The effect of the traffic noise on the environment comfort in the cities - Case study: Karada city in Baghdad

Abstract

The noise pollution in the cities has become of great concern all over the World. This research deals with evaluating the noise levels that was carried out in the study area streets (Karada city). The aims of this research were to evaluate the environmental noise pollution present in Karada city caused by traffic noise, compare the measured noise levels in the city with legislations and to establish the connection between noise and the number of active vehicles. The research work was carried out in three different stages: The first stage dealt with the physical measurements (using Apparatus Device), while the second stage had to do with the field surveys and questionnaires conducted to measure and evaluate the effect of noise caused by vehicular movements in the main streets during traffic rush hours. The third stage was carried out in parallel with the first stage as the amount of traffic in the study area streets was measured. Ultimately, the research concludes with results and recommendations to protect the study area from traffic noise pollution, which in return would be very beneficial to studies that deal with planning a noise-free environment. Key words: environment; noise; pollution; streets; traffic noise.