Noise Pollution in Different Hospital Policlinics of İstanbul/Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study was performed to measure and analyse noise levels measured in different public hospital policlinics. Methods: Noise levels in general policlinics of five different public hospitals were measured by using a RadioShack digital sound level meter. The measurements were made from 8: 15 to 16: 00 hours. They were recorded and were compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for community noise. Results: The average LminA level in Centre 1 was 61 +/- 1.73 dB and LmaxA level was 80.14 +/- 1.34 dB. The measurements in Centre 2 noted an average LminA level of 62.7 +/- 1.7 dB, LmaxA level of 82.42 +/- 1.39. The average LminA level in Centre 3 was 63.14 +/- 2.41 dB, LmaxA level was 83.57 +/- 2.93 dB. The measurements in Centre 4 noted an average LminA level of 59.85 +/- 1.06 dB, LmaxA level of 74.85 +/- 1.34. The average measurements in Centre 5 were 59.57 +/- 3.5 dB for LminA, 75.28 +/- 2.92 dB for LmaxA. The highest noise levels were recorded in Centre 3, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The WHO guidelines state that noise levels in hospital areas should be 35-40 dB in the daytime and 30-40 dB in the evening. Turkish Noise Control Regulations also restrict the noise levels to maximum 40 dB. Our results exceed these guidelines at all times.