A Comprehensive Investigation of Noise Exposure in and Around an Integrated Iron and Steel Works

Abstract

A comprehensive environmental noise exposure study was carried out in and around a major iron and steel works. The works was located in the central part of the city and was surrounded by residential, commercial, and sensitive receptors. Traffic activity near the plant was significant and added to the background noise level. Considering the variety of noise sources in the plant area and in the neighborhood, a practical approach to measure noise equivalent level in the plant and in the residential, commercial, industrial, and silence zone was adopted. A modular precision integrating sound level meter with statistical analyzer module, octave filter set, and calibrator were used during the measurements. The day and night level, Ldn, was determined. Worker exposure was assessed by determining the speech interference level (SIL), loudness level, and noise rating level at one of the major sources located in the power plant of the steel works. The results indicate that SIL was 94 dBA, loudness level was 112 phons, and the noise rating was in the range of 85-95. A traffic noise index also was determined near the works gates and was in the range of 68-96. The impact on the community is significant as observed from Ldn levels. Some mitigation measures for noise control are also discussed.

Comparison of Road Traffic Noise near High, Medium and Low Density Residential Areas in Nibong Tebal and Juru, Penang

“…In this era of global mass transportation and urbanization, traffic noise has become a critical issue [1]. With the increase in vehicle population, noise levels will increase [2]. Road traffic noise is one of the most widespread and growing environmental problems faced by the urban world.…”

Variability and Determinants of Occupational Noise Exposure Among Iron and Steel Factory Workers in Tanzania

“…This region is estimated to have an increasing occurrence of occupational-related noise-induced hearing loss due to rapid ongoing industrialization ( Concha-Barrientos et al ., 2004 ; Nelson et al ., 2005 ). Research has shown that iron and steel factories in industrialized countries are among the workplaces with high noise levels ( Lie et al ., 2016 ), but only a few studies have been conducted in developing countries on noise exposure in these same industries ( Kamal et al ., 1989 ; Pandya and Dharmadhikari, 2002 ; Ologe et al ., 2006 ; Singh et al ., 2013 ; Noweir et al ., 2014 ). To our knowledge, no such studies have been undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Studies on assessment of traffic noise level in Aurangabad city, India

“…they contribute about 55% to the total noise. [3,4] The rapidly increasing population followed by large number of vehicles gives rise to unrestrained noise pollution and its associated health effects and can cause both short-term as well as long-term psychological and physiological disorders. Noise pollution has an adverse impacts on human health.…”