EP326/EE304/EG202

Environmental Engineering

Chapter 2: Noise Pollution

Prepared by: Dr. Thung Wei-Eng

Outline
Week 4

• Definition of noise
• Sources of noise pollution
• Effect/impact of noise pollution to human and
environment
• Noise pollution control and preventive actions
Learning Outcome
Week 10

• Identify the source and level of the

noise pollution

• Evaluate the noise, its impact to the

environment and human

• Propose the engineering control,

preventive action for noise pollution
What is “Noise” and Noise Pollution?

• Noise, commonly defined as unwanted sound.

• Noise is an environmental pollutant, a waste product

generated in conjunction with various anthropogenic
activities.

• Any sound that gives psychological disturbance to a

person, may give social effect to a group of people such
as disturbance during working, sleeping, conversation
and recreation.

• Disturbance is perception dependent. Degree of tolerable

varies from one person to the other.

• NOISE POLLUTION: refers to the sounds in the

environment that are caused by humans that interferes
with naturally occurring sounds thus disrupting or even
threatening wildlife and human activity
How is sound generated?
• Noise is developed via vibration that creates sound waves.
• Sound waves result from a vibration of solid objects or the
separation of fluids as they pass over, around or through
holes in solid objects.
• Propagated noise through media (the most common is air)
causes the next air molecule to vibrate and creates sound
waves.

• In other words, the vibrated air molecule causes the

pressure to increase above atmospheric pressure.
• This change of pressure is transmitted to hearing senses. This
pressure is called sound pressure.
Characteristics of Sound
• Amplitude: The amount of sound pressure measured in decibels (dB)

• Frequency: The rate of vibration per unit time measured in cycles

per second, more commonly known as hertz (Hz); range of normal
perception for human is 20– 20,000 Hz

• Wave Length: Distance between pressure peak

= xf

where, v= speed of sound, m/s

= wavelength, m/cycle
f = frequency, Hz

Speed of Light: 299,792,458 m/s Speed of sound 344 m/s

Level and Decibel (dB)
The unit used to measure the intensity of a sound.

Measurements on this scale are called levels.

Level in decibel (dB) are computed as follows:

Human hearing covers a wide range of sound pressures

• Threshold of hearing: 0.00002 Pa

• Threshold of pain: 200 Pa

* Newtons per square meter (N/m2), called a Pascal, Pa

Sound Power Level
• Sound power is referred in unit Watt
• Energy that cause vibration of air molecule by a noise
source is called sound power
• Sound power level is a total energy emitted from a noise
source in reference to a reference power, i.e. 10-12 watt
• Sound Power level is defined as:

Lw = sound power level in dB

W = sound power level in Watt
Wo = reference sound power, 10-12 watt
Sound Intensity Level
• Sound intensity is defined as the time-weight
average sound power per unit area normal to
the direction of propagation of the sound wave.
Sound intensity:

Where
I = sound intensity (watt/m2 )
W = sound power (watt)
A = area normal to source (m2)
= 4πr2 , r is distance from source

LI = Sound Intensity Level (Watt/m2 )

I = Sound Intensity (Watt/m2 )
I0 = Reference Intensity = 10-12 Watt/m2
Sound Pressure Level
• Sound measurement is based on the difference in
pressure in reference to atmospheric pressure

• Sound Pressure Level - expresses the magnitude of

volume or a sound (dB)

Where,
Prms = P = Measured pressure
(Prms)o = Po = Reference pressure (20µPa is the threshold of hearing)
Relative scale of sound pressure
Practice in Class

If sound pressure is 0.02 Pa, what is the sound pressure level?

60dB

Po = Reference pressure (20µPa is the threshold of hearing)

If sound pressure is 0.06 Pa, what is the sound pressure level?

69.5 dB
Total Sound Pressure Levels

• Since SPLs are based on a log scale, they cannot be added directly

• i.e., 80 dB + 80 dB ≠ 160 dB

• Where: SPLT is the total sound pressure level, and SPLi is the i the
sound pressure level to be summed
Average Sound Pressure Levels

• Since SPLs are based on a log scale, they cannot be added directly

• Where: is the average sound pressure level, and Li is the i the

sound pressure level to be summed
Practice in Class

Given two machines producing 80 dB each, what is the total SPL?

Total 83 dB, avg 80 dB

Given four machines producing 100 dB, 91dB, 90 dB, and 89 dB

respectively, what is the total sound pressure level?
Total 101.15 dB, avg 93.77 dB
Noise Measurement

Sound level measurement

• Importance
– Measuring noise risk to workers. E.g. if a worker is
exposed to an excessive noise level for a long duration,
noise measurement is important to avoid this kind of
worker not to be continuously exposed

– Public disturbances due to noise. E.g. any complaints

on noise must be validated with appropriate noise
measurements

– Checking of instrument’s or machineries specification.

Client may validate the specifications by conducting
noise measurement. Various standards can also be
compared.
Noise Monitoring Device
• Based on difference in pressure due to noise source
• Noise is measured by sound level meter
• Various types – analog, digital, dataloged
• Types of sound level meter
4 types
Type 0 – for laboratory reference situations
Type 1 – Precision grade – used for accurate field measurement
Type 2 – Industrial grade – for non-critical survey work
Type 3 – Survey grade are low cost sound level indicators
It is recommended type 1 instruments be used for industrial
measurements and for environmental measurements involving
legislation
Noise Monitoring Device
Sound level meters will have the following components

• Microphone – device that receives the sound (in form of pressure

difference in relation to atmospheric pressure), converts the
pressure to low electrical currents by a diaphragm which is
pressure sensitive.
• Amplifier as a device to increase the electrical currents to a
suitable levels.
• Weighing networks that separate the required octave bands. A,B or
C weighted are used on specific applications.
• Sound levels after being weighted are again being increased by
another amplifier.
• Correction and setting (fast & slow). – fast setting means the
instrument reacts fast in a given measurement period. i.e. In every
1/8 sec and the results averaged – slow setting gives average
reading in every 1 sec.

In Malaysia, sound level meter must use Type 1 or 0, IEC Standard

(Specification for sound level meter, 1979)
Noise Standards and Guidelines
 First Schedule, Regulation 5(1), Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations
1989, Under the Malaysian Factories & Machinery Act 1967

Noise Level Duration of exposure Noise Level Duration of exposure Noise Level Duration of exposure
dB (A) – permitted per day (hours- dB (A) – Slow* permitted per day dB (A) – permitted per day
Slow* minute) (hours-minute) Slow* (hours-minute)

85 16-0 95 4-0 105 1-0

86 13-56 96 3-29 106 0-52

87 12-8 97 3-2 107 0-46

88 First Schedule,
10-34 Regulation 5(1),
98Factories and2-50
Machinery (Noise Exposure)
108 Regulations
0-40 1989,
Under the Malaysian Factories & Machinery Act 1967
89 9-11 99 2-15 109 0-34

90 8-0 100 2-0 110 0-30

91 6-58 101 1-44 111 0-26

92 6-4 102 1-31 112 0-23

93 5-17 103 1-19 113 0-20

94 4-36 104 1-9 114 0-17

Noise Dose
Daily noise dose means a unit of measurement of sound
level indicated by a sound level meter, when used for A
weighted sound level at slow response

• C = the actual time exposed at each dB level

• T = the time allowed to be exposed at each dB level

The standard %Dose is not to exceed 100. if %Dose is

greater than 100, the workers are not working in safe
environment and control measures are necessary
Noise Dose and exposure

• Noise dose means the amount of noise release by a

source of noise.

• It is not a matter of concern if we do not expose to it

• Human expose to noise is a problem

• If exposed too long at a very high sound level,

permanent hearing damage may occur

• There are a few dose levels and the standard durations

of noise exposure

• All are related to disturbing risk and the associated

health effects
Calculating % Noise Dose

Given four hours of 80 dBA exposure, two hours of 90 dBA exposure, and
two hours of 85 dBA exposure, what is the % dose using the HCA? (Does
this person need to be in a hearing conservation program?) 50%

Given four hours of 90 dBA exposure, two hours of 95 dBA exposure, and
two hours of 85 dBA exposure, what is the % dose using the HCA? (Does
this person need to be in a hearing conservation program?) 112.5%
Calculating % Noise Dose

Given four hrs of 80 dBA exposure, two hours of 90 dBA exposure, and
two hours of 85 dBA exposure, what is the % dose using the PEL? (Is this
person overexposed compared to PEL?) 25%

A worker is working for 1 hour in a noisy environment of 90 dB(A)

followed by a 2 hours in 92 dB(A) and 3 hours in 94 dB(A). The next 2
hours he works in a quiet control room. Does the worker comply with the
Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989, Under The
Malaysian Factories & Machinery Act 1967? (110.7)
Sources of Noise Pollution
Classification of noise pollution:
1) Community Noise/ Environmental Noise (non industrial noise pollution)
• Defined as noise emitted from all sources, except at the industrial
workplace.
• Include road, rail and air traffic, construction and public work, and the
neighborhood.
• Typical neighborhood noise comes from live or recorded music; from
sporting events including motor sports; from playgrounds and car parks;
and from domestic animals such as barking dogs.

2) Occupational Noise ( industrial noise pollution)

• Occupational exposure limits specify the maximum sound pressure levels
and exposure times to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed
without adverse effect on their ability to hear and understand
normal speech.
• Occupational exposure limit of 85 dB for 8 hours is to protect most people
against a permanent hearing impairment induced by noise.
Sources of Noise Pollution
1. Road Traffic Noise
• In the city, the main sources of traffic noise are the motors and exhaust
system of autos, smaller trucks, buses, and motorcycles.
• This type of noise can be amplified by narrow streets and tall buildings,
which produce a canyon in which traffic noise reverberates.

2. Air Craft Noise

• Now-a-days. low flying military aircraft and aircraft operations over
national parks, wilderness areas , and other areas previously unaffected
by aircraft noise has added a new dimension to community annoyance.

3. Noise From Railroads

• The noise from locomotive engines, horns and whistles, and switching and
shunting operation in rail yards can impact neighboring communities and
railroad workers.

4. Construction Noise
• The noise from the construction of highways , city streets , and buildings is
a major contributor to the urban scene. Construction noise sources include
pneumatic hammers, air compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks
(and their back-up signals), and pavement breakers.
Sources of Noise Pollution
5. Noise in Industry
• Although industrial noise is one of the less prevalent community noise
problems, neighbors of noisy manufacturing plants can be disturbed by
sources such as fans, motors, and compressors mounted on the outside of
buildings.
• Interior noise can also be transmitted to the community through open
windows and doors, and even through building walls.
• These interior noise sources have significant impacts on industrial workers,
among whom noise- induced hearing loss is unfortunately common.

6. Noise In Building
• Apartment dwellers are often annoyed by noise in their homes, internal
building noise from plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners, and fans.
• Improperly insulated walls and ceilings can reveal amplified music, voices,
footfalls and noisy activities from neighboring units.
• External noise from emergency vehicles, traffic, refuse collection, and other city
noises can be a problem for urban residents, especially when windows are open
or insufficiently glazed.

7. Noise From Consumer Products

• Certain household equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and some kitchen
appliances have been and continue to be noisemakers, although their
contribution to the daily noise dose is usually not very large.
Impact of Noise Pollution (Human)
1. Decrease in Efficiency
• Regarding the impact of noise on human efficiency, there are number
of experiments which point out the fact that human efficiency increases
with noise reduction.
• Thus human efficiency is related with noise.

2. Lack of Concentration
• For better quality of work there should be concentration.
• Noise causes lack of concentration.
• In big cities, mostly all the offices are on main road, the noise of traffic
or the loud speakers of different types of horns divert the attention of
the people working in offices.

3. Fatigue
• Because of noise pollution, people cannot concentrate on their work.
• Thus they have to give their more time for completing the work and
they feel tiring.

4. Lead to Abortion
• There should be cool and calm atmosphere during the pregnancy.
• Unpleasant sounds make a lady of irritative nature.
• Sudden noise causes abortion in females
Impact of Noise Pollution (Human)
5) High Blood Pressure
• Noise pollution causes certain diseases in human.
• It attacks on the person’s peace of mind. The noises are recognized as
major contributing factors in accelerating the already existing tensions
of modern living.
• The tensions result in certain disease like blood pressure or mental
illness etc.

6) Temporary or Permanent Deafness

• The effect of noise on audition is well recognized in mechanics,
locomotive drivers, telephone operators etc.
• All have their hearing impairment as a result of noise at the place of
work.
• Physicist, physicians & psychologists are of the view that continued
exposure to noise level above 80 to 100 dB is unsafe.
• Loud noise causes temporary or permanent deafness.

7) Aggressive Behavior
• Noise above 80 dB may increase aggressive behavior. Annoyance is
defined as a feeling of displeasure associated with any agent or
condition believed by an individual to adversely affect him or her
Impact of Noise Pollution (Crops)
• Plants are similar to human being.
• They are also as sensitive as man.
• There should be cool and peaceful environment for their better growth.
• Noise pollution causes poor quality of crops in a pleasant atmosphere.

Impact of Noise Pollution (Animals)

• Noise pollution damage the nervous system of animals.
• Animal looses the control of its mind.
• They become dangerous

Impact of Noise Pollution (Property)

• Loud noise is very dangerous to building, bridges and monuments. It

weakens the edifice of buildings.

• It creates waves which struck the walls and put the building in
danger condition
Occupational Hearing Loss
• Feeling of fullness in the ear.

• Sounds may seem muffled.

• Cannot hear high frequency sounds.

• Ringing in the ears while listening to the high frequency sounds.

• Loud noise for a long period of time, or sudden burst of sound can
cause occupational hearing loss.

• Hearing that does not return after an acute noise injury is called a
permanent threshold shift.
Legislation/Regulatory Guidelines
• Legislation on noise differ from one country to the other
• The basic principle remain the same – to control the noise emission –
to safe guide our hearings from being damaged – to have a safe
working environment

• In Malaysia – 2 main legislation on noise

- legislation for ambient air
- legislation for safe working environment

• Ambient air
– Environmental Quality (Motor Vehicle Noise) Regulations 1987
under Environmental Quality act 1974
– Guidelines on the Noise Quality for Ambient Air

• Working environment
– Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989
Under The Malaysian Factories & Machinery Act 1967
Legislation/Regulatory Guidelines
Legislation/Regulatory Guidelines
Noise Management Strategy
Noise Control and Preventive Measure
• The techniques employed for noise control can be broadly classified as:
1. Control at source
• Reducing the noise levels from domestic sectors
• Maintenance of automobiles
• Control over vibrations
• Low voice speaking
• Prohibition on usage of loud speakers
• Selection of machinery
• Maintenance of machines

2. Control in the transmission path

• Installation of barriers
• Installation of panels or enclosures
• Green belt development

3. Protect the receiver with protective equipment

• Job rotation
• Exposure reduction
• Hearing protection
2. Control noise in the transmission path
Separation
• Make use of the absorptive capacity of the atmosphere as well as
divergence, as simple as, economical method of reducing the noise
level
• Air absorbs high frequency sounds is more effective than it absorbs
low frequency sounds
Absorbing material
Sound absorbing materials such as acoustical tile, carpets and drapes
placed on floor, wall and ceiling can reduce noise in most rooms
Acoustic lining
Noise transmitted through ducts, pipe chases or electrical channels
can be reduced effectively by lining the inside surfaces such as
passageways with sound absorbing materials
Barriers and panels
Placing barriers, screens or deflectors in the noise path
Protect the receiver with protective equipment

• Alter work schedule

• Limit the amount of continuous exposure to high noise
levels
• Schedule an intense noisy operation for a short interval
of time each day over a period of several days rather
than a continuous eight hour run for a day
• Worker should take their relief time at a low noise level
location
• Ear protection
What have we learned?
• Identify the source and level of the noise pollution
 Sound Power Level
 Sound Intensity Level
•  Sound Pressure Level (Total and Average)

• Evaluate the noise, its impact to the environment and

human

• Propose the engineering control, preventive action for

noise pollution

 Control at source
 Control in the transmission path
 Protect the receiver with protective equipment