Does London have a reputation for being noisy? With nine million residents, London is definitely a city that never sleeps, and earplugs won’t always keep the noise at bay. One website compiled information on noise complaints in different boroughs, and found that the most common noise complaints related to loud people, raves, parties, barking dogs, and construction noise. Read on to discover more about the effects of noise pollution on human health.
Noise levels on the tube
New research has revealed that 10 Tube lines in London are notoriously noisy. In a BBC study, the noise levels on one line were 105dB, equivalent to standing next to a motorcycle at top volume. Other noisy sections were 94dB or lower. And if you want to travel in complete silence, take a literary route through London, where you’ll be able to read while you’re on the tube.
The Victoria line has the highest noise levels, with a peak of 109 decibels. The second loudest line, the Northern line, recorded noise levels of 90dB and below. The quietest lines were the District and Piccadilly lines. Those in the City of London should avoid travelling during rush hour to minimise noise. In fact, there are many quieter sections of the London Underground. The study suggests that the most noisy lines are at a sub-surface level.
Noise levels in restaurants
New research reveals that half of the London restaurants have dangerously high noise levels. That’s more than twice as loud as the level considered safe for conversation. In other words, people who dine in such restaurants would have to shout in order to be heard. And that sounds like an impossible challenge. But there are ways to improve noise levels in restaurants. Read on to learn about them. Noise levels in restaurants in London: A guide to restaurants’ noise levels
One of the most important things that diners consider when selecting a restaurant is the noise level. Studies have shown that diners tend to order more drinks when the volume is high. In addition to the noise level, other factors may influence customers’ decisions. For example, high levels of noise in a restaurant could increase the risk of a customer cancelling their reservation. Ultimately, louder noise could be more effective than lower-level noise, which is a more ecologically sound solution.
Noise levels on the Underground
Recent studies on the noise levels on the Underground in the capital have highlighted the health risks posed by commuters. The noise levels on some lines are so loud that commuters may require hearing protection. Those on the Victoria line may have the highest noise levels, with a journey lasting just over 24 hours resulting in 109dB of sound. Other lines, however, are much quieter. However, a journey on the Central line could be as noisy as a rock concert.
The noise levels on the Underground in London are the same as those at a rock concert. In fact, the drivers’ union Aslef has attributed the rise in complaints to the noisy tracks. The railways are subject to frequent maintenance and repairs and TfL has invested PS150 million annually in improving their systems. One of the steps to improve noise levels is to remove rail surface defects. This has been done in order to reduce in-carriage noise.
Impact of noise pollution on human health
Noise pollution affects wildlife and humans alike, causing hearing problems, high blood pressure, and stress. It can even damage whales and dolphins, which rely on echolocation to navigate the oceans. This problem is becoming a growing concern for cities and big towns around the world, as it is not visible to the naked eye. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the impact of noise pollution on our health. Here are some ways to reduce the amount of noise in your home.
The most serious effect of environmental noise pollution on human health is sleep disturbance. A short-term effect of lack of sleep is increased daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and decreased cognitive ability. Over a long period, poor sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In a study published in the Journal of Sound and Vibration, researchers found that people who lived in homes facing road traffic on one side of the house experienced annoyance and daytime relaxation, but these effects disappeared when people moved to the opposite side of the house.
Ways to reduce noise pollution in london
Despite being the capital of the world, London is also the noisiest city in Europe, according to a UN report. The city’s five airports, including the famous Heathrow Airport, emit huge amounts of noise pollution. On top of this, the city’s traffic is a constant flurry that adds to the problem. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce noise pollution in London.
Exposure to excessive noise is harmful to human health. In western countries, long-term exposure to traffic noise and air pollution are the biggest threats to human health. According to a recent Deltapoll survey for Policy Exchange, only eight percent of Londoners say they are never bothered by noise, while six percent say they are very hard of hearing. In addition to being a public health concern, noise can also affect people’s social lives, influencing their choices and affecting their health.
