Impact of Traffic Noise and Apartment Building Features on the Quality of Life in Matsue City

Abstract

Traffic noise has a significant impact on the health and quality of life of urban residents. Despite this, there has been limited research on the effects of vehicle-generated noise from roads and parking lots near buildings. This study aimed to examine the impact of traffic and parking noise on residents living in apartments along 11 roads in Matsue City, Japan. To achieve this, the residents' reactions to noise were investigated in relation to the distance of their apartments from main roads and parking lots, as well as the building design. Noise exposures were measured on the road shoulders in front of the properties for 24 hours, and short-term recordings were taken at various reference locations within the buildings. A questionnaire was distributed to 60 households residing in the targeted properties. The results showed that the residents living in apartments along the main roads, which exceeded the noise level limit recommended by the latest World Health Organization (WHO) environmental noise guidelines, expressed annoyance with the traffic noise. The study highlights that the noise issue cannot be solely determined by comparing it to the environmental standards recommended by prefectural standards. The findings suggest the need to review whether the current environmental standards are appropriate for each region.