NOISE PREVENTION AT THE CRITICAL POINT

This review of environmental problems critically examines the state of knowledge on noise and its effects. The problems of permissible noise levels are discussed, and the present status and future trends of environmental impact due to noise are considered in relation to the most important sources (road traffic noise, aircraft noise, rail traffic noise, work and construction noise, noise in the home and in recreational areas). Possible preventive measures and the relevant regulations are discussed. Finally it is shown that there is a need for a programme which would so co-ordinate the various preventive measures and regulations as to ensure the least possible deviation from the desired permissible levels. With the aid of such a programme it would be possible to ensure the reduction of average noise levels, the specific prevention of noise peaks and the secondary noise protection of specially vulnerable areas. The programme would have the further objective of ensuring that planners take noise prevention into account, so that the impact of noise in future years may progressively be reduced. (TRRL)