Study of noise pollution in Jeddah schools

Noise was measured in classrooms of a stratified random sample of 20 schools in Jeddah. The mean "Average" Leq levels (60-89.2 dB[A]) highly exeed the recommended maximum levels (42-55 db[A]). Noise is higher in the classes adjacent to the streets than in those facing the school courts, particularly at the busy areas, and in the schools of the busy areas than of the semi-busy and of the residential areas. But, noise is lower in the pre-cast structure schools than in the concrete schools due to the better insulating characteristics of the former, and the higher noise induced by the window-type air conditioning units used in the latter. However, the students' recreational activities have equal noise impact in the primary, intermediate and secondary schools. It has been recommended to build schools in low-noise background locations, to reduce transmitted noise by proper city planning, traffic engineering and improved construction characteristics, and to properly select and maintain the air conditioning systems.