Behavioral and health responses associated with road traffic noise exposure along alpine through-traffic routes

• Published in: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 189-190; pp. 85 - 89
• Main Authors: Lercher, P., Kofler, W.W.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 28.10.1996
• Subjects: Annoyance; Coping; Environmental stress; Noise sensitivity; Traffic noise; Noise sensitivity; Coping; Annoyance; Traffic noise; Environmental stress
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(96)05194-7

The perceived impact of rising traffic noise exposure on residents in five rural, alpine communities was assessed in an epidemiological study (1989 adults, aged 25–65), using subjective and objective exposure indices. Significant associations were found between noise exposure above 55 dB(A) and annoyance from noise, vibrations, exhaust fumes and soot/dust exposure. Closing windows, double glazing, moving sleeping room, filing complaints, supporting pressure groups and the wish to move was just as significantly linked with noise level as was loss of wellbeing/life satisfaction, increase of sleep problems, health worries and poorer health ratings. However, noise sensitive persons showed a quite different response pattern with lower overall nuisance, fewer behavioral actions but stronger health impacts than those persons actually having expressed their annoyance.