Environmental Education

Noise Pollution

Content

Definition of noiseCharacteristics of sound / noiseMeasurement of sound / noiseImpacts of noiseNoise pollution in Hong KongNoise control in Hong Kong

Definition of Noise [1]

Do you like these sound?

A

C

B Which one is noise?

Definition of Noise [2]

How do you define a noise?

Any unwanted sound can be regarded as ‘noise’

Characteristics of Sound [1]

Pure sound

Characteristics of Sound [2]

Frequency Hertz (Hz) Low v.s. High

Infrasound, Audible sound and Ultrasound

16Hz 20,000Hz

Audible sound UltrasoundInfrasound

Characteristics of Sound [3]

Amplitude Loudness of a sound

Amplitude vibration in the ear mechanism brain’s perception Loudness

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) (dB)

Characteristics of Sound [4]

Highest SPL : 194 dBLowest SPL : 0 dB

Noise Level Examples

Characteristics of Sound [5]

Temporal Variation Sound level change at different time.

Measurement of Sound

Sound Level Meter

Impacts of Noise

disturb people’s thoughts and feelingsaffect digesting systembring hypertension and emotional upsetscause allergies, enuresis, spinal meningitis

Noise Pollution in Hong Kong [1]

Types of noise Traffic – engines, exhaust pipes, horns, moving…

Aircraft – height, landing and taking-off, aircraft design …

Noise Pollution in Hong Kong [2]

Types of noise Construction – machines, building demolition …

Industrial Domestic – alarming clock, snoring noise, doorb

ells, radios/TV …

Noise Control in Hong Kong[1]

Statutory controls Environmental Protection Department

Noise Control Ordinance Labour Department

Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance

Noise Control in Hong Kong [2]

Abatement strategies Protecting the recipient

Earplugs

Sound AbsorptionSound absorption materials

Noise Control in Hong Kong [3]

Reducing the source of the noise Stringent vehicle design rule Controlling traffic volume and the

traffic conditions Paving noise absorption road surface

Noise Control in Hong Kong [4]

Changing the path of noise Placing noise barriers along major

roads

To protect Student and Residents

Noise Control in Hong Kong [5]

Building noise enclosure

To protect Residents

Noise Control in Hong Kong [6]

Integrating noise reduction into building design

Noise tolerant portions

Portions not affected by noise

Noise barrier from podium

Noise Control in Hong Kong [7]

Site Planning Maximizing setback by using

recreation and garden

Noise tolerant commercial centre + maximizing setback from roads

Discussion

What are the typical noises in residential areas?What do you feel when hearing noises?Can you identify any control measures or building design that aim to reduce noise?What action can you take to reduce noise pollution?

Relevant Websites [1]

Environmental Protection Department (http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/)

Noise Management amd Policy Group (http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/noise/main.html)

Occupational Safety & Health Council (http://www.oshc.org.hk/eng/)Noise Watch Online (Canada, a non-profit volunteer organization) (http://www3.sympatico.ca/noise/)Noise Pollution Clearinghouse (USA, a national non-profit organization) (http://www.nonoise.org/)

Relevant Websites [2]

Netherlands Noise and Traffic Site (http://www.xs4all.nl/~rigolett/ENGELS)U.K. Noise Act (1996) (http://hmso.gov.uk/acts1996/1996037.htm)European Commission’s Green Paper on Future Noise Policy (http://europa.eu.int/en/record/green/gp9611/noise.htm)Environmental Protection Agency (USA) (http://www.epa.gov/docs/epacfr40/chapt-1.info/subch-G/)House Ear Institute (LA, USA) (http://www.hei.org/welcome.htm)