Study on methodology to perform an environmental noise and health assessment - A guidance document for local authorities in Europe

Abstract

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) is for local authorities the most important instrument to determine the levels of noise pollution. The Directive aims at the evaluation of effect of measures and can make the effects of alternative measures visible. The Directive stimulates the Member States to take action to reduce the aversive effects of environmental noise. In preparation of the update of Annex III of the Directive, RIVM in collaboration with international partners, has prepared a guidance document taking the new Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region (WHO) as a point of departure. Not only annoyance and sleep disturbance are addressed as health effects, but also cardiovascular effects and cognitive impact on children (comprehensive reading impairment). The guidance document was prepared on request of the EU commission. This paper summarizes the steps of a health impact assessment and explains the accompanying decisions and conditions. The actual calculation methods are further explained taking sleep disturbance as an example and are restricted to the number of people that experiences adverse effects of noise.