TRAFFIC NOISE POLLUTION AND ITS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH IN THE CITY OF AZIZIYAH

Abstract

This research is summarised in studying the temporal and spatial variation of the levels of noise pollution by defining a group of sites (5 sites) to measure noise levels using a device (SMART SENSOR) (Digital Sound Level Meter), which were randomly distributed to the neighbourhoods of Aziziyah city. A GIS programme was used to locate the samples, and by analysing the maps of noise pollution levels, it was found that traffic noise in the study area had a significant impact on human health. Noise levels were concentrated in the city centre, which is the most severe. The highest level of noise was detected during the morning observation (93 db) near Markaz Street, while the highest level was detected during the afternoon observation. It reached (79 db) near the Gulf Intersection, and the lowest noise level It was recorded during the morning observation, and it reached 69db near Doctors Street, and the lowest noise level was detected during the afternoon observation (63db) near Hospital Street. In addition, we find that the noise levels vary within the city where the highest levels of noise are in the city centre as a result of the concentration of commercial activities and the increase in traffic in it. This is in addition to the presence of most government departments and institutions in the city centre. Then it decreases as we move towards the outskirts of the city.