IJEP 41(9): 1077-1080 : Vol. 41 Issue. 9 (September 2021)
Sunil Kumar D., Jose Jom Thomas*, David Ninan Kurien, Muhammad Mon U., Prakash B. and Narayana Murty M.R.
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, JSS Medical College, Mysuru – 570 004, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Noise pollution is a rising risk factor leading to the development of auditory and non-auditory health effects of various kinds. The modern man is exposed to various degrees of noise throughout the day. Occupational exposure to noise is a significant yet neglected challenge in developing countries. This study attempts to map the distribution and relationship of traffic noise and its health effect among people exposed to it in major junctions of Mysuru city in India using geographic information system (GIS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in 70 systematically selected major traffic junctions in Mysuru city. The average noise level was assessed using sound level meter during peak traffic hours and 280 individuals working adjacent to the localities were evaluated for health effects. The data was analyzed using QGIS and SPSS software. The mean noise level recorded in the traffic areas of Mysuru city was 72.89 + 8.37 decibels and 61.4% of locations assessed in the city showed noise levels above the recommended maximum limits. Among the workers exposed to traffic noise in the city, 26.1% had atleast one health effect of high noise exposure. The proportion of workers with auditory effects of noise was 6.1% and 22.5% showed non-auditory health effects of constant noise exposure. The results were suggestive of the presence of noise pollution in the majority of the traffic areas in Mysuru city. The proportion of study participants with auditory or non-auditory health effects were higher in areas with noise levels exceeding the recommended maximum limits.
Keywords
Noise pollution, Noise-induced health effects
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