In the metropolises of Kazakhstan, the roar of motorcycles, the screech of mopeds on urban streets, the noise of traffic jams, and car horns are commonplace, especially in cities like Astana and Almaty. Does this have an impact on our mental and physical health? Tengri Life sought to answer this question.
How Noise is Measured
Territorial divisions of the sanitary-epidemiological control committee measure noise levels at monitoring points located in residential areas near major highways. These points are selected based on the construction density and number of houses along the road, as well as the methodology for measuring noise.
According to data, in Astana and Almaty, over the 9 months of 2024, 585 sound measurements were conducted in residential areas, with 223 samples exceeding established limits.
"It is not possible to differentiate the excess noise levels specifically from highways, as there are other sources of noise in residential neighborhoods," the agency stated in response to our official inquiry.
According to paragraph 8 of article 113 of the Code "On the Health of the Nation and the Healthcare System," data on samples exceeding the norm are forwarded to local akimats for action and the creation of noise maps.
It is noteworthy that noise levels are regulated by hygienic standards approved by an order from the Minister of Health.
Photo by Tengrinews.kz/Alikhan Sariyev
Noise Standards
Permissible noise levels in residential areas
For residential premises (apartments):
- Equivalent noise level (average level) during the day – 40 dBA, at night – 30 dBA.
- Maximum noise level during the day – 55 dBA, at night – 45 dBA.
For areas directly adjacent to residential buildings, recreation homes, nursing homes for the elderly and people with disabilities, clinics, schools, and similar educational institutions, as well as preschool facilities, recreational areas in neighborhoods, and groups of residential buildings:
- Equivalent noise level during the day – 55 dBA, at night – 45 dBA.
- Maximum noise level during the day – 70 dBA, at night – 60 dBA.
As is known, dBA is a measurement of noise level that considers the characteristics of human hearing perception.
Interestingly, according to data from ChatGPT:
- 30 dBA is a very quiet sound, like a whisper or a soft background noise in a library.
- 40 dBA is the volume of a normal quiet conversation between two people in a room.
- 45 dBA is the noise level produced by a quietly running refrigerator or faint noise in the next room.
- 55 dBA is the noise level from a typical conversation in an office or the chatter of several people in a café.
- 60 dBA is loud noise, corresponding to a group conversation or a loudly running television in the next room.
- 70 dBA is the noise level in crowded places, such as street noise during rush hour or on a bus with many passengers.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Does Increased Noise Affect Health?
As reported by the committee, conducted studies have shown that there is a connection between noise exposure and the health status of the population. However, to determine how exactly noise affects people living near its sources, scientific research is needed.
"Noise-related issues include diseases caused by stress, high blood pressure, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and decreased productivity (reduced work efficiency – ed.). At the same time, the causes of morbidity are multifactorial (overall health, environmental exposure: water, air, soil, electromagnetic fields, profession, nutrition, and other factors). In this regard, determining the causal relationship of noise exposure on populations living near noise sources requires scientific research," the response from the sanitary-epidemiological control committee of the Ministry of Health states.
The agency also reminded that addressing the noise issue begins with the development of urban planning projects and regional development plans "considering the exclusion of negative noise impacts on public health."
To reduce noise in residential areas, the committee recommends, for instance, creating green zones.
"When noise levels exceed those in residential areas, the best solution is green zones. It is most effective to plant grasses, shrubs, and trees simultaneously, thus creating multi-layered greenery. Additionally, developing public transport, creating a network of bike paths, and improving pedestrian infrastructure will encourage people to switch to more efficient and quieter modes of transportation around the city," the committee added.
As a reminder, we reported on how loud rumbling sounds disturbed the residents of Almaty on the morning of June 13, with most Kazakhs speculating that a thunderstorm had frightened the citizens of Almaty. What the city's emergency services reported on this matter can be read in detail here.