Hygienic assessment of transport noise using social-acoustic surveys

One of the leading environmental factors that has an adverse effect on the well-being of the urban population is transport noise. The aim of this study was a comparative hygienic assessment of transport noise (automobile and railway) and its impact on irritation. The survey was conducted in accordance with ISO TS 15666:2021. Acoustics. Noise level assessment using social and socioacoustic research. The sample of respondents was formed by random selection. The survey method included a face-to-face survey of city residents living near the highway and next to the railway. Transport noise measurements were carried out in accordance with MUK 4.3.3722-21 “Control methods. Physical factors. Noise level control in residential areas, in residential and public buildings and premises” in urban areas and in residential buildings. The hygienic assessment of noise was carried out in accordance with SanPiN 1.2.3685-21, the health risk assessment was carried out using MR 2.1.10.0059-12. An excess of equivalent sound levels from transport noise of up to 5 dBA was established in the areas immediately adjacent to residential buildings. When assessing the equivalent level of average daily noise, it was found that L den from road traffic was 53 decibels (dB), from rail transport 48.2 decibels (dB). A relationship was established between the noise level and irritation. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.704. No reliable differences in the degree of irritation depending on the noise source (rail or road transport) were found when sound levels exceeded 5 dBA.