Noise is present almost everywhere and at all times. Many people are affected by high levels of noise, which impairs their health and quality of life. One of the main reasons for this is the increase in traffic and in the number of noise sources, such as leaf blowers and large events. Many people have also become more critical of negative environmental impacts in general and noise in particular. A significant reduction in noise exposure from road, rail and air traffic can only be achieved through the coordinated use of many different instruments: from vehicle and road design to tax legislation and transport and urban planning.
It has been known for a long time that constant noise can lead to cardiovascular diseases. A new study done on behalf of the German Environment Agency shows that incessant traffic noise can also increase the risk of depression. A 10-decibel increase in road, railroad and aircraft noise can raise that risk by up to four, five and eleven percent.
The world's oceans are becoming increasingly burdened by man-made noise. This noise can disturb or even harm marine animals. An international research project entitled "Hearing in penguins", which is funded by the German Environment Agency (UBA), shows that penguins, just like whales and seals, also hear and react to noise in the sea.
Today's transportation system in Germany shows numerous social injustices, says a position paper by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). Low-income households in particular are disadvantaged, for example because they more frequently live on roads with higher traffic volumes and thus higher noise and air pollution levels - even though they often do not drive.
An experimental study by the German Environment Agency (UBA) found no correlation between infrasound immissions at or below the perception threshold and acute reactions on the human body. However, the test persons classified the infrasound sounds as "somewhat" to "moderately" annoying.
The only recently revised international noise approval regulations for motor vehicles are not suitable for preventing extreme noise emissions in road traffic. This is according to a recent study for the German Environment Agency (UBA). Various brand-new motorcycles and sports cars that complied with the approval regulations were 20 dB or more louder during measurements outside the type test area o
Adjust taxes, reduce noise, promote rail and climate-friendly fuels.
Land take, air and noise pollution: these are just some of the major challenges which motorized transport brings to many cities in Germany.
The German Environment Agency (UBA) is campaigning for rail freight noise reduction. Solutions include cladding train wheels and brakes to reduce noise directly at the source. Financial reward for quiet trains must be increased, for example with lower track access charges.
Air pollution, noise, traffic jams, too few green spaces – these are the problems that plague many people living in cities. In a new publication UBA paints a picture of how the future-fit city might look.
Complaints about low-frequency noise – the so-called humming phenomenon – have risen sharply in recent years. A new guide by UBA provides advice on the ideal installation of heat pumps and the like.
