Analysis and Assessment of Noise Pollution In University Campus and Human Health

Noise is a pollutant. In contrast to other environmental problems, noise pollution continues to grow, and it has a short decay time. In this paper, seven reference libraries which situated in different locations inside university campus were assessed. At each location, noise levels were measured continuously every 30 seconds for at least 3 hours. Maximum sudden noise levels were also recorded every five minutes during this assessment. The average sound pressure level, (Lp), equivalent continues equal energy level, (Leq), sound exposure level (SEL), in addition to statistical measures (L10), (L50), and (L90) were also calculated during this work. The results of assessment show that most of these locations are suffering from high noise pollution. The average noise levels, (Lp) at the library of colleges of Arts, education, administration and economic, mathematics and computer science, and dentistry were 61.7, 57.7, 52.3, 58.5, and 57.3 dBA respectively. All these levels are surpassed the level recommended by criteria which equals to 40 dBA. In the halls of central library these levels were equal to 40.3, and 39.0 dBA. The values of (Leq) were also considerably above the recommended levels in all locations. Worst condition was noted in the college of Art which had (Leq) value of 62.4 dBA followed by the colleges of education, mathematics and computer science and, dentistry which had values equal to 58.4, 59.4, 57.8 dBA respectively. The effect of neighbouring corridors noise was very distinguished in the colleges of Arts, education, mathematics and computer science, and dentistry. At college of administration and economic this effect was less important. The bad selection of the finishing materials plays a rule in increasing the noise pollution inside the libraries. From this standpoint the halls of the central library possessed the best handling whereas; the worst treatment is noted in the college of Education. The most polluted site by the sudden impact noise is the college of Arts. Most of this noise is coming from external sources. The central library has the most quite location. The disarray actions inside the halls have also a role in increasing the maximum sudden noise levels. From this viewpoint the college of education has the worst condition followed by the college of economic.