Traffic noise a serious public health concern, finds study

Bhubaneswar: Traffic noise in the industrial district of Sundargarh is emerging as a serious public health concern, with nearly half of the residents surveyed reporting high levels of irritation and a significant number experiencing hearing-related problems, according to a recent study published in Elsevier’s Next Research journal.The study, conducted by researchers from Utkal University and other institutes and published in April, monitored noise levels across five key locations in Sundargarh city over a period of two years, 2022 and 2023. The sites included district headquarters hospital, Municipal High School, Bank Chowk, New Bus Stand and RRIT Colony, representing silence, commercial and residential zones.Researchers found that noise levels frequently exceeded the limits prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board, particularly in commercial areas and around public institutions.

“The NewBus Stand emerged as the noisiest location, while even areas designated as silence zones, such as hospitals and schools, recorded sound levels well above permissible limits,” Soaham Padhan, a researcher from Utkal University, said.Using a combination of field measurements and community surveys, the study assessed the impact of traffic-generated noise on residents. “Of the 103 respondents surveyed, 44.7% reported being highly irritated by traffic noise, while 59.2% showed high sensitivity to noise exposure,” Padhan added.

Researchers found that annoyance levels were significantly linked to age, with middle-aged residents reporting greater disturbance than younger or older groups. “The health impacts were equally concerning. Around 8.8% of respondents said they were currently suffering from hearing trauma, while 42.68% reported having experienced hearing problems in the past,” Shreerup Goswami, a professor of geology at Utkal University and an author of the study, said.Nearly half of the participants also showed signs of moderate to high levels of stress or depression, which researchers believe may be linked, at least partly, to persistent noise exposure.The study notes that rapid urbanisation and increasing vehicle numbers are major contributors to rising noise levels in Sundargarh. “Vehicle registrations in the district have grown sharply over the years, leading to heavier traffic on roads.

Researchers observed that noise levels in 2023 were consistently higher than those recorded in 2022, indicating a worsening trend,” Goswami added.Warning that environmental noise is often overlooked compared to air and water pollution, the authors said prolonged exposure can affect hearing, sleep, mental well-being and overall quality of life. They called for stronger enforcement of noise regulations, routine noise monitoring, expansion of silence zones around schools and hospitals and the creation of green buffers along busy roads. “Noise is not merely a background disturbance but a significant public health issue,” the researchers noted, adding that timely intervention is essential to prevent further deterioration of urban liveability in fast-growing towns such as Sundargarh.