Acoustic Environment and Noise Exposure in Fitness Halls

People seek health and leisure in gyms and fitness halls. In this study, interior acoustics including reverberation time (T) and activity noise levels were studied in 20 indoor sports and gymnasium (IS & G) halls in Amman, Jordan. Interviews and questionnaires were also applied to assess the subjective comfort levels of the acoustic environment in these IS & G halls. The measured values were correlated with the subjective evaluations. The range of measured T values was 1.09–5.38 s. The activity noise level, which was measured with LA,eq over 50 min of activity, ranged between 80.0 and 110.0 dB(A). The average personal noise exposure for instructors was 92.6 dB(A), ranging from 81.0 to 108.0 dB(A), whereas 90% of the measurement results were above the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 85.0 dB(A), and 40% of instructors were potentially exposed to excessive noise levels. The subjective rating of listening conditions correlated significantly with the reverberation time rather than noise level (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results from this study show that noise levels generated in the studied IS & G halls present a possible workplace noise hazard. Raising awareness of the risk of hearing problems among instructors working in IS & G halls is highly recommended.

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Noise Descriptors For Kota Metropolis, Rajasthan (India)

Current World Environment ◽

10.12944/cwe.16.1.18 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 176-189

Author(s):

Kuldeep Kuldeep ◽

Sohil Sisodiya ◽

Dr. Anil K. Mathur

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Pollution Level ◽

Exposure Index ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Rapid Urbanization ◽

High Noise ◽

Sampling Locations ◽

The City

The most common environmental concern in metropolitan cities worldwide is noise pollution. Kota metropolis (India) is also suffering from the problem of the increased noise level in the urban environment. Kota metropolis has been selected for the assessment of noise pollution. The main reasons behind the increasing level of noise in the city are increased population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, increased transportation facilities, urban development, construction and demolition works etc. The noise levels were recorded for day-time (6 am to 10 pm) as per Indian standard time for 96 days. Sixteen sampling points are made within the city depending upon the category of area/zone such as industrial, residential, silence and commercial. Six days were prescribed for each sampling location for noise level measurement. Noise descriptors such as Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50, L90, NC (noise climate), Lnp (noise pollution level), Leq (equivalent noise level), and NEI (noise exposure index) were computed with the observed data. Noise descriptors are very useful to indicate the physiological and psychological effects of noise pollution associated with noise levels. It makes regulating agency to take necessary actions in high noise areas for noise vulnerable groups such as Childs, old persons etc. Noise levels were recorded with the digital sound level meter " HTC SL-1350". Obtained equivalent noise levels were in between 65 dB(A) to 85 dB(A). The results were then compared with the WHO standards of community noise levels, and Indian noise pollution standards. It is noticed that the noise levels in all monitoring stations were well above the limits of the standards prescribed by the WHO and CPCB. Small variations in noise levels were observed for all sampling locations i.e. noise levels were almost similar at sampling locations. Noise levels were distinct in magnitude for morning and evenings hours. Noise Exposure Index (NEI) was greater than 1 which shows significant high noise levels in all the sampling locations. Kota metropolis desperately needs new strategies to reduces the high noise level in the city. Regulating agencies should take necessary action before things get out of control. Some immediate actions are suggested in the study.

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Underwater Ambient Noise in Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen, during the Summers of 2015 and 2016

ARCTIC ◽

10.14430/arctic70499 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (3) ◽

pp. 386-392

Author(s):

Muthuraj Ashokan ◽

Ganesan Latha ◽

Ayyadurai Thirunavukkarasu

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Ambient Noise ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

Noise Data ◽

Iceberg Calving ◽

Instrument Noise ◽

Average Noise Level

Underwater ambient noise was measured in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, during the summers of 2015 and 2016 to understand the contribution of iceberg bubbling, iceberg calving, and shipping noise to the acoustic environment of the fjord. Comparison of the ambient noise data for the months of August, September, and October showed that average noise levels were similar, although the average noise level for 2015 was ~9 dB higher than in 2016 because of higher shipping noise. Maximum ambient noise was produced at frequencies less than 10 kHz during both summers. Spectrograms of iceberg calving noise showed that it occurred in the frequency below 500 Hz. Shipping noise was seen in the band below 600 Hz, and iceberg bubbling noise was detected in the band above 400 Hz. Instrument noise was observed in the frequency 400 Hz. It is clear that ice breaking and shipping contribute substantially to ambient noise in Kongsfjorden.

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Field Study of the Noise Exposure Inside Running Metro Unit

Civil Engineering Journal ◽

10.28991/cej-2021-03091674 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 560-574

Author(s):

Mohamed N. Younes ◽

Ali Z. Heikal ◽

Akram S. Kotb ◽

Haytham N. Zohny

Keyword(s):

Noise Exposure ◽

Sound Level ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Severe Damage ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Greater Cairo ◽

Train Speed ◽

Level Meter

The noise levels inside metro units are considered a significant problem that makes passengers suffer from severe damage, especially for those who use the metro periodically. This research evaluates the acoustic environment inside the metro car and studies factors affecting the noise levels inside metro units and developing models for estimate noise in the metro unit while moving between stations. Greater Cairo Metro (GCM) Line 1 has been selected as a case study. A sound level meter was used to measure the equivalent sound level in dBA and evaluate the noise inside metro units. The results indicate that the noise levels are unacceptable compared with the international noise exposure standards. The highest measured noise level inside metro units is 91.2 dBA. These unacceptable noise levels led to more investigation of factors that may affect noise levels inside metro units. Other data have been collected, such as the speed of the train and the track alignment details. The results showed that the noise increases with the increase of the train speed until the speed reaches a specific value, then it decreases depending on the maintenance status and the train type. In addition, the noise levels through curved underground tracks are higher than the levels along straight surface tracks by 18 dB(A). Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091674 Full Text: PDF

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Pengendalian Kebisingan Dari Aktivitas Penerbangan di Lingkungan Sekitar Bandara Sultan Thaha Jambi dengan Pemanfaatan Ruang Terbuka Hijau

Jurnal Daur Lingkungan ◽

10.33087/daurling.v4i1.66 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Nur Sodiq ◽

G M Saragih ◽

Peppy Herawati

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Open Space ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Quality Standard ◽

Residential Area ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Populated Area ◽

Forest Park ◽

Operational Activities ◽

Natural Barrier

Noise is a sound pollution and its existence is undesirable in a certain level and time, which has the potential to cause human health problems and environmental comfort. One of the causes of noise levels is due to airport operational activities, from landing to take off. For this reason, it is necessary to control the noise around the Sultan Thaha Jambi airport area, by utilizing green open space as a barrier that can reduce noise levels. This study aims to determine the level of airport noise in certain zones and evaluate the existence of green open space (RTH) whether it is appropriate to become a natural barrier as a barrier to reduce noise caused by flight activities from Sultan Thaha Jambi airport. The results showed the noise level dB (A) from flight activities in each zone, namely the lowest in zones 1 and 3, amounting to 52.08 dB (A), and the highest in zone 5 at 87.93 dB (A). , while the existence of Green Open Space (RTH) is only in zone 1, and 3 are forest park areas, and fields around the Sultan Thaha Jambi airport area, so the existence of this Green Open Space (RTH) is able to reduce noise levels by 2.11 dB (A) based on KEP-48 / MNLH / 11/1996 the quality standard of the allowable noise level is 50 dB (A). While zone 5 is a residential area, the noise level figure is quite high, namely 87.93 dB (A), due to the densely populated area, lack of green open space (RTH), and proximity to motorized vehicle transportation activities, and adjacent to the runway. runway airport. However, not all activities are carried out continuously. So that the residential area is still feasible if exposed to noise exposure either from airport activities or other activities.

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Evaluation of Noise Level at the Position of Water Cutter Operator at Selected Enterprise

New Trends in Production Engineering ◽

10.2478/ntpe-2019-0098 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 341-349

Author(s):

Michał Pałęga ◽

Marcin Kwapisz

Keyword(s):

Work Environment ◽

Noise Level ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Sound Level ◽

Exposure Level ◽

Basic Information ◽

Computer Service ◽

Measurement Results ◽

The Subject

Abstract The subject of this publication is to assess the exposure of the waterjet operator to the noise hazard. The publication presents basic information about noise in the work environment. Next, the procedure of noise measurement in the work environment was discussed and the results of tests carried out at the waterjet operator’s station for three basic activities were presented, ie: (1) plotter support, supervision of the cutting process, loading and receiving material, (2) auxiliary, transport and cleaning, (3) computer service, keeping documentation, hygienic and social break. The noise level test included the determination of: the maximum sound level A LA max, the peak sound level C LCpeak, the noise exposure level related to the 8-hour work day LEX,8h. Based on the obtained measurement results, it can be stated that the exposure to noise at the station of the waterjet operator is at an acceptable level.

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How did the ‘state of emergency’ declaration in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic affect the acoustic environment in a rather quiet residential area?

UCL Open Environment ◽

10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kimihiro Sakagami

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Residential Area ◽

The State ◽

Residential Areas ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Noise Sources ◽

State Of Emergency ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

Large Cities ◽

City Centres

The COVID-19 pandemic caused lockdowns in many countries worldwide. Acousticians have made surveys to monitor how cities became quieter under the lockdown, mainly in central areas in cities. However, there have been few studies on the changes in the acoustic environment due to the pandemic in the usually quieter residential areas. It may be expected to be different from the effect in ‘originally noisy’ areas. Also, the effect could be different in Japan, because the ‘state of emergency’ declaration there was different to lockdowns elsewhere. Considering these circumstances, this article reports the results of noise monitoring and makes some observations on the acoustic environment in residential areas far from city centres, to provide an example of how the acoustic environment was affected by the state of emergency declaration due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The results showed that the reduction of noise levels was somewhat less than that reported in large cities. Also, comparing the results after the cancellation of the state of emergency, the noise level increased again. However, observations of noise sources imply that a possible change in human behaviour may have also affected the acoustic environment.

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Development of Airport Noise Mapping using Matlab Software (Case Study: Adi Soemarmo Airport – Boyolali, Indonesia)

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/20183112007 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 12007

Author(s):

Pertiwi Andarani ◽

Haryono Setiyo Huboyo ◽

Diny Setyanti ◽

Wiwik Budiawan

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Model Simulation ◽

Develop Model ◽

Noise Power ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Noise Mapping ◽

Matlab Software ◽

International Airport

Noise is considered as one of the main environmental impact of Adi Soemarmo International Airport (ASIA), the second largest airport in Central Java Province, Indonesia. In order to manage the noise of airport, airport noise mapping is necessary. However, a model that requires simple input but still reliable was not available in ASIA. Therefore, the objective of this study are to develop model using Matlab software, to verify its reliability by measuring actual noise exposure, and to analyze the area of noise levels‥ The model was developed based on interpolation or extrapolation of identified Noise-Power-Distance (NPD) data. In accordance with Indonesian Government Ordinance No.40/2012, the noise metric used is WECPNL (Weighted Equivalent Continuous Perceived Noise Level). Based on this model simulation, there are residence area in the region of noise level II (1.912 km2) and III (1.16 km2) and 18 school buildings in the area of noise levels I, II, and III. These land-uses are actually prohibited unless noise insulation is equipped. The model using Matlab in the case of Adi Soemarmo International Airport is valid based on comparison of the field measurement (6 sampling points). However, it is important to validate the model again once the case study (the airport) is changed.

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Noise Pollution and Its Correlations with Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Cement Plants in Vietnam

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084229 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4229

Author(s):

Tinh Thai ◽

Petr Kučera ◽

Ales Bernatik

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Noise Level ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽

Exposure Limit ◽

Global Issue ◽

Exposed Workers ◽

Almost All ◽

Cement Grinding

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a global issue that is caused by many factors. The purpose of this study was to survey noise level to identify NIHL and its relationship with other factors in cement plants in Vietnam. Noise level was measured at one cement plant and three cement grinding stations located in the South of Vietnam. The audiometric data of exposed workers were surveyed to determine NIHL. Finally, the relationship between NIHL and noise level in cement plants was determined. The results show that noise level in almost all processes exceeded the permissible exposure limit (PEL). In this study, 42 cases (10% of exposed workers) with occupational NIHL were found with mean age (SD) of 49 (9.0) years. All NIHL cases were found in the departments in which the noise level exceeded the PEL, which included quarry (n = 16), maintenance (n = 12), production (n = 10), co-waste processing (n = 3) and quality assurance (n = 1). There was a positive and significant correlation between the NIHL and the excessive noise exposure in the cement plants (r = 0.89, p = 0.04).

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A note on the acoustic environment in a usually quiet residential area after the ‘state of emergency’ declaration due to COVID-19 pandemic in Japan was lifted: supplementary survey results in post-emergency situations

Noise Mapping ◽

10.1515/noise-2020-0016 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 192-198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kimihiro Sakagami

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Residential Area ◽

The State ◽

State Of Emergency ◽

Acoustic Environment ◽

Large Cities ◽

Emergency Situations ◽

Measurement Results ◽

Survey Results

AbstractIn a preceding report (UCL Open: Environment, 2020;1;6), an example of results on changes in the acoustic environment from a local-scale survey in a quiet residential area during and after the ‘state of emergency’ due to COVID-19 pandemic in Japan is presented: the noise level was 1–2 dBA lower during the state of emergency, which is smaller than reported from large cities. This note presents the results of a follow-up survey in the same area to provide some more examples to gain an insight into the acoustic environment in this area. In this note, the measurement results of noise levels in June 2020, a few weeks after the cancellation of the state of emergency, are mainly reported. As the results are almost the same as those from during the state of emergency, we can infer that either the noise level was reduced in June to a level that was almost the same as that during the state of emergency, or the noise level after its cancellation in May was possibly higher than usual. In either case, the change in noise level was small, and it was difficult to conclude which case was true.

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Helicopter Inside Cabin Acoustic Evaluation: A Case Study—IAR PUMA 330

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189716 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9716

Author(s):

Marius Deaconu ◽

Grigore Cican ◽

Adina-Cristina Toma ◽

Luminița Ioana Drăgășanu

Keyword(s):

Noise Exposure ◽

Flight Test ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Noise Sources ◽

High Noise ◽

Measurement Campaign ◽

Measurement Results ◽

Noise Assessment ◽

Acoustic Evaluation

This paper presents an inside-cabin acoustic evaluation of the IAR PUMA 330 helicopter, manufactured by IAR S.A. Brasov. In this study, based on the acoustic assessment inside the helicopter, areas with high noise levels are identified. In this regard, several tests were carried out in accordance with the ISO 5129 standard. In the first stage of the assessment, a measurement campaign was performed to identify the acoustic leaks from the outside noise sources propagating inside the cabin (in the door area) and the acoustic attenuation of the helicopter structure. These tests were performed on the factory runway, with the helicopter in parked position (ground tests). During the ground tests, the helicopter engines were turned off. The tests consisted of placing two loudspeakers directed towards the helicopter door and generating pink noise. Inside the helicopter, the entire door frame opening was scanned with an intensity probe to identify acoustic leaks areas. The second assessment stage was to determine the areas of the cabin with the highest levels of noise. Within the measurement campaign, 16 microphones were placed inside the cabin, at the level of the passengers’ heads, arranged in seven zones. The tests were carried out with the helicopter engines started, staying at fixed point above the ground (hovering), and then a flight test, in which all the maneuvers necessary for the use of the helicopter were performed (in-flight tests). Based on the measurement results, it was possible to highlight the noise spectral components in each of the seven areas. The noise assessment revealed high noise levels inside the cabin, having as main noise sources the transmission gear and the door area, leading to the need for reducing the noise exposure for passengers and crew, thus the need to reduce noise levels inside the helicopter.

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