Noise Pollution in Urban Environments: a Study in Yazd City, Iran

One of the most important sources of noise pollution in urban areas is traffic noise. The aim of the present study was to determine noise pollution in the different parts of Yazd city in 2010 and to compare them with current standard levels. In total, 135 samples were obtained from both residential and commercial areas according to the ISO 1996-2002 method in order to measure noise pressure levels. Locations included 10 streets and 5 squares of the city and the measurement times were considered in the morning, afternoon, and the evening. Noise level was determined in A-weighted by sound level meter model 2232. Results showed that the rate of background noise in Yazd city was high, as it was 71.2 +/- 4.4, 66.2 +/- 3.7, and 60.3 +/- 4 in the L-10, L-50, and L-90, respectively. The mean level of maximum noise pressure was 74.3 dB(A) (L-max), and the mean continuous sound equivalent level was 66.7 dB(A) (Leq). Comparing the noise level obtained in the present study to the standard level, it can be obviously concluded that the noise levels are higher than that of acceptable levels in most parts of the city. So, different preventive countermeasures such as increasing public awareness through educational programs and technical controls for the future development of the city are crucial.