Evaluation of Road Traffic Noise Pollution and Its Effects on Shop Workers in Gaza City
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Date
2009-06-29
Authors
Shadi M. Ishtaiwi
شادي محمد اشتيوي
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
city is one of the most crowded places on Earth. This rowdiness and the random
haphazard urbanization have resulted in many environmental hazards including noise
pollution. Therefore, this study has been designed to study noise pollution due to
vehicular traffic in Gaza city and to determine the awareness level of noise pollution
and its effects on shop workers. Traffic noise level was measured at 19 locations (18
in the noisy crowded areas and one in a quiet less crowded area as control location) by
using a sound level meter. The continuous equivalent sound level (Leq) was calculated
manually in addition to statistical descriptors L10, L50, L90. Also, during the
measurement period, the vehicles flow was counted manually. The measurements were
taken at rush hours; in the morning at 7:30-8:30, and in the afternoon at 2:00-3:00 all
days. Also, a face-to-face questionnaire was used to measure the awareness level of
noise pollution and its effects on shop-workers. The response rate was 91.5% (150 out
of 164 workers). The results indicate that the noise level exceeded the permissible limits
of the WHO standard in the 18 locations of the crowded study area at both times, while
that of the 19th location was within the WHO standard, and the results revealed that
noise levels are increasing with increased vehicles flow . Also the results shows that
shop-workers are aware of the major sources of noise (98% said vehicles movement),
but 54 % have misconception about the meaning of noise pollution. About 97.3 % of
them reported that noise pollution affects on human health. Also the results illustrated
that 29.3% of the shop-workers have hearing impairments, 46% have experienced of
sleeping disturbances, and 40% complain of headache during working time. The study
concluded that Gaza city has a higher noise levels compared to WHO standard and there
is a need to reduce its level to protect people from its effects. Therefore, the study
recommends setting national standard, raising population's awareness about noise
adverse health effects, and improving traffic management and control with placing large
signs banning the use of vehicles horns to avoid above standards noise levels in public
places.