Study on reactions of inhabitants to noise environment in urban area

Abstract

Measurements of daily noise exposures of 315 residences in Nagoya City are made and associated informations for each residence and inhabitant are obtained at the same time. Response of inhabitants to questionnaire concerning loudness, noisiness, annoyance etc. of noise environments in and around residence are analyzed using quantification theory, which explains contributions of noise exposure and other factors to response of inhabitants. The results are summarized as follows. 1) Main factor is read or noise exposure in all responses mentioned above. 2) L_&lteq&gtM, L^(50)_&lteq1/6&gt, and L^(90)_&lteq1/6&gt among noise ratings based on L_&lteq&gt show good correspondence to the reactions of inhabitants. 3) contributions of land use, type of house, train, airplane and season are detected in the responses around residence. In addition to the above factors attributes of subject(i. e. age and family member) have some influences to the responses inside the door. 4) The reactions in and around residence are highly correlated each other. The correlation, however, between the reactions and sleep disturbance is low. 5) Efficiency of analysis and contribution of noise rating depend on the psychological level of reaction.