Noise pollution refers to the presence of excessive or disturbing noise in the environment, mainly caused by transportation, industry and human activities. It constitutes a public health problem with documented effects on stress, sleep, concentration and the cardiovascular system.
Discover FizziQ
How to measure it in class
With the FizziQ app, it is possible to map the sound environment.
Steps:
- Open FizziQ and select the “Sound Level Meter” instrument
- Measure the sound level in different locations: classroom, schoolyard, street, park
- Record the measurements with geolocation (latitude, longitude in FizziQ)
- Create a sound map of the school or the neighborhood
- Identify the sources of noise pollution
- Compare with regulatory and health thresholds
Scientific activities on this topic
Learn more
Main sources:
- Transportation (80%): road traffic, airplanes, trains
- Neighborhood: music, voices, equipment
- Economic activities: construction sites, industries, businesses
- Leisure: concerts, bars, sporting events
Health effects:
| Level (dB) | Effects |
|---|---|
| > 45 dB (night) | Sleep disturbance |
| > 55 dB | Annoyance, chronic stress |
| > 65 dB | Increased cardiovascular risk |
| > 80 dB | Long-term hearing risks |
| > 85 dB | Hearing damage (prolonged exposure) |
Regulations:
In France, the limit values are:
- 70 dB during the day, 60 dB at night in residential areas
- Noise zones are defined around transportation infrastructure
- Emergence levels (specific noise exceeding the ambient noise) are regulated
Impact on wildlife:
Noise pollution disrupts animal communication (birds, cetaceans), their reproduction and their escape behaviors when facing predators.
Formula
Sound emergence:
E = L_specific - L_residual
where:
- E: emergence (dB)
- L_specific: sound level with the identified source
- L_residual: sound level without that source
French regulations: E ≤ 5 dB during the day, E ≤ 3 dB at night
Application examples
- A highway generates 75-80 dB at 50 m, affecting thousands of residents
- A passing airplane creates a peak of 90-100 dB under the flight path
- A quiet classroom is at 35-45 dB; with 30 students chatting: 65-70 dB
- Noise barriers reduce the level by 5 to 15 dB
FAQ
Q: Above what level do we speak of noise pollution? A: Above 55-60 dB continuously, it is considered a nuisance. But annoyance also depends on context: a 45 dB noise at night is more disturbing than 60 dB during the day.
Q: How to measure daily exposure with FizziQ? A: By taking spot measurements in the different places you frequent and estimating the time spent in each. FizziQ allows you to record these measurements together with the location.
Q: Are headphones a source of noise pollution? A: Not for the environment, but for the user! Prolonged listening above 85 dB damages hearing. FizziQ can help raise awareness of listening levels.
Q: How can noise pollution be reduced? A: Acoustic screens, building insulation, sound-absorbing road surfaces, traffic reduction, speed limits, double glazing.
Related concepts
Sound Level - Decibel - Hearing Threshold