ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL MONITORING OF EXPOSURE TO URBAN NOISE AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Noise exposure of a population sample living in a city in northern Ita ly (Genoa) was assessed by measuring the noise in the area as well as with personal sound detectors. Sampling was conducted during a standar d day and covered a period of time spent out-of-doors, at work (servic e sector) and at home. Ambient noise at home and at work was assessed with sound-level meters, personal exposure levels were assessed with p ersonal sound-level/dosimeters. Information regarding each environment was obtained with an interview including also a subjective judgement on traffic intensity and noise levels. The mean individual equivalent continuous sound level (L(eq)) of recorded noise was 74.5 dB(A) for 24 h and 63.9 dB(A) at night. A further distinction was made between noi se exposure at home (L(eq) 74.4), work (L(eq) 74.0) and during city tr ansfers (L(eq) 79.3). L(eq) values for individual hours, Leg daytime ( L(eq,d)), Leq nighttime (L(eq,n)) and Leq day-night (L(dn)) indices ca lculated in the different environments, i.e. at work, home and out-of- doors, are reported here. Individual noise levels have then been compa red with environmental data and with subjective noise exposure judgeme nt.