Noise exposure and its impact on psychological health of agricultural tractor operators

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 500-506
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yamin ◽  
Zohaib Yousaf ◽  
Khalid Mahmood Bhatt ◽  
Muhammad Ibrahim

Constant exposure of noise to the auditory system of the agricultural tractor opera- tor can cause physical and psychological problems. A field study was conducted in the Faisalabad and Narowal districts of Pakistan to examine the spread of tractor noise and its psychological effects on the safety of tractor operators driving tractors without cabins and other noise reduction measures. Four of the most common imple- ments used in Pakistan, including land scraper, cultivator, disk harrow and seed drill, were used to detect the changes in tractor noise at two speeds of 5.3 km/h and 10.6 km/h in all four directions. Lowest noise was produced during the field operation of the seed drill at a mean noise value of 81.9 dB(A) among all four implements. Disk harrow and cultivator were found to be the most noisy implement, and during oper- ation, the tractor operator was directly exposed to high noise levels of 86.9 dB(A) and 84.9 dB(A), respectively. This noise pollution caused psychological problems in agri- cultural tractor operators, as demonstrated by the highly positive correlations of de- pression, aggression, anxiety and stress. This trend had a negative effect on their social interactions relative to the comparable population of office employees. In or- der to mitigate the adverse health effects, tractor operators must be equipped with sound proof cabins or at least ear plugs because of direct exposure to high noise levels. Furthermore, a safe distance of 48 m or at least a warning distance of 26 m from the tractor must be maintained by farm workers.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-189
Author(s):  
Kuldeep Kuldeep ◽  
Sohil Sisodiya ◽  
Dr. Anil K. Mathur

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 032-040
Author(s):  
Chris Onyeka Ekweozor ◽  
Johnbosco Emeka Umunnakwe ◽  
Leo O Osuji ◽  
Vincent C Weli

This study evaluated noise pollution in Onitsha metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria in 2019. Noise levels were measured at forty sampling stations in the morning, afternoon and night within the study area for dry and wet seasons using modern noise level instruments. A control point was established at ldeani/Nnobi Junction with coordinates N 06o 05’.282’’ E 006o 55’.891’’ which was used as a reference point and for comparison with the sound levels recorded in designated locations. The results showed that the maximum noise level in the study area exceeded the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) limit by 7.8% in the dry season and by 13.11% in the wet season. Noise LAeq exceeded the NESREA LAeq limit by 29.89% in the dry season and by 33.44% in the wet season. The study indicated that the mean noise levels in the dry and wet seasons were within FMEnv limit of 90dB .It also showed that high noise levels were recorded around major junctions and market places within Onitsha, which are harmful to public health. The study further showed that transportation activities and trading activities at the market places are the main sources of high noise levels in the study area. Health impact assessment should be conducted in Onitsha metropolis for residents. State government should enforce compliance laws and regulate the activities of industries in the areas.


2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P160-P160
Author(s):  
Angela P Black ◽  
James D Sidman

Objectives To demonstrate that neonatal ventilators produce high noise levels through bone conduction (BC) via endotracheal tubes, as well as air conduction (AC) from ambient noise. Methods A sound level meter was used to measure the noise levels 4 feet from the ventilator and in direct contact at the end of a balloon attached to the ETT to simulate the noise presented to the infant. 3 commonly used neonatal ventilators (Sensormedics 3100A, VIP Bird and Bunnell Jet) were examined. Results Noise levels were significantly higher (6 – 14 dB) at the end of the ETT than 4 ft from the ventilator for all ventilators studied. Conclusions Previous studies have shown high ambient noise levels in NICUs, but have failed to address the actual noise presented to the infant. ETT transmission of noise as a direct bone stimulus through the skull has been overlooked. This study has shown that high noise intensities are being presented not only as AC, but as BC to the infants though the ETT. This study demonstrates, therefore, that ear protection alone will not save these at-risk infants from hearing damage. More must be done to decrease noise exposure and develop quieter machines.


2022 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 725-745
Author(s):  
Akmal Haziq Mohd Yunos ◽  
Nor Azali Azmir

Noise measurement is essential for industrial usage. However, further attention to preventing noise pollution is needed, especially when working with equipment generating a high noise level, such as gas turbines. This study aims to determine the best way to perform noise measurement and analyze the octave band frequency generated by noise pollution caused by gas turbine equipment. Data from site measurements show that the gas turbines produce more than 85 dB of noise with a Z-weighted measurement. A noise measuring investigation was conducted to obtain the data for the 1/3 octave band. A frequency-domain was used to comprehend the properties of the noise measurement frequency band. The frequency band was classified into three different zones called low, medium, and high frequency, which is useful in noise measurement analysis to identify a viable solution to reduce the noise. On-site sampling was performed at the source, path, and receiver of three separate gas turbine locations within oil and gas operations. The 1/3 octave band data collection results at the sound source, path, and receiver demonstrate the noise level distribution at the perimeter of gas turbine installations in the low and medium frequency ranges. Most of the high noise frequency range is between 250 Hz and 2 kHz for source, path, and receiver. All acquired values are compared to the Department of Safety and Health (Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 in Malaysia. As a result, oil and gas service operators can monitor and take countermeasures to limit noise exposure at oil and gas facilities.


Author(s):  
Tao Huang ◽  
Ta-Chien Chan ◽  
Ying-Jhen Huang ◽  
Wen-Chi Pan

Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common worldwide. Studies suggest environmental pollution, including traffic noise, might be linked with metabolic syndrome. This study sought to evaluate how noise exposure is linked to the development of metabolic syndrome and its components in Taiwan. Using data from a cohort of 42,509 participants and Cox proportional hazards regression models, the effects of noise exposure on metabolic syndrome and its components were quantified. After adjustment for covariates (age, gender, body mass index, and physical activity), the hazard ratio for metabolic syndrome was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04–1.22) for medium noise exposure and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.13–1.36) for high noise exposure. Noise exposure was also positively associated with all of metabolic syndrome’s components. This finding suggests noise exposure might contribute to metabolic syndrome and its components. Policies aiming to reduce noise pollution might reduce the risks of metabolic syndrome and its components.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
MMM Hoque ◽  
LK Basak ◽  
M Rokanuzzaman ◽  
Sajal Roy

The study was carried out to ascertain the level of noise pollution at different locations in Tangail municipal area. For this purpose noise levels were measured at different locations at different periods of the day. At all the locations the level of noise were found to be higher than the acceptable level. The intensity of noise was found lower with increasing distance from the road side. The noise level on the main road near hospital, shopping center and bazars was above the standard level recommended by MoEF. From the survey motor vehicles were found as the main cause of high noise level. The most common problems with high noise level were found to increased heart beat, drowsiness, headache and hearing impairment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v26i1-2.20228 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 26(1-2): 29-36, December-2013


Author(s):  
Marius Deaconu ◽  
Grigore Cican ◽  
Adina-Cristina Toma ◽  
Luminița Ioana Drăgășanu

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2571-2579
Author(s):  
Ahmed H. Ali ◽  
Mohammed M. Abed ◽  
Berivan H. Mahdi ◽  
Wassan D. Hussain ◽  
Aisar M. Mohaisen

     The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of noise exposure in certain residential districts in Fallujah city. Twenty-nine stations were selected and divided into two groups; the first group was located 50 to 100 metres from the main streets (quiet areas), whilst the second was located directly on the main streets. Noise levels were measured at a rate of three readings per station for different time periods for approximately sixty days in the year 2020. Mean values were taken in both the morning and evening using a portable sound level meter (Auto range, RS-232). The highest noise level was measured at Alforkan station for the morning reading (83.8 dB) within the second group, while the lowest noise level was measured at Alshohada alawla district station for the morning reading (63.2 dB) within the first group. As for the results of the daily noise level in the evening, the highest daily average (79.4 dB) was measured at Jaish al Shabi street, while the lowest daily average (56.4 dB) was at Dor Alsekak district. The total average noise levels for the morning measurements for the first and second groups were 66.7 dB and 77.2 dB, respectively, whereas those for evening measurements were 65.3 dB and 71.7 dB, respectively. According to field measurements, the average values for the noise (traffic) for the first and second groups in the morning and afternoon exceeded 68 dB, which may cause people to feel very disturbed according to the WHO guidelines on exposure to external environmental noise. In general, all the results measured in this study are above the limits allowed both locally and internationally. This is due to certain erroneous practices in daily activities in addition to the irregular spread of electric generators and commercial activities as well as heavy traffic in the city.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aina Roca-Barceló ◽  
Adelaide Nardocci ◽  
Breno Souza de Aguiar ◽  
Adeylson G. Ribeiro ◽  
Marcelo Antunes Failla ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Noise pollution is increasingly recognised as a public health hazard, yet limited evidence is available from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly for specific sources. Here, we investigated the association between day-night average (Ldn) aircraft noise and the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) at small-area level around São Paulo‘s Congonhas airport, Brazil during the period 2011–2016. Methods We selected 3259 census tracts across 16 districts partially or entirely exposed to ≥50 dB aircraft noise levels around the Congonhas airport, using pre-modelled 5 dB Ldn noise  bands (≤50 dB to > 65 dB). We estimated the average noise exposure per census tract using area-weighting. Age, sex and calendar year-specific death counts for CVD, stroke and CHD were calculated by census tract, according to the residential address at time of death. We fitted Poisson regression models to quantify the risk associated with aircraft noise exposure, adjusting for age, sex, calendar year and area-level covariates including socioeconomic development, ethnicity, smoking and road traffic related noise and air pollution. Results After accounting for all covariates, areas exposed to the highest levels of noise (> 65 dB) showed a relative risk (RR) for CVD and CHD of 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94; 1.20) and 1.11 (95%CI: 0.96; 1.27), respectively, compared to those exposed to reference noise levels (≤50 dB). The RR for stroke ranged between 1.05 (95%CI: 0.95;1.16) and 0.91 (95%CI: 0.78;1.11) for all the noise levels assessed. We found a statistically significant positive trend for CVD and CHD mortality risk with increasing levels of noise (p = 0.043 and p = 0.005, respectively). No significant linear trend was found for stroke. Risk estimates were generally higher after excluding road traffic density, suggesting that road traffic air and noise pollution are potentially important confounders. Conclusions This study provides some evidence that aircraft noise is associated with increased risk of CVD and CHD mortality in a middle-income setting. More research is needed to validate these results in other LMIC settings and to further explore the influence of residual confounding and ecological bias. Remarkably, 60% of the study population living near the Congonhas airport (~ 1.5 million) were exposed to aircraft noise levels > 50 dB, well above those recommended by the WHO (45 dB), highlighting the need for public health interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 31-38
Author(s):  
Hamna Khan ◽  
Ain ul Momina ◽  
Muhammad Zeeshan Sarwar

 ABSTRACT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, stress and depression in undergraduate MBBS students to correlate it with self-efficacy, life satisfaction and to evaluate its effect on academic performance. We have also considered the relation between academic year and last year score. METHODOLOGY: A total of 800 self-administered questionnaires were filled by 1st year to final year undergraduate students using non-probability, purposive sampling. The 10-minute questionnaire comprised of four sections: (1) demographics (2) Depression, Stress and Anxiety Scale (DASS ) 21 scoring system (3) Satisfaction with Life Scale (4) General Self-Efficacy Scale. The demographic questions included participants’ age, gender, and year of study, residence and last year professional examination score percentage. A percentage below 50% was named as low achievers. A percentage from 50% to 70% was considered as moderate achievers and above 70% as high achievers.  RESULTS: In this sample of 505 students 180 (35.6%) were male undergraduates consisting of 18.6% from 1st year, 26.5% from 2nd year and 20.8%, 18% and 16% from 3rd year, 4th year and final year respectively. The depression, anxiety and stress rate were 69.5%, 78.6% and 63.4% respectively. Generally, depression, anxiety and stress were found more in females as compared to males. Anxiety was more common as compared to stress and depression. Students of 4th year were experiencing least psychological stress. CONCLUSION: Moderate level of depression, stress and anxiety is necessary for good grades but excess of these psychological problems leads to emotional exhaustion and has a negative effect on learning and academic score. These psychological problems also lower the general self-efficacy of a student and are associated with low satisfaction with life.


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