Assessment of Environmental Noise Annoyance: A Case Study of Industrial Noise in Thailand

Abstract

Environmental noise annoyance has been recognized as one of the major problems in industrial communities. Noise annoyance is generally related to poor work performance, unsafe behavior among operators, and unhappy local residents. The purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental noise characteristics affecting the annoyance level of residents living nearby the factory case study. The assessment methods include acoustical factors analysis focusing on sound pressure and spectrum levels and noise survey reports showing noise nuisance complaints. This study has found that low to medium frequency noise at over 40 dBA has a significant impact on sleep disturbance among local residents. The results obtained from this study can serve as a technical guide for designing active and passive noise reduction systems.