Determination of noise levels and effects in noise sensitive areas case study: Sakarya province Serdivan district of Turkey

Abstract

Noise pollution has become an important type of environmental pollution, especially in populated areas, due to changes in transportation preferences and industry development. The World Health Organization reports that noise, along with air and water pollution, poses one of the most dangerous pollution threats in big cities. In this study, noise pollution measurements were carried in two different regions of a major city, focusing on sensitive points such as hospitals and schools. Surveys were administered to local residents in these areas to assess levels of annoyance due to traffic noise and awareness of noise pollution. The results show that the measured noise levels exceed the 55 dB(A) limit set by the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, as well as WHO noise guideline values. According to the survey findings, it was determined that a majority of respondents in both regions demonstrated awareness of noise pollution. The study further revealed that while 19% of respondents reported high levels of annoyance due to traffic noise, they were more disturbed by industrial machinery and construction activities. Concerning the health effects of noise pollution, a greater number of participants in both regions reported experiencing headaches. Based on these findings, the study identifies sources of noise pollution beyond traffic noise that contribute to discomfort in sensitive areas, highlights the significant health impacts of noise pollution on individuals, and proposes potential solutions.