Occupational noise exposure in high-density residential area in Basrah city and perceived health effects

الملخص EN

An assessment of the level of noise produced by sound generating machines was carried out in Basrah.

Acoustical measurements were made using a digital sound level meter 814 SL model, range: 40dB -130dB.

Measurements were made at intervals of 100cm from each source and a total of five machines were investigated to determine the noise generated and its level at each of these distances.

Results show that the average ambient noise levels around these machines were lowest for source S2 (air compressor) which had between 84.

5dB at 600 cm and 98dB at 100cm and highest for source S5 (Hammer drill) which had between 125.

5dB at 600cm and 130dB at 100cm.

This result indicates that people working around source S5 are more exposed to noise and hence more prone to noise associated health effects.

The results in S5 exceed the recommended noise level of 90dB for an 8-hour exposure by OSHA.

A confirmatory analysis of annoyance, general discomfort, and temporary hearing impairments indicated that people around these areas are already being ignorantly affected by these sources of noise.