Environmental noise in Novi Sad 1985 - 2016

Abstract

Introduction. Noise is recognized as a physical hazard in the environment, and if it causes adverse effects to human health, it is recognized as a risk. Also, it is a harmful outdoor sound created by human activity. The aim of this paper was to present the history of environmental noise measurements in Novi Sad, as well as the indicators, methods, standards and results during three decades. Material and Methods. From 1985 to 2011, the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina conducted noise measurements presented as the equivalent continuous sound pressure levels, which were, at the same time, the rating equivalent continuous levels, due to the representativity of the measurement conditions and measurement sites selection. Since 2011, the measurements have included the basic noise indicators - daily, evening, night and total noise, while the measurement sites were ranked in accordance to the European Environmental Noise Directive. Results. There is a lot of available data about environmental noise in Novi Sad from 1985 - 2016, but only the data from five representative measurement sites are presented in the paper. The linear trends of daily and night noise from all the measurement sites show a fall, but it does not mean that the environmental noise is reduced. All the data show that the minimum and maximum values are getting close to each other, which indicates that environmental noise is evenly distributed and is present everywhere. Conclusion. Based on the 30 -year results, always using modern methodology and equipment, as well as expert knowledge, it may be concluded that the environmental noise in Novi Sad presents a long-lasting physical hazard.