Current Traffic Noise Exposure Assessment and Noise Effect of Distraction in Class Among Children in Xiʼan City

Abstract

ISEE-0169 Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current traffic noise level in Xi'an city and to examine exposure-effect relationships between traffic noise exposure and children's distraction in class. Methods: The overall current noise levels were monitored, especially noise from traffic. We set up 126 monitoring sites in the whole city, and collected data for three months. We compared the noise level in different life zones to try to find out which was the highest. We also conducted a study assessing 1890 pupils, aged 8–10, from 42 schools near major traffic roads and not, from all eight urban areas in Xi'an. Children were selected on the basis of exposure to external road traffic noise exposure. A well-administered questionnaire concerning distraction in class and demographic information was distributed to these pupils and their teachers. Results: The noise from major roads was above 20% of the overall noise in Xi'an city, and reached an average level of 62 dB, exceeding the concern level for causing public health problems. Among all the life zones, the ones near the major traffic roads had the highest noise levels. Traffic noise exposure was significantly associated with an increased score on distracted behavior among children after full adjustment. Conclusion: The assessment of noise level in Xi'an city suggested that noise level in urban areas of Xi'an has reached an alarming level. Meanwhile, a population survey in children revealed that living near a road with heavy traffic volume is one of the risk factors for distraction in class among pupils–this is an important problem impacting on behaviour at school and effective learning among children.