The effect of traffic noise on public health

Abstract

Objective

This paper aims to determine the level of noise generated by land transportation modes and their impact on the people who live nearby along arterial roads in the city of Parepare, Indonesia.

Method

This study is a vehicle traffic survey conducted simultaneously with noise level measurements using a sound level meter. The calculation uses the Equivalent Leq formula, to determine the impact arising from noise, using statistical applications.

Results

The highest noise level results are 88.8 dB (above the standard noise level based on Kep-48, MENLH, 11,1996 of 55–65 dB for each region). The impact of noise on public health by traffic on people who live around the road is a psychological disorder 80%, physiological disorders 35.7%, and the highest is a communication disorder 84.3%.

Conclusion

The impact of high-noise results needs to be socializing by the government to people who live around along the road.