Conference_programme: 10.2 - Building Acoustics and Health
Lecture: EXPOSURE TO ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE IN NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Author(s): Argalasova Lubica, Mihalcik Ladislav , Filova Alexandra, Vondrova Diana, Babjakova Jana, Samohyl Martin, Jurkovicova Jana
Summary:
According to the results of the LARES study in panel block buildings in three cities of Eastern Europe sponsored by WHO, noise represents a traditional urban problem and noise annoyance was recognized as one of the most prevalent problems affecting residential health and well-being. Health effects were identified also for selected physical and stress-related symptoms, such as hypertension and migraine, which showed significantly increased relative risks. \nThis paper presents preliminary results of a pilot cross-sectional study focused on subjective traffic noise annoyance, interference with activities, sleep disturbance, adaptation to noise and subjective evaluation of the health state among the residents in selected new apartment houses situated close to major inner city corridors in Slovakian capital Bratislava. \nThe noisy facades of these buildings have road traffic noise exposure above the limit during the day and the night (LAeq,day =from 65 dB to72 dB, LAeq,night=from 52 dB to 60 dB). The equivalent noise levels difference from the noisy and the quiet façade was 7-13 dB, depending on the particular situation. Statistical outcomes of the questionnaire survey on the pilot sample of 176 respondents (average age 41.7 ± 9.3 years, 57% females, living in houses in the average for four years), are presented comparing the exposed (n=132) and the control group of inhabitants with bedrooms windows facing noisy streets or quite streets (n=44). \nThe outcomes of this pilot study support the hypothesis of subjectively higher level of interference (OR=2.86; 95 % CI=1.27-6.44 for sleep) and poorer adaptation of inhabitants to noise by day and by night (OR=3.20; 95 % CI=1.06-9.63). The assumption of increased subjective health risk (OR=1.45; 95 % CI=0.59-3.55) was not statistically significant.\nAfter completion of the results, we plan to propose interim measures to noisy facades of the apartment buildings as well as intervention procedures in the prevention of adverse effects of traffic noise on health. \n
Corresponding author
Name: Prof Lubica Argalasova
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Country: Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
