Data Collection
The National Transportation Noise Map provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation allows users and other stakeholders to search for noise exposure information by location. Another way is to contact state DOTs or local city planning offices. These offices usually have noise maps that show traffic noise levels for specific areas.2
Examples
Road traffic noise and annoyance – An increasing environmental health problem
Bluhm et al. (2004) conducted a study to determine the degree of annoyance and sleep disturbance amongst commuters due to traffic noise in urban locations. The research used questionnaires to interview 1,000 people aged 19 to 80. The study’s findings showed that 2 percent of individuals exposed to traffic noise levels less than 50 dBA experienced chronic irritation, whereas 13 percent of the chosen participants expressed frequent annoyance—a difference of 11 percent. Researchers found that those who resided in flats had greater sleep issues than those who did not live in detached or semi-detached homes. The researchers concluded that exposure to traffic noise, even at low levels, was bothersome and interfered with sleep.
1. Ouis, D. Annoyance from road traffic noise: a review. Journal of environmental psychology. 2001 Mar 1;21(1):101-20. https://doi.org/10.1006/jevp.2000.0187
2. National transportation noise map [Internet]. Bts.gov. [cited 2022 Aug 9]. Available from: https://www.bts.gov/geospatial/national-transportation-noise-mapa