Construction noise effects on human health: Evidence from physiological measures

Abstract

Noise pollution caused by construction activities in urban areas is a serious problem. Construction noise can affect human health and well-being negatively. This study utilised physiological data including heart rate parameters, Respiratory Rate (RR), and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) to explore the effects of construction noise on human health. Different construction noise types (saw, jackhammer, pile driver, bulldozer), levels (55, 65, 75 and 85 dBA), and exposure durations (30, 60, 120, and 180 s) were examined in a lab-based experiment. The noise conditions were reproduced for twenty-three participants through speakers. To statistically analyse the changes in the physiological measures caused by the examined noise conditions, mixed models were utilised. The results revealed significant effects of the construction noise types on heart rate parameters including heart rate (HR), high frequency (HF), and standard deviation of the normal beat intervals (SDNN). In addition, the results showed that exposure duration significantly affects physiological responses, including RR and SDNN. This study will help to identify the non-auditory health effects of exposure to construction noise. The outputs of this research will provide critical inputs to revisit the current environmental noise regulations to protect the community against the negative health effects of construction noise more efficiently.