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Effects of road traffic noise and the benefit of access to quietness
Journal of Sound and Vibration, (2006)
Аннотация
Socio–acoustic surveys were carried out as part of the Soundscape
Support to Health research programme to assess the health effects
of various soundscapes in residential areas. The study was designed
to test whether having access to a quiet side of one's dwelling enhances
opportunities for relaxation and reduces noise annoyance and other
adverse health effects related to noise. The dwellings chosen were
exposed to sound levels from road traffic ranging from about at the
most-exposed side. The study involved 956 individuals aged 18–75
years. The results demonstrate that access to quiet indoor and outdoor
sections of one's dwelling supports health; it produces a lower degree
and extent of annoyance and disturbed daytime relaxation, improves
sleep and contributes to physiological and psychological well-being.
Having access to a quiet side of one's dwelling reduces disturbances
by an average of 30–50% for the various critical effects, and corresponds
to a reduction in sound levels of (LAeq,24h) 5 dB at the most-exposed
side. To protect most people (80%) from annoyance and other adverse
effects, sound levels from road traffic should not exceed (LAeq,24h)
60 dB at the most-exposed side, even if there is access to a quiet
side of one's dwelling (LAeq,24h45 dB).
