Noise level assessment and impacts of noise exposure among workers working in Bangkok bus terminal

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing the local noise levels and the impact of noise exposure among people working in the Bangkok bus terminal by measuring the noise level in 5 areas in the passenger bus terminal area. A questionnaire was used to assess the effects of noise exposure among 385 participants who worked in the area. The data was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, chi-square test and odds ratio (95% CI) to determine differences of noise levels and the relationship between noise levels and health impacts among participants. Results of the study showed that: 1) Average noise levels of the Bangkok Bus Terminal for 8 hours was 66.2-82.0 dBA. The eight-hour time-weighted average at working areas did not exceed Thai legal limit. The area had average noise levels in order from highest to lowest as follows: the intercity bus transport area (80.2 dBA), the transit bus transport area (79.2 dBA), the van transport area (76.6 dBA), and the passenger terminal area (67.8 dBA). The noise levels in different areas were statistically different    

(p<0.05). 2) Noise impacted communications and works the most on concentrations, followed by on listening, speaking, and least affected document reading. The sample who worked in area which noise exceeding 70 dBA were more likely to experience impacts on their listening, telephone communication, concentration,  and speaking 2.49, 2.48, 2.38 and 2.21 times than those who worked in areas noise did not exceed 70 dBA, respectively.  3) An exposure to noise affected on health the most on symptoms of stress associated with noise, followed by headache or dizziness related to noise, and insomnia, while tinnitus from noise exposure was least affected. However, there was no relationship between health impacts and noise levels in all areas. The findings suggest that noise contour map should be placed at the platform in order to increase awareness of noise levels among workers.