Noise pollution affects 15 million Vietnamese people
At least 15 million of the country’s 52-million workforce is suffering the consequences of severe noise levels, the Institute of Occupational Health and Environment, said on July 20.
Hanoi (VNA) – At least 15 million of the country’s 52-million workforce issuffering the consequences of severe noise levels, the Institute ofOccupational Health and Environment, said on July 20.
The figure was revealed by Doan Ngoc Hai, head of the institute, which is underthe Ministry of Health, during a workshop in Hanoi on the effects of noise onhealth and preventive measures, co-organised by the institute and its Japanesecounterparts.
Noise pollution is a serious issue, particularly in urban areas and industrialzones where it often exceeds permitted levels, Hai said, adding that noisepollution – caused by traffic, factories, and construction sites – isaffecting the quality of life.
He said noise ranks second after dust in affecting people’s health. Noise does not stay accumulated in the environment, like dust and pollutionfrom toxins, but it affects human beings just as badly and can havelong-lasting consequences such as impaired hearing.
Noise pollution can also cause sleep disturbances, hypertension, coronaryartery disease and cognitive decline in children, Hai noted.
A study conducted by the institute on 12 routes and intersections in Hanoi showsthat the average daytime noise is 77.8 to 78.1 dBA (decibels), which exceedsthe permissible standard of 7.8 to 8.1 dBA.
The average night-time noise is 65.3 to 75.7 dBA, which exceeds the standard of10 to 20 dBA.
Ha Lan Phuong, deputy head of the institute’s health examination department,said that in order to reduce noise, the use of personal vehicles must berestricted and public transport must be enhanced.
Authorities must also be stricter with motor vehicle registration checks andpull vehicles off the road that don’t meet the permissible limits, Phuong said.
Companies in industrial zones should schedule periodic maintenance of theirfacilities, invest in good noise protection equipment and conduct periodichealth check-ups for workers who are frequently exposed to high noise, headded.-VNA
Noise pollution in big cities and urban areas has become more serious, badly affecting residents’ quality of life, but punishment of polluters remains ineffective.
Noise pollution in urban areas, mostly caused by traffic, factories and construction sites, has become more severe in recent years, affecting the quality of life.
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Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
