factory were compared to three quieter nozzles. Nozzles were tested for both noise level and for air pressure (pushing force).


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-478
Author(s):  
Julius Gineika ◽  
Raimondas Grubliauskas

Ambient noise harms a number of citizens in Europe. The major sources of environmental noise are that generated by cars in streets, parking lots, railway lines and airports as well as noise from local sources (fans, transformers). According to the methodology for noise measurement, engine testing has been carried out. The conducted analysis has been focused on engine capacity and the distance between vehicles and equipment. Equivalent, maximum and minimum sound levels at different frequencies have been measured accepting that errors may range up to 2 %. Maximum sound level has been reached using the engine of 2000 cm3 petrol capacity. At a half-meter distance, the equivalent sound level reaches 89 dB(A), whereas the noise level decreases moving away from the car. The obtained results of tested cars disclose that according to engine capacity, the majority of the investigated cars are technically faulty and therefore significantly exceed noise levels. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas lengvųjų automobilių variklių skleidžiamas triukšmas bei jo poveikis aplinkai. Pateikiama triukšmo matavimo metodika ir eksperimentinis variklio sukelto triukšmo tyrimas. Ištirti penki automobiliai su skirtingais darbinio tūrio skirtingais atstumais varikliais: 1400 cm3 benzininis, 1500 cm3 dyzelinis, 1800 cm3 benzininis, 2000 cm3 benzininis ir 2500 cm3 dyzelinis. Variklio keliamo triukšmo tyrimas buvo atliktas, esant 1000 sūk./min., taip pat įvertinta, kurie automobiliai viršija leistinus triukšmo lygius. Buvo atlikti tyrimai esant 3000 sūk./min. (benzininiams varikliams) ir 3500 sūk./min. (dyzeliniams varikliams). Išmatuoti ekvivalentinis, maksimalus bei minimalus garso lygiai, taip pat garso lygiai, esant skirtingiems dažniams. Priimame prielaidą, kad paklaida gali svyruoti iki 2 %. Didžiausias garso lygis pasiektas 2000 cm3 benzininio variklio. Pusės metro atstumu ekvivalentinis garso lygis siekia 89 dB(A). Tolstant nuo automobilio, triukšmo lygis mažėja. Remiantis gautais rezultatais, galima daryti išvadą, kad vertinant pagal variklių darbinį tūrį daugelis tirtųjų automobilių yra techniškai netvarkingi ir stipriai viršija triukšmo lygius.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-445
Author(s):  
GODWIN JOHUEL BIRMA ◽  
E. E. UKPEBOR ◽  
B. R. ISSA

Environmental noise pollution affects not only the quality of life, but it poses a serious health and social problem. The Cirrus integrating averaging sound level instrument: model CR262A was employed to determine the noise levels at the twenty-two (22) selected sampling stations. The measurement of the noise was carried out during the morning, afternoon, and evening periods, to evaluate noise pollution within the twin city.Results indicated that there is no much difference (p>0.05) in the mean noise values within the different periods of the day at each sampling station, but there is significant variation (p<0.05) in the mean noise values at each period of the day over all the sampling stations. The results of the noise measurement showed that Enerhen Junction and NNPC Complex recorded the highest and lowest overall noise values of 84.84+5.39 dB(A) and 70 .90+2.98 dB(A) respectively. The results of this survey showed that the noise values at all the measurements points within Warri and Effurun metropolitan cities and at all the periods of the day is more than the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Environment (NFMEnv) and World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 55dB daily noise level criteria for residential areas. The ssurvey requires the need to enact and enforce permissible noise levels/standards for residential neighbourhoods of 55dB by relevant environmental authorities both at Federal and state levels instead of applying 90dB standard meant for regulations in industrial settings.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248939
Author(s):  
Pervez Alam ◽  
Kafeel Ahmad ◽  
Afzal Husain Khan ◽  
Nadeem A. Khan ◽  
Mohammad Hadi Dehghani

Noise monitoring and mapping is the critical processes to ensure that the noise level does not reach the harmful levels and provides noise exposure level details. 2-D and 3-D noise mapping has been carried out at pre-selected critical locations of major roads passing through densely populated residential areas, namely, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Road, and Ring road, along with significant intersections, viz. Moolchand, Ashram, Sabz Burj, and Lodhi road. The monitoring has been performed during the day and night’s peak traffic hours using Sound Level Meter (SLM) Larson & Davis 831as per standard procedure. Then after, 2-D and 3-D noise maps have been prepared, visualized, and analyzed by soundPLAN (acoustic) and MapInfo Pro (Desktop GIS). The maximum noise level is observed at Ashram Chowk [81.1 dB (A)] at 8 pm; however, the minimum noise level is found to be at Lala Lajpat Rai Road [76.4dB (A)] at 7 pm. Monitoring results of noise level show non-compliance of regulatory standards for day time and night time. 2-D noise maps revealed that the noise level is maximum at the centerline of the road and decreases either side with the distance, and remains above the permissible limits at all locations. However, the 3-D noise maps show horizontal as well as vertical noise levels at all locations. The 3-D noise maps also revealed a noise level of 70 dB (A) up to a height of 6.096m at the Ashram Chowk and Moolchand intersection. However, a noise level of 65 dB (A) has been observed at the height of 5.486m at Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Sabz Burj. This study will explore noise levels in both horizontal and vertical directions near roads surrounded by high-rise buildings. It will help the decision-makers take remedial measures.


Author(s):  
Francis Olawale Abulude ◽  
Samuel Dare Fagbayide ◽  
Akinyinka Akinnusotu

Noise pollution is an environmental problem due to its effect on hearing and other related health issues. The elevated noise levels above standard limits cause hearing loss and other attendant problems. In Nigeria, viewing centers where football matches are watched via satellite are known as &lsquo;Mini Stadium&rsquo;. &nbsp;In this study, the noise pollution of a viewing center was assessed. To do this, five top teams each from the English Premier League (EPL), La Liga, Bundesliga, League 1, and Serie A were selected for the assessment. A sound level meter (GB: 2266204, made in China) was used for the monitoring. The range of noise levels in dBA showed as follow: EPL (56-108); La Liga (46-106); Bundesliga (54-102); Serie A (49-101); and Ligue 1 (54-101). The results when compared with the standard limits, it was observed that part of the results exceeded the limits, this means that the viewers and others within the viewing center may be prone to the hearing problem. It is recommended that acoustic insulators and hearing aids should be used to reduce the attendant problems associated with noise.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Taleb Obaidat

This paper combines field data with an analytical approach to spatially map noise levels due to traffic movements at relatively high traffic volume signalized intersections utilizing the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Noise data were collected using a discrete mapping technique at 29 signalized intersections, as well as between intersections, and at their respective neighborhood areas in Amman, capital of Jordan. Data were collected in three different highly congested traffic peak periods: 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. A portable precision sound level meter capable of measuring noise levels from 34 to 134 decibels (dB) was used during the data collection process. The highest recorded noise level at some signals was 80 dB, while the lowest was 34 dB. In fact, some signalized intersections showed higher noise levels than the acceptable or the standard ones, i.e., 65 dB for daytime and 55 dB for nighttime in residential areas at city center. Two-dimensional (2D) vector and raster maps of noise levels, at different time periods for signals' areas and neighborhoods, were spatially displayed. Results showed that the developed GIS maps could be useful for city planning and other environmental management applications for the purpose of: 1) temporal monitoring and queries of noise level changes as a function of time, 2) spatial queries to find the highest noise disturbance location and its time of the day, 3) development of an online noise information system, 4) using noise level based spatial maps as indicators of variation in land prices, and 5) forecasting and current assessment of the acoustic climate of urban areas.


Author(s):  
OF Orikpete ◽  
◽  
DRE Ewim ◽  

With the projected growth in demand for commercial aviation, it is anticipated that there will be an increased environmental impact associated with noise, air quality, and climate change. Against this backdrop, the noise levels experienced by the residents of Mgbuoshimini Community due to helicopters takeoff and landing were studied. The study was carried out for 14 days at three different locations using a Class 2 Optimus sound level meter from 7am to 5pm daily. Analysis involved the equivalent noise levels, statistical measures for the background noise, aircraft flyover noise as well as the Noise Gap Index (NGI) . It was found that the equivalent noise levels of the background noise and aircraft flyover noise range from 67.7 dBA to 72.4 dBA and 88.4 dBA to 88.6 dBA respectively. The peak background noise and aircraft flyover noise ranged from 69.17 dBA to 79 dBA and 93.2 dBA to 94.8 dBA respectively. These values exceeded the recommended value of 60 dBA for residential areas. Two models to determine the NGI for both low noise areas and high noise areas were developed. A correlation coefficient of 0.70 and 0.88 were obtained between the actual and predicted values of NGI for both low and high noise areas. Therefore, it is recommended that buildings should be adequately insulated by use of noise-absorbing materials. Furthermore, environmentally friendly (quieter) aircrafts should be used by the airline company operating in that area


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