Environmental Noise

What is Noise Pollution?

Noise pollution occurs when unwanted and harmful sounds are emitted into the environment. These sounds are usually caused by human activities such as traffic, industrial machinery, airports, railways and construction. Noise can threaten both human health and ecosystems when it is emitted into the environment. The main effects are:

Human Health: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to health problems such as hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Animals and Ecosystems: Noise can disrupt animal communication and feeding habits, affect migration routes and jeopardize biodiversity.
Environmental Impacts: Noise disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems and adversely affects environmental quality.

Noise Pollution Monitoring and Measurement Methods

Monitoring and effective management of noise pollution requires accurate measurement techniques. Noise measurements are usually made to detect the change in sound level over time and to analyze the effects of noise pollution. Here are some of these measurement methods:

Sound Level Measurement (dB - Decibel): Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB). The decibel refers to the intensity of sound and is a logarithmic unit of measurement. Noise measurements allow the sound level to be recorded using a variety of equipment.
- A- Weighed (dBA) Measurement: It is a type of measurement of the sounds heard by the human ear, adjusted according to their frequency. Environmental noise levels are usually expressed in dBA.
Frequency Analysis: The frequency of noise determines the speed of sound waves. The human ear can hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, but some animals can hear sounds outside this range. Frequency analysis determines at which frequency the noise is concentrated, which is important in understanding the source and effects of noise.
Time Interval Noise Measurement: Noise levels change over time. Time interval measurement is used to determine when noise is more intense. Noise intensity can change over time, especially along transportation routes and industrial activities, so it is important to monitor noise levels.
Frequency Spectrometer and Sound Recorders: These devices are used to analyze environmental noise. By examining the spectral components of sound, they reveal which frequencies and intensities are prominent.
Mobile Noise Monitoring Systems: Portable devices and mobile systems are used to monitor noise levels in the environment anywhere. These systems allow noise levels to be measured at various locations.
Modeling and Simulation: Computer-based modeling and simulation techniques are used to estimate noise pollution levels. These methods can be used to predict the effects of the noise source and determine the most appropriate control measures.

Nanolab Laboratories Group is accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) in accordance with TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2012 standard for the measurement and reporting of the following parameters according to the "Environmental Measurement and Analysis Competence Regulation", obtaining a "Laboratory Competence Certificate" from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Noise Measurement and Reporting Certificate from the institutions / organizations authorized by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

It is a legal obligation in accordance with the "Regulation on the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise" to have Acoustic Measurements and Noise Maps made to determine the possible or actual noise levels for the facilities in Annex-1 and Annex-2 of the "Environmental Permit and License Regulation" and the facilities subject to the planned permit.

It is a legal obligation in accordance with the "Regulation on the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise" to have Environmental Noise Measurements made in order to evaluate the noise levels generated by the facilities and entertainment establishments that are not subject to permission during the process of complaint, new license, license renewal or live music permit.

Detection of Environmental Noise Level - Day, Evening and Night

TS ISO 1996-2