Quantifying traffic noise pollution levels: a cross-sectional survey in South Africa

Despite the alarming increase in environmental noise pollution, particularly road traffic noise, in developing countries, there seems to be no awareness regarding the long-term impacts of noise, specifically traffic noise, on the health outcomes of individuals exposed to excessive noise. Additionally, there is a dearth of studies on noise and its effects utilising the pollution modelling technique known as Pollution Standard Index (PSI) to analyse the impact of noise pollution on exposed individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the noise levels commuters are exposed to and to apply PSI to determine the level of exposure. We conducted a cross-sectional study at two taxi ranks, over 28 days. Eighty-four noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter and a dosimeter at different times of the day and month, peak vs off-peak hours and busy days vs quiet days. Data were collected between April and July 2019. We used the Pollution Standard Index to analyse the data. Noise levels were above the permissible commercial noise levels as they fell within the extremely dangerous noise sensitivity zone as determined by the PSI. Furthermore, the noise levels fell below the WHO maximum permissible level of 90 dB. There was no statistical difference between the means of the open and closed ranks. Dosimeter noise level recordings fell within the satisfactory zone as measurements were below 300 PSI, which is considered unhealthy. There is a need to raise awareness on the dangers and effects of noise pollution in developing countries, as their populations are exposed to road traffic noise.