Investigating noise exposure in urban school environments using noise monitoring and spatial-mapping approach

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of road traffic noise on roadside urban schools by adopting a dual methodological approach that combines quantitative noise monitoring and mapping with a socio-acoustical survey. 10 schools located near busy roads with varying noise exposure levels were examined. Noise levels were measured both inside classrooms and along adjacent roadways, and key acoustic indices including Traffic Noise Index (TNI), Noise Climate (NC), and Noise Pollution Level (Lnp) were computed. Noise propagation maps were generated to visualize extent and spatial distribution of noise exposure around each school. Results show that observed noise levels frequently exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits, with exceedances ranging from 15% in S5 to 107% in S6. The socio-acoustical survey further highlighted the perceptual and psychological impacts of noise, including reduced speech intelligibility and increased emotional stress. Approximately 80% of students reported frequent disturbance from external noise, 65% experienced loss of concentration, and 50% reported feelings of annoyance or fatigue. While the findings provide substantial evidence of the adverse effects of traffic noise on roadside schools, further research is needed to deepen understanding and explore long-term implications.