122 Ecology and Applied Environmental Science
• Pain threshold (130–140)
• Rocket blastoff (150–160)
The level of 65 dB(Α) can be considered an acceptable limit. Above this
threshold, when citizens are not suitably protected, noise interferes with
the sound of conversations, radio or television to an annoying degree, or
disturbs rest and sleep.
Noise has an adverse effect on people’s physical and mental health and
their quality of life, with a multitude of consequences. Apart from the level,
of great importance as far as disturbance and impact on health are concerned is the type of noise, e.g. constant, pulsating, irregular. Auditory
acuity may be damaged, leading to temporary and/or permanent loss of
hearing. Noise increases stress and arterial pressure. There are indications
that cardiovascular damage may be caused by extended exposure to certain
types of noise. Even low levels may disrupt sleep and cause insomnia,
and also reduce people’s concentration, communication and composure.
Various nervous or mental disorders, along with lower productivity, may
be attributed to exposure to noise.
The problem of noise pollution is extremely important in many countries.
Noise is a significant source of disturbance in most large cities. In developed countries, citizens list noise among the main causes of deterioration
of the quality of life, and in some cases it is even considered to be the basic
cause. All sources of noise are blamed, although means of transport are the
most important polluters. Fifty percent of the inhabitants of OECD countries (developed countries) live in areas where the noise level exceeds the
comfort threshold, whereas for 15% (1980 and 1999 figures) it also exceeds
the maximum tolerance level. More recent data show that the situation
has not improved. In some countries it has become much worse in certain
“black spots,” where dwellings are exposed to noise levels of over 65 dB(A),
especially along roads with heavy traffic. In other cases, the “black spots”
have recently stopped growing or shrunk slightly, thanks to the use of noise
reduction screens or soundproofing in homes. Another trend is the expansion of “grey zones,” where the acoustic environment is poor, i.e. in the
range of 55–65 dB(A) but has not reached unacceptable levels. Forecasts
for the future are pessimistic. A slight improvement in the “black spots”
is anticipated, especially around airports, but also a significant enlargement of the “grey spots.” The presence of noise is constantly becoming
more widespread as periurban and tourist areas are developed, and with
increased nighttime activity in cities it is also expanding to fill all 24 hours
of each day. In addition, the numbers of vehicles of all types emitting loud
noise are increasing. With the emerging prospects for the development
and functioning of many cities and the inadequacy of the measures being
implemented, the deterioration is expected to continue. Combating noise
• Pain threshold (130–140)
• Rocket blastoff (150–160)
The level of 65 dB(Α) can be considered an acceptable limit. Above this
threshold, when citizens are not suitably protected, noise interferes with
the sound of conversations, radio or television to an annoying degree, or
disturbs rest and sleep.
Noise has an adverse effect on people’s physical and mental health and
their quality of life, with a multitude of consequences. Apart from the level,
of great importance as far as disturbance and impact on health are concerned is the type of noise, e.g. constant, pulsating, irregular. Auditory
acuity may be damaged, leading to temporary and/or permanent loss of
hearing. Noise increases stress and arterial pressure. There are indications
that cardiovascular damage may be caused by extended exposure to certain
types of noise. Even low levels may disrupt sleep and cause insomnia,
and also reduce people’s concentration, communication and composure.
Various nervous or mental disorders, along with lower productivity, may
be attributed to exposure to noise.
The problem of noise pollution is extremely important in many countries.
Noise is a significant source of disturbance in most large cities. In developed countries, citizens list noise among the main causes of deterioration
of the quality of life, and in some cases it is even considered to be the basic
cause. All sources of noise are blamed, although means of transport are the
most important polluters. Fifty percent of the inhabitants of OECD countries (developed countries) live in areas where the noise level exceeds the
comfort threshold, whereas for 15% (1980 and 1999 figures) it also exceeds
the maximum tolerance level. More recent data show that the situation
has not improved. In some countries it has become much worse in certain
“black spots,” where dwellings are exposed to noise levels of over 65 dB(A),
especially along roads with heavy traffic. In other cases, the “black spots”
have recently stopped growing or shrunk slightly, thanks to the use of noise
reduction screens or soundproofing in homes. Another trend is the expansion of “grey zones,” where the acoustic environment is poor, i.e. in the
range of 55–65 dB(A) but has not reached unacceptable levels. Forecasts
for the future are pessimistic. A slight improvement in the “black spots”
is anticipated, especially around airports, but also a significant enlargement of the “grey spots.” The presence of noise is constantly becoming
more widespread as periurban and tourist areas are developed, and with
increased nighttime activity in cities it is also expanding to fill all 24 hours
of each day. In addition, the numbers of vehicles of all types emitting loud
noise are increasing. With the emerging prospects for the development
and functioning of many cities and the inadequacy of the measures being
implemented, the deterioration is expected to continue. Combating noise