Effects of noise pollution on traffic policemen

Noise pollution can be considered as the most important problem of urban environmental management in mega metropolises and urban transportation is the main source of the mentioned problem. This study aims to investigate the amount of traffic noise dose received by traffic policemen in Tehran; District 1 Municipality. The investigation was conducted during three consecutive months in 2007 in 282 locations of the main streets of studied district which are known for its heavy traffic, as well as population flow. In order to measure the noise volume, pre-calibrated Cell – 450 and Quest – 2900 sound level meters were used. Regarding to noise dosimeter, 158 cases were measured using a dosimeter Cell-320. For this purpose, Leq, L10, Lmax and Lmin indicators were used. The results showed that the Leq average during peak traffic load hours and in the least traffic conditions was 77.2 ± 2.1 and 64.5 ± 2.2 dB, respectively which were higher than the acceptable levels (55dB). Moreover, the statistical results showed the significant differences between light and heavy traffic conditions and also the direct effect of heavy traffic on noise pollution, also it was shown that vehicles traffic is the main source of the produced noise pollution. The study created a related questionnaire which evaluated the traffic policemen behavior from them and their relative’s point of views. The results showed that noise pollution has damaging effects on their behavioral conditions and also, on their personal assessment. The policemen believed their psychological disorders and their relative had also the same opinion. This study attempted to show that noise pollution in metropolises such as Tehran is a serious problem and it is should be treated as a toppriority in the urban environmental management in order to reduce noise pollution.