Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- Ahmad Reza Yari 1
- Behrooz Dezhdar 2
- Alireza Koohpaei 3
- Ali Ebrahimi 4
- Alireza Mashkoori 4
- Mohammad Javad Mohammadi 5
- Shahram Arsang-Jang 6
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
2 MSc., Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Work Health, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
4 MSc., Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Work Health, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
5 PhD. Candidate, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
6 MSc., Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
Objectives Noise pollution in urban areas is known as one of the main problems. In order to prevent its damaging effects, it is essential to measure it in towns. This study aimed to determine the noise pollution indicators in Qom, Iran.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at selected 12 stations in the city based on the traffic density. This study was done in autumn and winter 2013. The sound Level was measured by Sound Meter (CEL-320). Also, in each station according to ISO 1996, the equivalent sound level for 15 minutes, was measured for 7 days and 27 times per day. At the same time, passing vehicles were counted. Finally, noise polllution level (NPL) and traffic noise index (TNI) indices were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS V18. One-sample t test was used for comparing mean equivalent sound level with standard value. The significant level was considered at 0.05.
Results The results showed that the average equivalent sound level in all stations were higher than allowable limit. The maximum and minimum levels were recorded in Motahari Square station as 92.6 dB and Bazaar crossroad as 50.1 dB, respectively (P<0.05). The highest values of TNI and NPL indices were reported for Janbazan station. The level of noise pollution was measured at the highest value in the evening and lowest value in the morning. In addition, results showed that there were significant differences between equivalent sound level and density rate of motor vehicles (P<0.05).
Conclusion According to findings, in order to control traffic noise pollution, necessary corrective measures must be considered as soon as possible.
Keywords
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