High Levels Of Traffic Noise Research Articles

Statistical Modelling of Traffic Noise Using Smart PLS-SEM In Urban Roads

The objectives of this study are to assess the traffic noise levels in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, and to propose traffic noise model among influential factors. Five factors and 20 attributes were measured at three locations using a sound level meter and analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach. The results of this study showed that high traffic noise levels on urban roads exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 60 dBA during the day, according to Malaysian guidelines. However, the integrated traffic noise prediction model approach has specific indirect effects: built environment -> climate conditions -> traffic flow.

Estimation of population exposed to road traffic noise in Kosovo highway using GIS modelling and roadside measurements

New highways have been introduced into Kosovo landscape in recent years. The trajectory of the highways crosses through the fields and in the middle of some previously remote rural settlements. This has changed the environment for these areas and the environmental noise is a major concern. This study aims to estimate the population exposed to high traffic noise levels around the highway routes in Kosovo. GIS has been used to model the highway lines, the terrain and the buildings on site. Roadside traffic noise measurements as well as traffic flow measurements have been conducted to approximate the noise sources. An approximate noise map has been generated for the studied area. The population exposed to daytime and nighttime road traffic noise were estimated. The results show the need for road traffic noise reduction measures and areas where they are most needed.

Traffic Noise Impacts Glucocorticoid Response, Activity, and Growth in Two Species of Tadpoles.

There is a large body of evidence linking increased noise to negative health effects for animals. Anthropogenic noise induces behavioral and physiological reactions across a range of taxa and increased traffic noise affects glucocorticoid (GC) hormones associated with the stress response in amphibians. GCs help to maintain homeostasis while balancing energetic trade-offs between reproduction, growth, and activity. Stressors during early development can impact fitness at later life stages. We measured growth, activity, and GCs in response to high levels of traffic noise in two tadpole species that differ in life history: Acris crepitans and Rana berlandieri. We predicted that earlier exposures to traffic noise will slow down the development and alter the behavior and GC concentrations differently than later exposures. Subjects were initially either exposed to natural levels of traffic noise for 8 days (early exposure) or a white noise control (later exposure), then the treatment was switched. Activity was measured via focal sampling and tadpoles were categorized as active if movement was detected. Tadpoles exposed to white noise initially maintained mass and activity throughout the experiment and early exposure to traffic noise had a greater impact on mass, activity, and GCs. Tadpoles exposed to traffic noise initially lost mass, with A. crepitans regaining mass but not R. berlandieri. When exposed earlier to traffic noise, R. berlandieri increased movement when shifted to the white noise treatment while A. crepitans did not significantly change activity. Acris creptians had higher corticosterone release rates compared to R. berlandieri, and in both species, release rates were higher for tadpoles exposed to noise earlier. The longer-lived R. berlandieri allocated more of their energetic resources into activity, while the shorter-lived A. crepitans allocated energy toward growth. Rana berlandieri and A. crepitans utilized different coping strategies to contend with early exposure to traffic noise, potentially due to differences in life histories. Our findings suggest that these tadpoles employ different coping mechanisms to modulate stress responses in noise-polluted environments, and these mechanisms could influence their fitness later in life. Further study is needed to understand the impact in more sensitive tadpole species.

Correlation between Long-Term Exposure to Traffic Noise and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This study aimed to probe the correlation of long-term exposure to traffic noise with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The data of 480 community residents collected from April 2017 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Exposure levels for traffic noise were defined using 24-h mean traffic noise. Logistic regression calculated the association between long-term exposure to traffic noise and the risk of T2DM. Overall, 480 enrolled participants were divided into T2DM (n = 45) and non-T2DM (n = 435) groups. Participants with T2DM were older and more likely to be male, had higher BMI, and were frequent drinkers (P < 0.001). The T2DM group displayed higher exposure to traffic noise than the non-T2DM group (P < 0.001). According to quartiles of traffic noise, all participants were categorized into four groups: Q1 (<51.5 dB), Q2 (51.5-<53.9 dB), Q3 (53.9-<58.0 dB), and Q4 (≥58.0 dB). Prevalence of T2DM was 5.4% in Q1, 7.7% in Q2, 10.3% in Q3, and 14.1% in Q4 groups. Multifactor regression analysis showed that age, BMI, drinking history, and traffic noise exposure are risk factors for T2DM (P < 0.05), whereas sex does not seem to have a significant impact on T2DM (P > 0.05). Long-term exposure to traffic noise may elevate the risk of T2DM. This suggests that long-term exposure to high levels of traffic noise can increase the incidence of diabetes mellitus, which deserves further consideration.

Cultivating a harmonious soundscape in urban public space: An empirical study of sound and activities

This study examines the relationship between sound and activities in urban public spaces in an attempt to create a pleasant acoustic environment that improves the quality of activities conducted in such areas. The study collected data from park visitors in Bandung using field measurements and questionnaires. The findings indicate that sound sources have a more significant effect on visitors' participation in activities than the overall soundscape quality. Visitors would continue to engage in activities despite the high traffic noise levels as long as the appropriate sound sources are present. Additionally, the study identified that the Social-Nature Connection activities require a soundscape that is lower in background noise, has some of the natural sound components, and with the addition of music to provide some dynamic vibes. On the other hand, the Restorative Retreats activities show no relation with either sound sources or noise level, and Exploring Natural Landscapes activities are influenced positively by man-made sound, specifically recreational sound. This study provides valuable insights that may be used to improve the design of soundscapes in urban public spaces, enabling designers to create a more balanced acoustic environment that supports various activities and enhances the quality of visitors' experiences.

Statistical Analysis of Traffic Noise Status at Selected Junctions in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Traffic noise is one of the dominant forms of environmental pollution in most urban cities that adversely affect human health globally. The traffic noise emanating from motor vehicles has become a common health problem in many metropolitan cities in developing countries of the world. This study evaluated traffic noise at selected major junctions (Rumuola, Garisson, Boro Pack, and Lagos Bus stop) in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Traffic noise levels at four congested junctions and a control junction in the Metropolis were monitored using a digital sound level meter. Noise indices, L10, L50, L90 equivalent noise levels (Leq), noise climate (NC), noise pollution index (NPI); traffic noise index (TNI); noise pollution level (Lnp); day-evening-night equivalent metric (LDEN) and percentage highly annoyed (%HA) were statistically determined. Traffic noise at Rumuola junction showed traffic noise ranging from 51.9 to 107.9dBA with a mean deviation of 91.3±8.4dBA; traffic noise at Garrison junction ranged from 52.8 to 107.6dBA with a mean deviation of 88.5±9.7dBA; Boro Park junction showed traffic noise ranging from 48.9 to 106.4dBA with a mean deviation of 83.7±10.1dBA; Lagos Bus Stop junction ranged from 45.4 to 94.9dBA with a mean deviation of 81.5±10.8dBA; while the Control junction (Ibadan Street junction)showed a traffic noise ranging from 48.4 to 61.3dBA with a mean deviation of 51.6±5.3dBA. Noise levels at the studied junctions were significantly high and exceeded permissible limit compared to the control junction (p-value = 0.00485; 95%CI). L10 (94.8dBA), L50 (86.8dBA), L90 (76.1dBA) and Leq (92.4dBA) were highest at Rumuola junction and lowest at Control junction (with 57.3dBA, 52.8dBA, 48.4dBA and 54.1dBA, respectively). Computed NPI values (1.25-1.34) indicated high traffic noise levels at the four junctions and low (0.77) at the control junction; Lnp values (105.0-116.6dBA) indicated high traffic noise pollution at the four junctions and low (63.0dBA) at the control junction; TNI values (120.9-138.5) indicated high traffic noise impacts at the four junctions and low (54.0) at the control junction. Computed LDEN and %HA indicated high level of traffic noise annoyance to the four junctions. The study revealed high traffic noise pollution at the four junctions that may significantly affect public health and therefore requires further investigation by concerned authorities to assess the health effects of traffic noise on the surrounding residents and traders at the studied junction.

Traffic noise in the bedroom in association with markers of obesity: a cross-sectional study and mediation analysis of the respiratory health in Northern Europe cohort

BackgroundPrevious research suggests an association between road traffic noise and obesity, but current evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nocturnal noise exposure and markers of obesity and to assess whether sleep disturbance might be a mediator in this association.MethodsWe applied data from the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) cohort. We used self-measured waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) as outcome values. Noise exposure was assessed as perceived traffic noise in the bedroom and/or the bedroom window’s location towards the street. We applied adjusted linear, and logistic regression models, evaluated effect modifications and conducted mediation analysis.ResultsBased on fully adjusted models we found that women, who reported very high traffic noise levels in bedroom, had 1.30 (95% CI 0.24–2.37) kg/m2 higher BMI and 3.30 (95% CI 0.39–6.20) cm higher WC compared to women, who reported no traffic noise in the bedroom. Women who reported higher exposure to road traffic noise had statistically significant higher odds of being overweight and have abdominal obesity with OR varying from 1.15 to 1.26 compared to women, who reported no traffic noise in the bedroom. For men, the associations were rather opposite, although mostly statistically insignificant. Furthermore, men, who reported much or very much traffic noise in the bedroom, had a statistically significantly lower risk of abdominal obesity. Sleep disturbance fully or partially mediated the association between noise in bedroom and obesity markers among women.ConclusionOur results suggest that self-reported traffic noise in the bedroom may be associated to being overweight or obese trough sleep disturbance among women, but associations were inconclusive among men.

ASSESSMENT OF ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE IN SELECTED URBAN RESIDENTIAL AND CONSTRUCTION AREAS

The work presented in this paper includes a field investigation of road traffic noise between residential and construction areas in a selected urban area. The aim of this study was to assess the level of noise pollution from road traffic noise in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Therefore, this study included measurements of traffic noise level, evaluation of the percentage traffic volume between residential and construction areas; and identification of the correlation between traffic volume and traffic noise level. An EXTECH 407764 sound level meter was used to take noise level measurements for 1 hour and 30 minutes in one-minute intervals at both study sites. The parameter collected in the noise level monitoring was average noise level (LAeq). The traffic volume study was conducted using manual counts for 30 minutes. Four types of vehicles were counted, namely cars, vans, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles. Based on statistical analysis, it can be concluded that both sites had high traffic noise levels which exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 60 dBA during daytime, according to Malaysian guidelines, due to several factors. The findings show that road infrastructure such as noise barriers need to be further implemented, especially in residential areas. Mitigation of noise pollution must be further carried out by contractors. Additionally, further investigations need to be conducted by the relevant authorities to reduce the level of noise which may affect the quality of life for the communities in the area.

PARTIAL SYSTEMS' ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC NOISE REDUCTION IN TARIK AL JADIDAH, BEIRUT

Traffic noise is considered one of the main pollutants in an urban space and has multiple side effects regarding the physical and mental health of the human being. Tarik Al Jadidah, one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Beirut City- Lebanon, is selected as urban area for a project-based initiative and the focal point of different studies in BAU Urban Lab. The area suffers from various urban problems, but prominently traffic noise that highly damages the urban residents' quality of life due to its high levels of traffic noise that surpasses the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. BAU Urban Lab, an interdisciplinary platform for innovation and knowledge exchange that integrates education with research has led a workshop entitled “System Modelling for Urban Health and Well-Being” held at BAU, Faculty of Architecture - Design and Built Environment. The paper proposes that Vester Sensitivity Model can be considered as a supportive decision-making tool responsible for finding the most effective variables related to Traffic Noise Reduction. The main aim of this paper is to identify the key variables affecting traffic noise reduction system through detecting the variables’ reciprocal impacts using Vester Sensitivity Model. It also depicted that the most influencing variables are those related to social, institutional, infrastructure, and resource flows of the city rather than its fixed physical infrastructure.

Influence of green space design on individual noise perception

Especially in urban areas, green spaces are important recreational destinations, yet they are often exposed to high levels of traffic noise. Therefore, it should be investigated to what extent the design of green spaces affects the perception of noise within the green spaces. For this purpose, four soundwalks with a total of 34 participants were conducted in the Großer Garten in Dresden, Germany. A range of acoustic and perceptual properties were measured and examined. Furthermore, the green space was characterised with regard to its vegetative design and the visibility of the noise sources, as well as evaluated by the participants with respect to visual impression and appropriateness. The statistical evaluation has shown that the visual impression, the appropriateness and the masking of the noise sources correlate significantly with the perceived loudness and pleasantness - but not with the eventfulness. With regard to vegetation, it was found that the diversity of vegetation correlates significantly with all three parameters of individual noise perception, whereas the quantity of vegetation does not. Thus, it can be said that appealing design, masking of the noise sources and diversity of vegetation reduce individual noise perception and therefore increase the recreational value.

Effects of socio-economic indicators on perceptions of urban acoustic environments in Chinese megacities

The acoustic environment in an urban dwelling is a key factor in human health, especially in megacities, where there are high levels of traffic noise. This study investigated the effects of various socio-economic indicators (gender, age, roadside residence, average daily time at home) on the subjective evaluation of residential acoustic environments, employing a series of questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews in two Chinese megacities (Chongqing and Guangzhou). The findings indicate that residents in Chongqing, a typical mountainous city, are less satisfied with their acoustic environment than those in Guangzhou, a city built on a plain. However, there were no significant differences between residents in the two Chinese megacities in terms of their perspectives on their thermal, humid or luminous environments or noise-related health symptoms. Regarding perceptions of acoustic environments, there were significant differences between residents in the mountainous city and the plain city, as well as those in roadside and non-roadside homes, but no significant differences were identified between the views of men and women or the young and the old, and time spent at home appeared to have no impact. Moreover, age and average daily time spent at home are likely to be associated with noise-related health symptoms.

Evaluation of extreme traffic noise as hazardous living environment factor in Saint Petersburg

This paper studies noise pollution in the urban living environment, using Moskovsky District in Saint Petersburg as an example. We identify the hazards caused by noise pollution and conduct a comparative analysis of apartment market value, depending on the distance from motorways. We find that people living in houses along Vitebsky Prospekt and Kubinskaya Street are subjected to extreme levels of traffic noise; those living in houses along Moskovsky Prospekt and Leninsky Prospekt are subjected to high levels of traffic noise; and those living in houses along Blagodatnaya Street, Novoizmaylovsky Prospekt, Varshavskaya Street, Basseynaya Street, and Kostyushko Street are subjected to increased levels of traffic noise. Our health hazard assessment reveals that traffic noise creates an extreme risk of cardiovascular disease among senior citizens (aged over 65) that live in apartments with windows facing Vitebsky Prospekt and Kubinskaya Street. Besides, the evaluation of the real estate market made up by apartments in the standard “khrushchyovka” buildings of Moskovsky District points to the public becoming more demanding towards the living environment quality: the price for apartments located along noisy highways is approximately 10% lower than the price for apartments in quieter neighborhoods.

High Road Traffic Noise in Residential Buildings, High Annoyance and Self-perceived Health Problems in a Sample from Santiago, Chile

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to high traffic noise levels in housing and the proportion of high annoyance and self-perceived health problems, through a survey applied to comparable groups of individuals with and without exposure, selected in residential buildings from urban Santiago, Chile. It was an observational, cross-sectional study. Buildings with sides exposed and unexposed to high traffic noise levels were considered. In each building, independent samples of dwellings from each side were selected. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was applied: socio-demographic and related characteristics, self-perceived health state, and annoyance caused by different sources including traffic noise. To assess association between exposure to traffic noise and each self-perceived health response (including high annoyance), multiple logistic and log-binomial regression analyses were applied, adjusting by sociodemographic and related variables. Four residential buildings were included, achieving a total of 425 respondents, 200 living in exposed dwellings and 225 living in unexposed dwellings. Adjusted significant association was found between exposure and high annoyance, high degree of problems with concentration, sleeping and feeling rested, presence of head or neck ache, and feelings of depression, anguish or neurosis.

Not urbanization level but socioeconomic, physical and social neighbourhood characteristics are associated with presence and severity of depressive and anxiety disorders.

Which neighbourhood factors most consistently impact on depression and anxiety remains unclear. This study examines whether objectively obtained socioeconomic, physical and social aspects of the neighbourhood in which persons live are associated with the presence and severity of depressive and anxiety disorders. Cross-sectional data are from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety including participants (n = 2980) with and without depressive and anxiety disorders in the past year (based on DSM-based psychiatric interviews). We also determined symptom severity of depression (Inventory of Depression Symptomatology), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) and fear (Fear Questionnaire). Neighbourhood characteristics comprised socioeconomic factors (socioeconomic status, home value, number of social security beneficiaries and percentage of immigrants), physical factors (air pollution, traffic noise and availability of green space and water) and social factors (social cohesion and safety). Multilevel regression analyses were performed with the municipality as the second level while adjusting for individual sociodemographic variables and household income. Not urbanization grade, but rather neighbourhood socioecononomic factors (low socioeconomic status, more social security beneficiaries and more immigrants), physical factors (high levels of traffic noise) and social factors (lower social cohesion and less safety) were associated with the presence of depressive and anxiety disorders. Most of these neighbourhood characteristics were also associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms severity. These findings suggest that it is not population density in the neighbourhood, but rather the quality of socioeconomic, physical and social neighbourhood characteristics that is associated with the presence and severity of affective disorders.

Association between aircraft, road and railway traffic noise and depression in a large case-control study based on secondary data

BackgroundFew studies have examined the relationship between traffic noise and depression providing inconclusive results. This large case-control study is the first to assess and directly compare depression risks by aircraft, road traffic and railway noise. MethodsThe study population included individuals aged ≥40 years that were insured by three large statutory health insurance funds and were living in the region of Frankfurt international airport. Address-specific exposure to aircraft, road and railway traffic noise in 2005 was estimated. Based on insurance claims and prescription data, 77,295 cases with a new clinical depression diagnosis between 2006 and 2010 were compared with 578,246 control subjects. ResultsFor road traffic noise, a linear exposure-risk relationship was found with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.17 (95% CI=1.10–1.25) for 24-h continuous sound levels ≥70dB. For aircraft noise, the risk estimates reached a maximum OR of 1.23 (95% CI=1.19–1.28) at 50–55dB and decreased at higher exposure categories. For railway noise, risk estimates peaked at 60–65dB (OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.08–1.22). The highest OR of 1.42 (95% CI=1.33–1.52) was found for a combined exposure to noise above 50dB from all three sources. ConclusionsThis study indicates that traffic noise exposure might lead to depression. As a potential explanation for the decreasing risks at high traffic noise levels, vulnerable people might actively cope with noise (e.g. insulate or move away).

Traffic noise and depressive disorders: results of a secondary data-based case control study

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to clarify the relation between depressive disorders and traffic noise separately as well as combined for aircraft, road, and railway traffic noise, in a large secondary-data based case-control study. Methods: The study population consisted of individuals that were insured by three large statutory health insurance funds in the Rhine-Main area (administrative region Darmstadt and Rhine Hesse) of Germany. Address-specific exposure to aircraft, road and railway traffic noise in 2005 was estimated. Based on insurance claims and prescription data, 77,295 cases with an incident depressive episode diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 were identified and compared with 578,246 control subjects. Results: For road traffic noise, a linear exposure-risk relationship was found with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 (95 % CI 1.12-1.27) for ≥ 70 dB continuous sound levels. For aircraft noise the risk estimates reached a maximum OR of 1.17 (95 % CI 1.13-1.21) at 50 to 55 dB and decreased at higher exposure categories. For railway noise, risk estimates peaked at 60 to 65 dB (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.19). The highest OR of 1.34 (95 % CI 1.25-1.43) was found for a combined exposure to noise above 50 dB from each of these three sources (reference category: individuals without any traffic noise exposure ≥ 40 dB). Conclusion: The results suggest that traffic noise exposure might lead to depression. As a potential explanation for the decreasing risks at high traffic noise levels, vulnerable people might actively cope with noise (e.g. insulate or move away). Given the high proportion of the population that is exposed to traffic noise and the clinical importance of depression, the results are of high public health relevance.

No frequency shift in the “D” notes of Carolina chickadee calls in response to traffic noise

Loud, low-frequency traffic noise can mask song- bird vocalizations, and populations of some urban songbird species have shifted the frequency of their vocalizations up- ward in response. However, the spectral structure of certain vocalization elements may make them resistant to masking, suggesting that species that use these notes could be more successful in areas with high levels of traffic noise. To test this idea, we recorded Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), whose calls feature "D" notes with an overtone spectral struc- ture, along a traffic noise gradient in Durham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, USA. Frequency parameters of "D" notes did not change with noise level suggesting the possibility that these notes can be communicated effectively in noise, but further investigation is needed to test this hy- pothesis directly. In addition, we performed a playback exper- iment demonstrating how the use of spectrograms to measure note frequencies is unreliable, especially when recordings are made in noisy areas. We used an alternative method based on the predictable frequency structure of "D" notes. Our experi- ment is one of few that address the effects of urban noise on calls produced by both sexes as opposed to song produced onlybymalesduringthebreedingseason.Understandinghow vocalizationswithdifferentspectralstructuresmaybeaffected differentiallybytrafficnoisewillincreaseourabilitytopredict how the expansion of noisy areas may impact songbird com- munity composition in the future.

Traffic Noise and Inequality in the Twin Cities, Minnesota

ABSTRACT It is widely known that prolonged exposure to high levels of traffic noise has several health effects. While scholarship in environmental justice has explored the environmental equity hypothesis in a wide range of areas, whether the spatial distribution of traffic noise is equitable among different racial and socioeconomic groups has rarely been explored, especially in the United States. This article addresses this lacuna by examining this relationship in the Twin Cities Metro Region, Minnesota. Traffic data from the Minnesota Department of Transportation were used to model the propagation of traffic noise over the study area and aircraft noise contour lines were added to account for aircraft noise. Inequities associated with exposure to chronic traffic noise were investigated using selected demographic and socioeconomic variables from the U.S. Census 2000. Statistical analysis was based on a regression model that addressed spatial autocorrelation. Results indicate that there is an association between noise levels and household income, median household value, the percentage of non-white residents, and the percentage of the population less than 18 years of age.

Ocean traffic noise in the context of natural ambient noise in impacts on marine mammals.

Traffic noise, the background noise from distance shipping, is the most widespread anthropogenic component of ambient noise. There has been concern for decades that traffic noise may be limiting the ability of marine mammals to communicate, but there is little direct evidence of actual impacts or the significance of these on the well being of populations, possibly because of the difficulties in obtaining such evidence. This paper compares traffic noise with natural ambient noise in the same frequency band. Marine mammals have evolved to cope with the range of levels in natural ambient noise. It draws on studies from areas near Australia where there is a wide range in traffic noise levels. In some areas, traffic noise is so low that it is possible to determine the range of natural ambient noise in the frequency band where traffic noise usually dominates. In other areas, traffic noise reaches levels similar to some of the high levels observed near North America. Humpback whales that migrate along the east coast of Australia are subject to high levels of traffic noise and noise from passing ships, but there seems to be little impact on the whales at the population level.

Buka u okolini školskih ustanova - primer Elektrotehničke škole 'Nikola Tesla' u Nišu

Large scientific technological progress has led to many adverse effects on human health of which is one of the most noise. Numerous studies and research show that noise is one of the major factors that adversely affect the population worldwide. In addition to direct harmful effects on human health, noise directly affects the daily activities, quality of life and work performance. A particular problem is noise in the educational institutions. High levels of traffic noise makes it difficult classes in schools, disrupting the ability of communication and learning. The paper presents the results of research and nine-month measuring noise in the Electrotehnik school 'Nikola Tesla' in Nis and compare the results with appropriate standards.