Modelling traffic noise level and estimated population exposure in Padang city

• Main Authors: Chandra, Deded, Barlian, Eri, Heldi, Hamdi, Vauzia, Wilis, Ratna
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Holidays & special occasions; Hypertension; Noise levels; Population density; Population statistics; Semen; Traffic models
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0184146

The increasing number of population and vehicles causes high levels The noise from traffic in an urban area can be very loud. Traffic noise can cause problems, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, stress, communication problems, hypertension, expanded hazard of coronary illness and hormonal impacts. This study aims to model the level of traffic noise with quantitative variables obtained through observation and estimate the population exposed to noise in the city of Padang. This research is quantitative in nature. In this study, the population consisted of all defined areas/environmental activities in the city of Padang. While the sample was taken on purpose, as many as 14 points were obtained. This research instrument uses a Sound Level Meter to model noise levels and Garmin GPS to determine the coordinates of the research location. The estimation of the exposed population was carried out by overlaying noise level and population density maps using GIS software. The results showed that traffic noise levels ranged from 64.7-85.4 dBA on weekdays, and 62.9-84.8 dBA on holidays, with the highest noise in the area of Semen Padang Hospital and the lowest in the Padang Beach and Bungus Teluk Kabung areas. The overlay analysis shows that as many as 96,945 people or about 10,6 % of the city’s population are potentially exposed to noise above 70 dBA on weekdays, and 85,604 or 9.4% on holidays. Continuous exposure to noise above 70 dBA will cause hearing loss. Therefore,