noise pollution News

Whilst living in cities, near airports or road and rail links, might prove useful for the commute, the noise levels can sometimes be too much to bear. A growing body of research reveals, transport noise can cause sleep disturbance, cardiovascular disease, elevated hormone levels, psychological problems and even premature death; studies on children have identified cognitive impairment, worsened ...

Jun. 2, 2009

By Health and Environment Alliance

The German Federal Government wants to dramatically improve the protection of residents from aircraft noise. This decision is based on a directive (16/509) according to which existing 1971 legislation on protection against noise pollution resulting from air traffic should be “significantly improved”. The government envisages reducing threshold values around large military and civil airports ...

Feb. 20, 2006

Noise pollution from transport is linked to 50,000 fatal heart attacks in the EU every year, researchers have claimed. A study published by the sustainable transport campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E) said noise from rail and roads is linked to a further 200,000 cases of heart disease in Europe. Close to half of all Europeans are regularly exposed to traffic noise pollution that ...

Mar. 5, 2008

By edie.net - Faversham House Ltd.

While occupational exposure to noise has declined, ‘social’ exposure in the form of personal music players or rock concerts is estimated to have tripled for young people since the 1980s. A new review examines studies that have investigated noise sources, including environmental (e.g. traffic) and social (e.g. via headphones) sources. The review also explores research into the range of ...

Jan. 15, 2015

By European Commission, Environment DG

A project in Ireland has won the European Soundscape Award 2014 for its work on acoustic planning and urban sound design. The prize, presented by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Thursday evening in Bern, recognises initiatives that can help reduce noise and create healthy soundscapes. Noise pollution can increase stress levels or disturb sleep, affecting human health. Prolonged exposure ...

Oct. 5, 2014

By European Environment Agency (EEA)

Green roofs have the potential to significantly reduce road traffic noise in the urban environment, according to a new study. The results suggest that greening of roofs and walls with materials suitable for growing plants softens the urban environment keeping sound levels low, whereas hard, manmade structures tend to amplify traffic noise. The Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC)1 ...

May 16, 2013

By European Commission, Environment DG

To manage noise, it must first be assessed. Several commercial noise prediction tools exist, but they are often complex and expensive. A new Irish study evaluates a simpler tool and demonstrates that it produces very similar results to standard commercial software. The European Directive on Environmental Noise1 requires Member States to draw up strategic noise maps and action plans. A noise map ...

Jun. 8, 2009

By European Commission, Environment DG

A recent report has assessed the latest research on the adverse affects of noise on health, focusing on approaches to estimating the economic cost of noise. This information could help policy makers tasked with designing cost-effective noise reduction and management policies. Increased traffic noise and the wider spread of a 24 hour society have contributed to rising complaints about disturbance ...

Mar. 9, 2010

By Science for Environment Policy - European Commission DG Environment News Alert Service

Excess noise is a common cause of stress and its impact on health is a concern for environmental policy makers. An analysis of current research in this area raises the question of whether noise-induced stress could increase the likelihood of illness by weakening the immune system. The European Noise Directive1 requires Member States to draw up strategic noise maps to show the level of noise in ...

Sep. 3, 2009

By European Commission, Environment DG

IMMISmt is a real time monitoring system for air quality and noise. Based on online traffic data, measurements of air quality stations and weather data, IMMISmt calculates traffic induced emissions, background and total pollutant concentrations as well as noise levels within the streets as, e. g., hourly mean values. To do so, IMMISmt combines various models which are validated and widely used in ...

Sep. 19, 2011

By IVU Umwelt GmbH

Which software best meets your needs now? How can you avoid expensive upgrades and licenses later? Use this free software comparison tool to compare features and capabilities. The simple format lets you add your own items for unbiased comparisons. You decide what you need and want in a software package. When it’s time to ...

Mar. 13, 2012

By SoundPLAN International LLC

Fears of noise pollution, water contamination and even potential earthquakes were all aired at a contentious 2-day hearing this week. Would councillors eventually approved fracking to take place in North Yorkshire? Tests for shale gas can now take place in the village of Kirby Misperton, Ryedale, after councillors in a majority vote (7-4) gave the ...

May 24, 2016

By Cirrus Research plc

In a new study, Spanish researchers describe a method specifically designed for measuring and characterising noise from building sites. They claim the method could help shape future policy related to noise pollution caused by the construction industry and provide important information to help reduce construction noise. Several EU directives are concerned with noise pollution and focus on reducing ...

Dec. 18, 2009

By Science for Environment Policy - European Commission DG Environment News Alert Service

Noise Sentinel is a web-based real-time noise management service that simplifies noise monitoring and compliance management for industry. It is a complete end-to-end service that combines established monitoring practises with new innovations, such as continuous assessment and ease of sharing with stakeholders, to help industry manage noise impact in the community. Noise Sentinel is in operation ...

Nov. 14, 2012

By Brüel & Kjær Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S

IMMISmt is a real time monitoring system for air pollution and noise. Based on online traffic data, measurements of air quality stations, emission data and weather data, IMMISmt continuously calculates traffic induced emissions, background and total pollutant concentrations as well as noise levels within the streets as, e. g., hourly mean values. To do so, IMMISmt combines various ...

Mar. 18, 2009

By IVU Umwelt GmbH

In Luxembourg, European Transport Ministers reached an agreement on revised road charging rules for lorries (the Eurovignette directive). Nina Renshaw, deputy director at Transport & Environment (T&E), welcomed the agreement but also stressed that a number of issues remain. "Finally, governments across the EU will have the flexibility to include charges for air and noise pollution into ...

Nov. 12, 2010

By Transport and Environment (T&E)

Speed constraints for aircraft are put in place, at some airports, to minimise noise pollution in local areas, however, such practices can be very fuel-inefficient. New research has now shown that relaxing departure speed limits could substantially reduce CO2 emissions, while maintaining acceptable noise levels. The aviation industry is a major contributor to emissions of greenhouse ...

Jan. 24, 2013

By European Commission, Environment DG

The monitoring of boundary noise levels in urban locations is a high priority as the background noise levels in these environments are potentially already high. When working on new developments in urban locations situated near residents you are responsible for maintaining your noise levels within acceptable limits Monitoring and maintaining acceptable noise levels in urban environments can be a ...

Jun. 2, 2015

By Cirrus Environmental

EU Transport Ministers recently voted in favour of new rules which would allow Member States to charge a levy on heavy lorries to cover the cost of air and noise pollution. Under the current "Eurovignette Directive", only costs of maintaining road infrastructure can be charged. This would enable Member States to manage congestion more flexibly, as it would allow differentiation ofcharges ...

Nov. 2, 2010

By Environmental Protection UK

A new mobile phone application which can help monitor traffic-noise exposure is presented in a recent study. The app, ‘2Loud?’, can measure indoor night-time noise exposure and, given large-scale community participation, could provide valuable data to aid urban planning, the researchers say. In an Australian pilot study, nearly half of participants who used the app found that they ...

Nov. 6, 2014

By European Commission, Environment DG