Exploring nighttime road traffic noise: A comprehensive predictive surface for Toronto, Canada.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Urban Acoustics
• Public Health

Background:

• Road traffic noise poses health risks, especially at night.
• Assessing urban noise levels is crucial for public health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nighttime traffic ambient noise in Toronto, Canada.
• To develop a predictive model for city-wide noise estimation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted noise measurements at 767 locations over three seasonal campaigns (June 2012-October 2013).
• Developed temporal and spatial models using noise measurements to create a predictive surface.
• Compared measured and estimated noise levels with World Health Organization and Ontario provincial guidelines.

Main Results:

• Mean nighttime noise levels in Toronto exceeded the World Health Organization's 40 dBA guideline.
• Mean daytime noise levels exceeded the Province of Ontario's 55 dBA guideline.
• 100% of Toronto exceeded 40 dBA during the quietest nighttime hours (2-2:30 a.m.), with a mean of 57 dBA.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive predictive surface for geocoded noise levels in Toronto was successfully developed.
• This tool can identify areas with noise exceeding health guidelines, aiding epidemiological studies.
• The findings highlight the pervasive issue of nighttime traffic noise as an environmental health hazard in Toronto.