Assessment of Road Traffic Noise Pollution in Some Selected Areas of Gulele Sub city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Noise pollution is a growing issue in urban areas due to human activities such as urbanization, transport, and industry. Factors contributing to noise pollution include car traffic, proximity to household appliances, television and music equipment, public address systems, rail and air traffic, and industrial and recreational areas. The human ear can perceive a wide range of intensities, ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Developed countries have implemented noise reduction laws, regulations, and policies to reduce the effects of noise, but these activities are limited in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city is the highest traffic community and home to most key industries. Noise pollution has both physical and behavioral effects, including hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disturbances, mental health disturbances, impaired task performance, negative social behavior, and annoyance reactions. The study assessing traffic noise pollution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, found high levels due to disruptive vehicle traffic. The study concluded that national noise standards are urgently needed to reduce noise pollution, which is a major environmental problem in the city. Factors contributing to this include congested traffic areas, unplanned road networks, restricted one-way traffic, and unplanned urban sprawl. Research on noise-sensitive areas is more prevalent in developing countries, and understanding the severity of noise levels can help predict its impact on occupants and the environment. Recommendations include enforcing noise pollution legislation, setting standards for silence zones, measuring the health effects of noise pollution, proposing solutions for noise pollution, continuous monitoring of traffic noise pollution, using noise barriers, limiting vehicle speeds, altering roadway surface texture and fixing silencers on vehicles.