Equivalent Noise Level Research Articles

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ МЕТОДИЧЕСКИХ ПОДХОДОВ К ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЮ ГРАНИЦ САНИТАРНО-ЗАЩИТНЫХ ЗОН ПРИАЭРОДРОМНОЙ ТЕРРИТОРИИ ПО УРОВНЮ ШУМОВОГО ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ

Borders of noise protection zones for populated aerodrome surroundings have been defined with account of equivalent and peak noise levels from different types of airplane in control points, take-off and landing paths, taxiing, day and night airline schedule, lay of land and seasonal variations. The effort was accomplished in four stages. The first stage was choosing methods and parameters to be measured. The second was analysis of airline schedule and noise produced by airplanes. The third was calculation of equivalent and peak noise levels and the fourth was setting guidelines on drawing the noise protection zones in populated airdrome surroundings.

Modelling and analysis of an urban road traffic noise pollution: Case study of an interrupted flow traffic noise at a signalized intersection

This research aimed at modeling interrupted flow traffic noise at a signalized intersection. In this study, a new approach has been used with SPSS and Arc GIS with urban road traffic noise. The measured parameters of noise include noise equivalent level, volume of light vehicles, heavy vehicles and time mean speed. The results showed that the Spearman correlation coefficient between the interface and the level of the noise at morning, evening and total time were 0.241, 0.35 and 0.45. The spearman correlation coefficient between the interface of the buildings and the intersection of all types of vehicles passing through the morning, evening and total time equal to 0.534, 0.328 and 0.409. The results showed that noise level can be predicted through the speed variables of the vehicles, the volume of vehicles passing heavy and the use of land use of buildings. According to the results and the noise maps for the modeling noise of the estimated coefficients from the equation, it can be found that in building highway in urban, closer look on internationally acting Green Building Labels and noise protection is seen as an important part of the social sustainability aspects of a building.

Assessment of noise impact on coal mine workers including way to/from workplace

Purpose. Determination of the noise induced permanent threshold shift for a coal miners in five main working professions, taking into account the noise impact on the way to the workplace and back based on data obtained from personal sound level meters. Methodology. A strategy is selected for measuring the level of noise exposure at workplaces No. 3 per workday (GOST ISO 9612-2016) in a coal mine. Personal sound level meters were attached to the miners shoulders; they measured the noise level on the way to the workplace, during the work shift (8 hours) and on the way back. The processing of the measurement results was carried out on the basis of a quantitative assessment of the noise impact on workers according to the noise induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS). The NIPTS values were calculated for a period from 3 to 30 years for 5 main professions, taking into account the noise impact when moving to the workplace and back. Findings. The values of the equivalent noise level at miners workplaces of are determined, which are 15 to 20 dBA above the maximum permissible equivalent level (80 dBA). Based on the results obtained, a constant shift in the hearing threshold was forecast for workers of five occupations with seniority of 3 to 30 years. A reduction in the hearing threshold of a sinker will amount to 25 dB in 30 years, which corresponds to the occupational disease Stage 3. Originality. Constant displacement of the hearing threshold for workers in coal mines, caused by the effect of an increased noise level during the journey to the place of work and back, was revealed. Practical value. It was found that in order to prevent the development of an occupational disease (sensorineural hearing loss) in underground miners, it is necessary to measure the noise level by using personal sound level meters for an 8-hour working day, taking into account the way time to the workplace and back. Noise exposure assessment should be based on a continuous decrease in the hearing threshold.

Updated traffic noise map method based on speed cluster

Traffic noise maps are an important instrument for environmental education and research; these maps directly show the traffic noise distribution in a determining area and period. Traffic conditions and the sound pressure of a road stretch changes over time, meanings that the initial map might conflict with the perception of traffic noise by city dwellers; hence, it is necessary to constantly update these maps. A method to obtain an updated traffic noise based on a speed cluster is proposed in this study. The updated method comprises three steps: First, road stretches of the initial map were classified based on the road design guide and each category was clustered according to the speed of the road stretches that was considered to draw the initial traffic noise map. Then, the sound pressure level of all road stretches was updated using data from two steps. The first step contained few noise measurements and the speed data of all road stretches, including the current data. The second step included the predicted sound pressure level of all road stretches and speed data from the initial traffic noise map. Finally, the equivalent noise levels of all receiving points were updated using the law of sound propagation to complete the process of updating the initial traffic noise map. The accuracy of this method was validated in a case study in the Chan Chen district of Foshan, China. In this case study, the mean hourly error between the sound pressure level of all the road stretches calculated by the updated method and extracted from traffic data was 0.16 dB. The updated method can rapidly revise the sound pressure level of road stretches, making it useful in developing traffic noise maps.

Ultralow Noise Low Offset Chopper Amplifier for Induction Coil Sensor to Detect Geomagnetic Field of 1 mHz to 1 kHz

An induction coil sensor (ICS) is important for measuring low-frequency (DC-1kHz) geomagnetic field. The accuracy of the preamplifier is one key factor determining the performance of the sensor. But the preamplifier is susceptible to 1/ f noise, offset voltage and drift. In order to eliminate these influences, a preamplifier circuit with three amplifier stages based on chopper technology has been designed, and its performance has been tested. The results show that: 1) The 1/ f noise corner frequency is 3 mHz, the equivalent input voltage noise (EIVN) level of the circuit is [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]; 2) The equivalent input current noise (EICN) level of the circuit is [Formula: see text]; 3) The offset voltage is about 600 nV, and the time drift performance is excellent. In conclusion, the preamplifier circuit has characteristics of ultralow noise, low offset voltage and low time drift. It can effectively amplify low-frequency weak geomagnetic signals from 1 mHz to 1 kHz and provides excellent performance for low-frequency ICS.

Underwater noise in the Slovenian Sea

Abstract Continuous underwater noise has been monitored in the Slovenian sea near the lighthouse foundation at Debeli Rtič since February 2015, according to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Anthropogenic noise sources (e.g. seawater densities, dredging activities and cleaning of the seafloor) and meteorological noise sources (e.g. wind speed and precipitation) were analysed in relation to the measured underwater noise levels using several graphical and statistical methods. The results of this study showed that average equivalent continuous underwater noise levels were, by 11 dB (L eq,63 Hz) and 5 dB (L eq,125 Hz), higher in the intervals when dredging activities took place than in the intervals when these activities were absent. Variation in underwater noise levels was partly related to the variation of the ship densities, which could be explained by the relatively small acoustic propagation in the shallow seawater. Precipitation level did not indicate any significant association with the variations in continuous underwater noise levels, though some larger deviations in the wind speed were found to be associated with the larger fluctuations in continuous underwater noise levels.

Efficacy of noise reduction bundle in reducing sound levels in a Level II neonatal care unit in China.

BackgroundNoise is a hazard for newborns. Preterm infants are more vulnerable to negative effects of noise because their auditory system is at a critical period of neurodevelopment. We conducted this study to determine whether noise exposure in our Level II unit met the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)-issued recommendation of less than 45 dB. We also aimed to assess the efficacy of a bundle of noise reduction methods and the role of noise supervisors in assuring the compliance of modification.MethodsHourly mean equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) was collected in two phases: (I) Phase 1: baseline data for 4 weeks, (II) Phase 2: study period for 13 weeks, 1 week (Stage 1) under close monitoring by the noise supervisors and 12 weeks (Stages 2, 3 and 4, lasting 4 weeks each) without supervisors.ResultsThe baseline noise level consistently exceeded recommendations with an hourly mean incubator noise of 53.6 dB (±5.2). Our bundle resulted in a significant reduction in incubator noise levels by 9.1 dB (±0.75). The sound levels remained <45 dB most of the time except for three-time windows, correlating with morning handovers/physical assessments (7:00–9:00), procedures/discharges/phone calls (13:00–15:00), and night handovers (19:00–20:00). The change in the reduction was most significant (–4.1 dB) in Stage 1 during the day shift. A minor trend of decline in sound levels inside the incubator was observed from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (P=0.057), with a rebound occurring in Stage 3 followed by stabilization in Stage 4, suggesting the role of noise supervisors in ensuring the compliance of the modification.ConclusionsThe baseline noise levels consistently exceeded recommendations, but the bundle was effective in achieving the reduction. Noise supervisors are essential to ensure the compliance of the modification. Resolution focused on the three-time windows is required in future work.

Working conditions and occupational risk for workers employed in the open-pit coal mining sector

Introduction. At coal mining enterprises, working conditions are characterized by an aggregate of hazard factors. The literature does not enough provide information on the hygienic assessment of working conditions and the health status of workers in open-pit coal mining. Material and methods. Hygienic assessment of working conditions was performed at the workplaces of the basic occupations of workers employed at the open-pit coal mining. Occupational morbidity (OM) was analyzed for 2000-2019 years. Occupational risks were assessed as with Fine&amp;Kinney method, matrix method, and Guide R 2.2.1766-2003; we also performed a semi-quantitative risk assessment. Results. Equivalent noise levels for a work shift exceeded hygiene standard by up to 4-12.2 dBA; whole-body vibration - up to 12.3 dB; hand-arm vibration - up to 10.9 dB. Coal dust concentrations exceeded MPC by 1.1-3.2 times. According to parameters characterizing hazards, labor hardness, and labor intensity, working conditions correspond to 3.2-3.3 hazard category. Leading place among occupational disease cases occupy vibration disease and sensorineural hearing loss (63.5[48.8-81.5]% 34.3[10.7-46.3]% accordingly). OR for employees of basic occupations is classified as high. Discussion. Results of working conditions and OR assessment are partially consistent with the other authors’ studies. OM structure in the Irkutsk region coal mining differs from the OM in other regions, due to the peculiarities of the technological process, mining, geological and climatic conditions. Conclusion. The results indicate the lack of effectiveness of existing preventive measures and the necessity to develop a set of measures to preserve the workers’ health employed at open-pit coal mining.

Spatial Analysis of Noise in Kufa University (Kufa River Campus) using GIS

Noise refers to unwanted sound, which causes great discomfort to the ears, and is usually measured in decibels. Very high levels of sound above 100 dB cause permanent hearing loss. This study deals with effect of noise in the academic areas, University of Kufa, Kufa river campus (Faculty of Urban Planning, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Archeology). Kufa river campus area is exposed to several external noise types. Noise field data have been measured and collected for 98 station points. The noise intensity ratio was measured using the Sound Level Meter at three different times during the working hours in the morning hours (8.30-10.30), at noon (10.30-12.30), and in the afternoon from (12.30-2.30). The data were analyzed using the Excel program (percentile method) to obtain a noise level values at 10%, 50%, and 90% of data after arranging it ascendingly. The equivalent noise level (Leq) is calculate as well. The equivalent noise level data converts to GIS program form mapping and studying the spatial variation of noise intensity using a Spline interpolation method. The results showed that the effect of external noise is much greater than the effect of internal noise. The highest noise intensity at the points near the fence reached 94 decibels, and the lowest noise ratio was in the center of the faculty of Physical Planning, and the points near the green trees reached 45.1 db.

Spatio-chromatic information available from different neural layers via Gaussianization

How much visual information about the retinal images can be extracted from the different layers of the visual pathway? This question depends on the complexity of the visual input, the set of transforms applied to this multivariate input, and the noise of the sensors in the considered layer. Separate subsystems (e.g. opponent channels, spatial filters, nonlinearities of the texture sensors) have been suggested to be organized for optimal information transmission. However, the efficiency of these different layers has not been measured when they operate together on colorimetrically calibrated natural images and using multivariate information-theoretic units over the joint spatio-chromatic array of responses.In this work, we present a statistical tool to address this question in an appropriate (multivariate) way. Specifically, we propose an empirical estimate of the information transmitted by the system based on a recent Gaussianization technique. The total correlation measured using the proposed estimator is consistent with predictions based on the analytical Jacobian of a standard spatio-chromatic model of the retina–cortex pathway. If the noise at certain representation is proportional to the dynamic range of the response, and one assumes sensors of equivalent noise level, then transmitted information shows the following trends: (1) progressively deeper representations are better in terms of the amount of captured information, (2) the transmitted information up to the cortical representation follows the probability of natural scenes over the chromatic and achromatic dimensions of the stimulus space, (3) the contribution of spatial transforms to capture visual information is substantially greater than the contribution of chromatic transforms, and (4) nonlinearities of the responses contribute substantially to the transmitted information but less than the linear transforms.

Exposure to Excessive Sound Volume: A Major Challenge in the South-Western Nigeria Church Auditoria

The study examines the exposure to excessive sound volume as a major challenge to grapple with in church auditoria in South-western Nigeria. This exposure to excessive sound has become a source of noise pollution and it is dangerous to human health. Data for this paper were gathered through participant observation of musical acoustics in worship auditoria using a Virtual Instrument; a Sound Pressure Level mobile application installed on a mobile phone for sound volume measurement. The equivalent noise level using A-weighting was taken for twenty minutes per day, this was observed for the three different worship services at different dates and time in each of the selected church auditoria during each worship service. The LAeq, T, of each musical session was calculated. Findings show that the worshippers are exposed to average noise levels of 90.29 dB (Threshold of Pain) at every worship service which is higher than the recommended 60dB for normal human ear by World Health Organization (WHO). It was also observed that all the selected church auditoria lack appropriate acoustic treatment which led to sound reflections and severe echo. The paper concludes that the culture of noise pollution has become a social phenomenon in the Nigerian society especially, in church auditoria where loud musical sound is arrogated to power and domination of space. This paper recommends that acceptable optimal standards for sound production either in enclosures or in open spaces be emphasized by the Nigerian local, state and federal governments to effectively control noise for human and societal wellbeing.

Prevention of occupational laryngitis in teachers

The number of people in need of phoniatric help is constantly increasing. People with voice problems are of working age. The object of researche: lowering risk of progression of vocal pathology based on a comprehensive system of management of teachers’ occupational risks. Hygienic, epidemiological, sanitary-statistical, in-depth medical examination method and mathematical-statistical methods were applied. Working conditions of teachers are characterized by complex effects of harmful production factors, which can reach 3d degree of 3d class of harmful work by intensity (according to the calculated points 3,63), 2nd degree of 3d class of harmful pressure on vocal apparatus (27,52±3,54 hours), 1st degree of 3d class of harmful by equivalent noise level and unfavorable microclimate. The most widespread pathologies of the vocal apparatus are chronic hypertrophic laryngitis (190,20±22,61) and chronic catarrhal laryngitis (131,00±15,07 cases). Almost 70% of occupational laryngitis cases are in the age group of 46-60 years. The critical length of service influenced by voice load is 10-19 years. The length of service more than 20 years in conditions of voice load increases the etiological percent of occupational pathology causes to 81,8%. Therefore, an age of 45,8±0,5 and older is dangerous for the occupational laryngitis progression and requires a special approach of development and imple­mentation of preventive measures aimed at maintaining of occupational health. Suggested complex of measures increase the healthy life by 7,3 years and reduce the loss of healthy life years determined by the impact of voice activity by 7,1 years. At the same time for physical health component (PH) by 4,5 and 4,3, and the psychological health component (MH) by 10,3 and 10,1 years QALY respectively.

Noise Prediction Using Machine Learning with Measurements Analysis

The noise prediction using machine learning is a special study that has recently received increased attention. This is particularly true in workplaces with noise pollution, which increases noise exposure for general laborers. This study attempts to analyze the noise equivalent level (Leq) at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) facility and establish a machine learning model for noise prediction. This study utilized the gradient boosting model (GBM) as the learning model in which past noise measurement records and many other features are integrated as the proposed model makes a prediction. This study analyzed the time duration and frequency of the collected Leq and also investigated the impact of training data selection. The results presented in this paper indicate that the proposed prediction model works well in almost noise sensors and frequencies. Moreover, the model performed especially well in sensor 8 (125 Hz), which was determined to be a serious noise zone in the past noise measurements. The results also show that the root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of the predicted harmful noise was less than 1 dBA and the coefficient of determination (R2) value was greater than 0.7. That is, the working field showed a favorable noise prediction performance using the proposed method. This positive result shows the ability of the proposed approach in noise prediction, thus providing a notification to the laborer to prevent long-term exposure. In addition, the proposed model accurately predicts noise future pollution, which is essential for laborers in high-noise environments. This would keep employees healthy in avoiding noise harmful positions to prevent people from working in that environment.

Vessel noise in spatially constricted areas: Modeling acoustic footprints of large vessels in the Cabot Strait, Eastern Canada

Large commercial vessel traffic is expected to continue growing over the next decades, making marine habitats noisier. This additional vessel noise could prevent the recovery of endangered marine species and populations and become a threat to others. Spatially constricted areas are places where both maritime traffic and species can concentrate, increasing the risks of negative impacts. We assessed sound amplitude and temporal trends in the daily movement of large ferries, container ships, bulkers, and tankers in the Cabot Strait, the main entrance way to the Gulf of St. Lawrence Seaway in Atlantic Canada. We used Automatic Identification System (AIS) and geophysical data as input for an acoustic model to produce 12 scenarios representing different regimes of vessel traffic and estimated equivalent continuous noise levels (Leq) over a 24-h period. Our results show that a 50% increase from the estimated median number of large vessel transits could lead to a 23% increase in the area affected by vessel noise, while doubling the number of transits could lead to a 58% increase. Cetaceans located <7–8 km from a vessel could experience sound pressure levels above the U.S. 120 dB re 1 μPa threshold for the onset of behavioral disturbance. Introducing speed restrictions could help reduce the acoustic footprint of the four vessel classes in this area and limit possible negative effects on marine mammals and other marine species.

Traffic noise prediction model of an Indian road: an increased scenario of vehicles and honking.

Noise is considered as an underrated and underemphasized pollutant in contrast to other pollutants of the environment. Due to the non-acute response of health effects, people are not vigilant towards consequences regarding noise pollution. The expansion of the transportation industry is contributing towards the increment in the public and private vehicular volume which causes an increment in noise pollution. For evaluation of respective scenario, the research study has been conducted on one of the minor roads of Nagpur, India; for 2years, viz., 2012 and 2019. The study concludes an increment of 5-6dB(A) in noise level, 4-6 times in honking, and 1.7 times in traffic volume. The study confirms increment in sound pressure by 65.9% and 81.9% for the year 2012 and 2019 during morning and evening sessions, respectively. Noise prediction model has also been developed for the abovementioned years, using multiple regression analysis, considering traffic volume, honking, and speed against noise equivalent level. Honking has been further characterized into honk by light and medium category vehicles as acoustical properties of horns vary with respect to category of vehicle and introduced into the noise prediction model. Noise prediction model for 2019 has predicted the noise level in a range of - 1.7 to + 1.4dB (Leq) with 84% of observations in the range of - 1 to + 1dB (Leq), when compared with observed Leq on the field. For proper management of noise pollution, a noise prediction model is essentially needed so that the noise level can be anticipated, and accordingly, measures can be outlined and executed. This increased noise level has serious impacts on human hearing capacity and overall health. Accordingly, noise mitigation preventive measures are recommended to control traffic noise in the urban environment.

An Assessment of the Impact of Helicopter Noise: Case Study of Mgbuoshimini Community Nigeria

With the projected growth in demand for commercial aviation, it is anticipated that there will be an increased environmental impact associated with noise, air quality, and climate change. Against this backdrop, the noise levels experienced by the residents of Mgbuoshimini Community due to helicopters takeoff and landing were studied. The study was carried out for 14 days at three different locations using a Class 2 Optimus sound level meter from 7am to 5pm daily. Analysis involved the equivalent noise levels, statistical measures for the background noise, aircraft flyover noise as well as the Noise Gap Index (NGI) . It was found that the equivalent noise levels of the background noise and aircraft flyover noise range from 67.7 dBA to 72.4 dBA and 88.4 dBA to 88.6 dBA respectively. The peak background noise and aircraft flyover noise ranged from 69.17 dBA to 79 dBA and 93.2 dBA to 94.8 dBA respectively. These values exceeded the recommended value of 60 dBA for residential areas. Two models to determine the NGI for both low noise areas and high noise areas were developed. A correlation coefficient of 0.70 and 0.88 were obtained between the actual and predicted values of NGI for both low and high noise areas. Therefore, it is recommended that buildings should be adequately insulated by use of noise-absorbing materials. Furthermore, environmentally friendly (quieter) aircrafts should be used by the airline company operating in that area

Traffic-Noise Assessment at Rush Hours in Quetta City

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (Leq) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.

Traffic-Noise Assessment at Rush Hours in Quetta City

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (L eq ) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.

Traffic-Noise Assessment at Rush Hours in Quetta City

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (L eq ) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.

Analysis of noise and air pollution in Sambalpur City, India, during Diwali

Diwali (or Deepavali) is one of the most glamorous cultural festivals in India. It is the festival of light and is celebrated every year during the month of November with great firework displays. Burning of different fireworks generates acute noise and toxic fumes, which lead to noise and air pollution in the environment. The excessive use of fireworks aggravates the level of air and noise pollution and causes adverse impacts on human health. The present paper assesses the noise pollution and air pollution during Diwali in Sambalpur City, one of the premier cities in the western part of Odisha State in Eastern India. The noise level is measured on Diwali day and is compared with that on normal days. Similarly, air quality is measured on Diwali day and compared with that on normal days (pre-Diwali and post-Diwali). The average equivalent continuous noise levels (L eq) and noise pollution levels have increased in all areas on Diwali compared with those on non-Diwali days. It is also observed that there is a significant rise of air pollutants, total suspended particulate matter, PM10, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in ambient air due to burning of crackers in Diwali.