Personal noise exposure in different microenvironments

Abstract

Noise pollution is a major environmental issue, especially in urban areas where noise levels tend to be higher because of intensive traffic and industry activities. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that noise exposure can cause a number of adverse physiological and psychological responses and diseases to human health. Accurate assessment of exposure is essential for health risk assessment. The aim of this study was to assess personal noise exposure in different microenvironments (MEs) according to time-activity patterns of individuals. Data were collected from 31 volunteers using questionnaires and smartphones. Participants were 20-26 years old and were carrying smartphones for 5 working days. The analysis of time-activity patterns and GPS data was performed using ArcGIS software. GPS data were classified into six location categories (home, work/study, other indoor, other outdoor static, outdoor walking and in-vehicle travel) to determine time spent in each location. The results showed that there was a significant difference between noise levels in six location categories. The highest average noise level was determined in-vehicle travel location 62.8 dB. The difference between in-vehicle travel location and other locations were 12.2, 11.0, 6.4, 14.8 and 6.6 dB, respectively in home, work/study, other indoor, other outdoor static, outdoor walking locations.