RESUMO

Environmental pollution has the potential to have a significant impact on animal's health especially on birds due to daily exposure and habitat. This experimental study was carried out for a 60 days period in which, a total of 24 pigeon birds with suitable weight (80-100 g) were kept in Animal house with suitable environmental conditions viz, controlled temperature, humidity & light source to minimize any other stress. Out of twenty-four, eighteen birds were divided into three treatment groups (6 birds in each group). Whole experiment was run in triplicate manner in breeding season. One served as Control (Group 1) and remaining three were experimental groups including Road traffic noise (Group 2), Military noise (Group 3) & Human activities noise (Group 4). Noise was applied as recorded high intensity music (1125 Hz/ 90 dB) through speakers for 5-6 hrs. daily. Blood sampling was done after 20, 40 and 60 days by sacrificing treatment birds. Noise stress significantly (p<0.05) increase the serum levels of corticosterone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in Group 2 while significantly (p<0.05) decrease the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of Group 3 birds. Moreover, major fault bars formation was seen both in Group 2 and Group 3. It was concluded as that Noise stress caused rise in serum levels of Corticosterone and TSH but fall in LH and FSH. Along with fault bars formation was also prominent in all treatment groups due to stress hormone.

A poluição ambiental tem o potencial de impactar significativamente a saúde animal, especialmente das aves, devido à exposição diária e ao habitat. Este estudo experimental foi realizado por um período de 60 dias em que, um total de 24 pombos com peso adequado (80-100 g) foram mantidos em biotério com condições ambientais adequadas, ou seja, temperatura, umidade e fonte de luz controladas para minimizar qualquer outro estresse. De 24, 18 aves foram divididas em 3 grupos de tratamento (6 aves em cada grupo). Todo o experimento foi executado em triplicado na época de reprodução. Um deles serviu como controle (Grupo 1) e os 3 restantes foram grupos experimentais, incluindo ruído de tráfego rodoviário (Grupo 2), ruído militar (Grupo 3) e ruído de atividades humanas (Grupo 4). O ruído foi aplicado como música gravada de alta intensidade (1125 Hz/90 dB) através de alto-falantes por 5-6 horas diárias. A coleta de sangue foi feita após 20, 40 e 60 dias sacrificando as aves do tratamento. O estresse sonoro aumentou significativamente (p < 0,05) os níveis séricos de corticosterona e hormônio estimulante da tireoide (TSH) no Grupo 2 enquanto diminuiu significativamente (p < 0,05) os níveis séricos de hormônio luteinizante (LH) e hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) do Grupo 3. Além disso, a maior formação de barras de falha foi observada tanto no Grupo 2 quanto no Grupo 3. Concluiu-se que o estresse por ruído causou aumento nos níveis séricos de corticosterona e TSH, mas queda em LH e FSH. Junto com a formação de barras de falha também foi proeminente em todos os grupos de tratamento devido ao hormônio do estresse.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Noise pollution is a growing problem in urban areas, and it is important to study and evaluate its impact on human health and well-being. This work presents the design of a low-cost IoT model and implementation of two prototypes to collect noise level data in a specific area of the regional center of Chiriquí, at the Technological University of Panama that can be replicated to create a noise monitoring network. The prototypes were designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, and the data were stored in a MySQL database. Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS Pro were used to analyze the data, generate graphs, and display the information on maps. The results of the analysis can be used to develop strategies to reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of life in urban areas.

RESUMO

Different types of environmental pollution cause negative consequences to ecosystems throughout the globe, which humanity is now trying to mitigate. It is necessary to know the level of pollution problems in the immediate environment, to evaluate the impact of human activities, and mitigation strategies necessary to ensure habitability. For this reason, in this work, a low-cost pollution measurement station for outdoor or indoor use is proposed and developed that measures air pollution (particulate matter and CO2), noise (level and direction), light pollution (power and multispectral), and also relative humidity and ambient temperature. The system stores the data in an SD memory or transmits data in real-time to the internet via WiFi. The purposes of the system are to be used in environmental studies, to deploy monitoring networks, or to ensure the habitability of a living or working space. The prototype integrates the measurement of the different sources of contamination in a single compact device at USD$ 628.12 without sacrificing measurement accuracy. The system is validated for each variable with reference equipment, obtaining an average error of approximately 2.67% in the measurement of all the variables measured. The system is easy to assemble and has an option for power supply using solar photovoltaic devices and an alternative for connection to 2G/3G mobile networks.

RESUMO

Faced with the accelerated growth of cities and the consequent increase in the number of motor vehicles, urban noise levels caused by vehicular traffic have increased considerably. To assess noise levels in cities and implement noise control measures or identify the problem's location in different urban areas, it is necessary to obtain the noise levels to which people are exposed. Noise maps are tools that have applications as they are cartographic representations of the noise level distribution in an area and over a period of time. This article aims to identify, select, evaluate, and synthesize information, through a systematic literature review, on using different road noise prediction models, in sound mapping computer programs in countries that do not have a standard noise prediction model. The analysis period was from 2018 to 2022. From a previous analysis of articles, the choice of topic was based on identifying various models for predicting road noise in countries without a standardized sound mapping model. The papers compiled by a systematic literature review showed that studies concentrated in China, Brazil, and Ecuador, the most used traffic noise prediction models, were the RLS-90 and the NMPB, and the most used mapping programs were SoundPLAN and ArcGIS with a grid size of 10 × 10 m. Most measurements were carried out during a 15-min period at a height from the ground level of 1.5 m. In addition, it was observed that research on noise maps in countries that do not have a local model has been increasing over time.

Assuntos

RESUMO

All habitats have noise, but anthropogenic sounds often differ from natural sounds in terms of frequency, duration and intensity, and therefore may disrupt animal vocal communication. This study aimed to investigate whether vocalizations emitted by black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) were affected by the noise produced by mining activity. Through passive acoustic monitoring, we compared the noise levels and acoustic parameters of the contact calls of marmosets living in two study areas (with two sampling points within each area)-one near and one far from an opencast mine in Brazil. The near area had higher anthropogenic background noise levels and the marmosets showed greater calling activity compared to the far area. Calls in the near area had significantly lower minimum, maximum and peak frequencies and higher average power density and bandwidth than those in the far area. Our results indicate that the mining noise affected marmoset vocal communication and may be causing the animals to adjust their acoustic communication patterns to increase the efficiency of signal propagation. Given that vocalizations are an important part of social interactions in this species, concerns arise about the potential negative impact of mining noise on marmosets exposed to this human activity.

RESUMO

Noise pollution exerts negative well-being effects on animals, especially for captive individuals. A decrease in feeding, reproduction, attention, and an increase in stress are examples of negative effects of noise pollution on animals. Noise pollution can also negatively impact animals' lives by decreasing the efficiency of food choice: attention decrease can cause animals choose the least profitable food, which can affect their fitness. The aims of this study were to analyse the effects of noise on feeding behaviour and food preference of saffron finches. Foraging tests were performed under background sound pressure levels and under a noisy condition. The behaviours exhibited by the birds during the tests were recorded using focal sampling with instantaneous recording of behaviour every 10 s. Results showed that finches consumed more the higher energetic food, and that noise pollution did not impact food consumption by the birds. Noise changed the number of visits on the feeders, and increased the expression of the 'lower the head' and vigilance behaviours during feeding. These findings could be important for wild and captive animals because an increase in vigilance and in changes in foraging behaviour could ultimately impact their fitness. Thus, mitigation measures should be taken in relation to noise impact on wildlife, this is especially the case for captive animals, which have no chance to avoid noisy environments.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen Introducción: El ruido es un sonido desagradable que afecta la salud y que es factor de riesgo para hipertensión y cardiopatía isquémica. La aviación genera ruido y contaminación del aire que daña la audición y es un problema a nivel mundial y para la población en general y para quienes trabajan en los aeropuertos, por lo que debe ser analizado. Sobre el tema se han publicado trabajos diversos, más sin embargo son pocos los estudios hechos en zonas aledañas a bases aéreas y brindándose poca atención preventiva a la población que labora dentro de ellas. Objetivo: Determinar la existencia de niveles de ruido ambiental dañino en instalaciones de trabajo no operativas de bases aéreas militares. Material y métodos: Se midió el ruido ambiental en turnos laborales por 7 días, en las bases aéreas de Santa Lucía, y Zapopan, con sonómetro ambiental Extech® Mod. 407732, clase 2, normas ANSI y IEC 651 Type 2 y calibrador 407744 de 94 ó 114 dB., en áreas expuestas al ruido cercanas a la pista de aterrizaje en horas de máxima actividad aérea. Resultados: Se encontró ruido dañino no satisfactorio y peligroso entre los 68 dB y 82.06 dB de nivel equivalente sonoro de ruido (LEQ), fuera de norma para ruido ambiental. Conclusiones: Los niveles de ruido encontrado se salen de los parámetros aceptables de exposición al ruido ambiental en la comunidad, por tanto resulta nocivo y se debe contar con medios de protección y programas preventivos para evitar la pérdida de la audición.

Abstract Introduction: Noise is an unpleasant sound that affects health and is a risk factor for hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Aviation generates noise and air pollution that damages hearing and is a problem worldwide and for the general population and for those who work in airports, so it must be analyzed. Various works have been published on the subject, however, there are few studies carried out in areas surrounding air bases and little preventive care is provided to the population that works within them. Objective: Determine the existence of harmful environmental noise levels in non-operational work installations of military air bases. Material and Methods: Ambient noise was measured in work shifts for 7 days, at the air bases of Santa Lucía and Zapopan, with Extech® Mod. 407732, class 2 environmental sound level meter, ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards and 407766 gauge of 94 or 114 dB, in áreas exposed to noise near the runway at peak hours air activit Results: No satisfactory and dangerous harmful noise was found between 68 dB and 82.06 dB of noise equivalent noise level (LEQ), out of the norm for ambient noise. Conclusions: The noise found does not meet what is established for the levels of exposure of environmental noise in the community, it must have means of protection and preventive programs to prevent hearing loss.

RESUMO

Resumen Introducción: La contaminación ambiental en las áreas urbanas, se debe principalmente a las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero emitidas por la quema del combustible del parque automotor, el cual se incrementa en situaciones de congestión vehicular, que adicionalmente como fuente de contaminación sonora, incide en la salud física y mental de los ciudadanos. Objetivo: Esta investigación pretende determinar desde la percepción de los consultores independientes de transporte urbano, las causas de la congestión vehicular y su relación con la contaminación ambiental y la salud. Materiales y métodos: La investigación tiene un corte cuantitativo de diseño no experimental, de tipo observacional y descriptivo, donde inicialmente mediante la observación se permitió la selección de las zonas con mayor congestión de la ciudad de Lima metropolitana; además de la participación de 22 consultores independientes quienes a través de una entrevista estructurada permitieron la identificación de las causas de la congestión vehicular y su relación con la contaminación ambiental y la salud. Resultados: conforme con los resultados obtenidos las principales causas del congestionamiento identificadas por los consultores son: una deficiente gestión y planificación vial, falta de educación vial por parte de conductores y peatones, paraderos informales y vehículos obsoletos. Conclusiones: persisten en la ciudad capital niveles de congestión vehicular, que inciden en altos niveles de contaminación, los cuales afectan la salud y economía del peruano. Del análisis a raíz de las encuestas de los expertos, se recomienda dirigir estrategias y políticas de solución que incluyan reformas institucionales que favorezcan mejoras de eficiencia y eficacia en la gestión del transporte urbano, faciliten la renovación del parque automotor y se implementen campañas de sensibilización para crear cultura ciudadana.

Abstract Introduction: environmental pollution in urban areas is mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fuel in the vehicle fleet, which increases in situations of vehicle congestion, which, in addition to being a source of noise pollution, affects the physical and mental health of citizens. Objective: to determine the perception of independent urban transport consultant experts on the causes of vehicle congestion and its relationship with environmental pollution and health. Materials and methods: an observational and descriptive study in the city of metropolitan Lima, through the identification of critical points of vehicular congestion and through structured interviews with independent consultants, on the causes of traffic, environmental pollution and health. Results: the main traffic generators observed were constructions, closed streets, ambulatory commerce, informal stops, unauthorized parking, and accidents. While the causes of congestion, identified by the consultants, were based on poor management and road planning, lack of road safety education for drivers and pedestrians, informal stops, and obsolete vehicles. Conclusions: the capital city still suffers from high levels of traffic congestion, which affects the health and economy of Peruvians. From the analysis based on the opinions of experts, it is recommended that strategies and policies be directed towards solutions that include institutional reforms that favor improvements in efficiency and effectiveness in the management of urban transportation, facilitate the renewal of the vehicle fleet and implement awareness campaigns to create a citizen culture.

Resumo Introdução: a poluição ambiental nas zonas urbanas deve-se principalmente à emissão de gases com efeito de estufa provenientes da queima de combustível pela frota automóvel, que aumenta em situações de congestionamento de veículos, o que, além de ser uma fonte de poluição sonora, afeta a saúde física e mental dos cidadãos. Objetivo: determinar a percepção de peritos independentes em matéria de transportes urbanos sobre as causas do congestionamento dos veículos e a sua relação com a poluição ambiental e a saúde. Materiais e métodos: um estudo observacional e descritivo na cidade de Lima, através da identificação de pontos críticos de congestionamento veicular e de entrevistas estruturadas com consultores independentes, sobre as causas do trânsito, da poluição ambiental e da saúde. Resultados: os principais geradores de tráfego observados foram: construções, ruas fechadas, comércio ambulatório, paragens informais, estacionamento não autorizado e acidentes. Enquanto as causas do congestionamento, identificadas pelos consultores: má gestão e planeamento das estradas, falta de educação em segurança rodoviária para condutores e peões, paragens informais e veículos obsoletos. Conclusões: a capital ainda sofre de elevados níveis de congestionamento de tráfego, que afetam a saúde e a economia dos peruanos. A partir da análise baseada nas opiniões dos peritos, recomenda-se a orientação de estratégias e políticas para soluções que incluam reformas institucionais que favoreçam melhorias na eficiência e eficácia na gestão do transporte urbano, facilitem a renovação da frota automóvel e implementem campanhas de sensibilização para criar uma cultura cidadã.

RESUMO

Anthropogenic noise is increasingly disturbing natural soundscapes and affecting the physiology, behavior, and fitness of wildlife. However, our knowledge about the impact of anthropogenic noise on wild primates is scant. Here, we assess the effects of anthropogenic noise on the behavior of male mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). Specifically, we describe the types, rates, and sound pressure level (SPL) of anthropogenic noise that occurs in areas inhabited by mantled howler monkeys and determine if the behavioral responses of males to anthropogenic noise are influenced by noise attributes. For 1 year (1753 h), we characterized anthropogenic noise in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve (Veracruz, Mexico) and studied the behavior of males belonging to five groups. Anthropogenic noise was common, diverse, and varied among areas in terms of rate, type, and SPL. Males did not display behavioral responses toward most (60%) anthropogenic noises, but were more likely to respond to certain noise types (e.g., aerial traffic) and toward noise with high SPL. Group identity influenced the likelihood of displaying behavioral responses to noise. The most common behavioral responses were vocalizations and vigilance. Males vocalized in response to noise with high SPL, although this relationship depended on group identity. The effect of the number of noises on vocalizations also varied among groups. Males were more likely to display vigilance toward high SPL and infrequent noise, but, again, these relationships varied among groups. In sum, anthropogenic noise is pervasive in areas inhabited by mantled howler monkeys and influences male behavior. Experience and frequency of exposure may modulate the behavioral responses of male mantled howler monkeys to noise and explain the group differences.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Cities are home to several species of pollinators that play an important role in the reproductive success of wild and cultivated plants that grow in these ecosystems and their surroundings. Pollution is a main driver of pollinator decline. Light and noise pollution are more intense in cities than in any other ecosystem. Although nocturnal pollinators are heavily exposed to these pollutants, their effect on bat pollination is still unknown. Our goal was to assess the effect of light and noise pollution on the main pollination components (pollinator visits, pollen transfer, pollen germination, fruit, and seed set) of the tropical tree, Ceiba pentandra, in a heavily urbanized ecosystem. We measured these components in sites with contrasting intensities of artificial light and anthropogenic noise and statistically assessed the direct and indirect effect of pollutants on pollination components using structural equation modeling. We found that noise and light pollution negatively affected the visits by the bats that pollinate C. pentandra. However, these negative effects did not affect posterior pollination components. In fact, the direct effect of light pollution on reproductive success was positive and greater than the indirect effects via pollinator visits. We suggest that illuminated trees may be able to sustain a large quantity of fruits and seeds because they produce more photosynthates due to greater light radiation and delayed leaf abscission. We conclude that, despite the negative effect of light and noise on pollinator visits, these pollutants did not significantly impact the reproductive success of C. pentandra.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMEN Objetivo Investigar la participación de estudiantes universitarios en actividades de ocio productoras de ruido y la relación entre los niveles de exposición semanal al ruido recreativo y síntomas de hipoacusia auto reportados, en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia. Método Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante encuesta virtual, basada en el Cuestionario de Exposición al Ruido, más 11 preguntas de síntomas auditivos, a una muestra aleatoria de 730 sujetos. El nivel de exposición semanal al ruido recreativo se estimó a partir del tiempo dedicado al total de actividades recreativas reportadas por los participantes y su evaluación subjetiva de la intensidad de ruido producida por cada actividad, transformada en niveles de ruido continuo equivalente. La asociación entre la exposición al ruido recreativo y la presencia de síntomas de hipoacusia se analizó mediante la prueba de Chi-cuadrado. Resultados El 93% de los participantes manifestó al menos un síntoma de hipoacusia y la mitad reportó cuatro o más. El síntoma más frecuente de hipoacusia asociada al ruido fue el tinnitus (72%). El 55% tenía una exposición semanal de ruido por encima de 85 dBA y en éstos la prevalencia de síntomas de hipoacusia fue mayor (p < 0.05). Conclusión Se sugiere la presencia de deterioro auditivo en gran parte la población universitaria, asociado con altas dosis de exposición semanal al ruido recreativo. Es necesario fortalecer los programas de promoción de la salud auditiva en la academia, y desde los servicios de salud, la valoración objetiva y periódica de la audición.

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the total weekly exposure to leisure noise among university students and to assess its association with self-reported symptoms of hypoacusis. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire based on the "Noise Exposure Questionnaire", plus 11 questions regarding hearing loss were sent to 730 randomly selected students. Participants self-reported time spent on different leisure noise activities and their subjective evaluation of the loudness of these activities, converted into equivalent noise levels, were used to estimate weekly noise exposure levels that were compared to occupational noise limits (> 85 dBA = hazardous). Inference statistics was applied to relate hearing symptoms and "likely or having some degree of hearing loss" with hazardous weekly leisure noise exposure levels. Results Ninety-three percent of the participants reported at least one hypoacusis symptom. The most frequent sound-related ear symptom was tinnitus (72%). Fifty-five percent of the individuals presented weekly exposure to noise >85 dBA. Symptoms of hearing loss were more prevalent in those exposed to weekly noise levels >85 dBA. Conclusion This study suggests that there may be hearing loss caused by exposure to high levels of leisure noise in a large part of the study population. Health promotion of hearing conservation should be emphasized at university level. Objective repeated measurement of hearing acuity should be part of integral health services for the youth population.

RESUMO

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to government-enforced limits on activities worldwide, causing a marked reduction of human presence in outdoors environments, including in coastal areas that normally support substantial levels of boat traffic. These restrictions provided a unique opportunity to quantify the degree to which anthropogenic noise contributes to and impacts underwater soundscapes. In Guadeloupe, French West Indies, a significantly lower number of motor boats were recorded in the vicinity of the major urban marina during the peak of the first COVID-19 lockdown (April-May 2020), compared with the number recorded post-lockdown. The resumption of human activities at the end of May was correlated with a maximum increase of 6 decibels in the ambient noise level underwater. The change in noise level did not impact daily sound production patterns of vocal fishes, with increased activity at dusk seen both during and after the lockdown period. However, during the lockdown vocal activity was comprised of a reduced number of sounds, suggesting that anthropogenic noise has the potential to interfere with vocalization behaviours in fishes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this study is to characterize the background noise and abiotic and anthropogenic sound sources in the sector with greater anthropogenic use of the Cananéia estuary. The results show that the relative amplitude of background noise decreased with the increase of frequency range, and was higher with greater number of vessels, wind speed and during flood tide. Weekends and vacation periods were shown to be important dates during which background noise increased in the region. The influence of the tide and the wind speed on the relative amplitude was dependent on the frequency range analyzed. Therefore, both abiotic and anthropogenic sound sources were observed to be important factors regarding an increase in background noise in Cananéia. The importance of the continuity of vessel regulation in the region and of future studies that identify whether such noises alter parameters from the sound repertoire of the cetacean species in the region.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Environmental noise has been growing in recent years, causing numerous health problems. Highly sensitive environments such as hospitals deserve special attention, since noise can aggravate patients' health issues and impair the performance of healthcare professionals. This work consists of a systematic review of scientific articles describing environmental noise measurements taken in hospitals between the years 2015 and 2020. The researchers started with a consultation of three databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The results indicate that for the most part, these studies are published in journals in the fields of medicine, engineering, environmental sciences, acoustics, and nursing and that most of their authors work in the fields of architecture, engineering, medicine, and nursing. These studies, which are concentrated in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, use as reference values sound levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Leq measured in hospital environments showed daytime values ranging from 37 to 88.6 dB (A) and nighttime values of 38.7 to 68.8 dB (A). Leq values for outdoor noise were 74.3 and 56.6 dB (A) for daytime and nighttime, respectively. The measurements were taken mainly inside hospitals, prioritizing more sensitive departments such as intensive care units. There is a potential for growth in work carried out in this area, but research should also include discussions about guidelines for improvement measures aimed at reducing noise in hospitals.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Noise is one of the fastest growing and most ubiquitous type of environmental pollution, with prevalence in cities. The COVID-19 confinement in 2020 in Colombia led to a reduction in human activities and their associated noise. We used this unique opportunity to measure the impacts of noise on urban soundscapes, and explore the effects of urbanization intensity independently of human activity. We launched a community science initiative inviting participants to collect audio recordings from their windows using smartphones. Recordings were taken during severe mobility restrictions (April), and during a period of lightened restrictions (May-June). From the data collected, we measured changes in sound pressure levels (SPL), acoustic structure (soundscape spectro-temporal characteristics), and human perception between the two periods. A 12% increase in human activities had a detectable acoustic footprint, with a significant increase of SPL (2.15 dB, 128% increase), a shift towards dominance of low-frequency broadband signals, and a perceived dominance of human-made over wildlife sounds. Measured changes in SPL and acoustic structure were directly proportional to urbanization; however, perception of these changes was not. This gap may be associated with a masking effect generated by noise or a disconnect of humans from nature in large cities. The mobility restrictions created a chance to better understand the impacts of urbanization and human activities on the soundscape, while raising public awareness regarding noise pollution effects on people and wildlife. Information analyzed here might serve in urban planning in developing countries where urban expansion is occurring in a rapid, unplanned fashion.

RESUMO

Acoustic data was collected across 15 sites distributed through the coastal area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, encompassing regions of different natural characteristics. Noise levels and the acoustic complexity index were calculated. Quantity and composition of anthropogenic sound sources varied across recording sites, with at least one type of sound source being registered in each location. A cluster analysis using third-octave levels from eight frequency bands divided recording sites into two groups, one considered as impacted by anthropogenic noise and the other as less-impacted. The noisiest recording locations were those with higher numbers of anthropogenic sound sources, specifically large ships. It was evidenced that anthropogenic noise affects not only noise levels, but also low-frequency acoustic complexity, which decreased in the presence of vessel traffic. The constant noise input of human activities tended to mask natural variability in the soundscape at lower frequencies.

Assuntos

RESUMO

La relación entre la exposición a los ruidos y la pérdida auditiva se considera desde hace muchos años. La comunidad odontológica no está exenta de este problema, ya que los profesionales trabajan a diario, y durante tiempos prolongados, con instrumentos ruidosos. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como propósito realizar una actualización acerca del riesgo de pérdida auditiva inducida por ruido en el personal que trabaja en la clínica odontológica. En la actualidad, se afirma que los odontólogos y el personal en la clínica dental corren el riesgo de contraer diversas patologías auditivas ­como es el caso de la hipoacusia­ debido al ruido que producen los equipos de alta velocidad. Las enfermedades profesionales del tipo auditivas que se abordan en este trabajo constituyen factores que comprometen no solo el buen estado de salud de los odontólogos y demás profesionales, sino su calidad de vida (AU)

The relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss has been known for many years. The dental community is not exempt from this problem, because they work every day and for long periods of time with noisy instruments. This literature review aims to update the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in personnel working in the dental clinic. The risk to which dentists and staff in the dental clinic are subjected to the high-speed and other noisy equipment is well known, and that can cause various auditory problems such as hearing loss. The occupational diseases of the auditory type that were addressed in this article constitute factors that compromise not only the good state of health of dentists and other professionals who work in similar conditions, but also in their quality of life (AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: One of the major environmental problems of the modern world is noise. A health-related marker of environmental noise exposure that can be considered a predictor of annoyance is noise sensitivity. The aim of this study was to ascertain the correlation between levels of exposure to road traffic noise in residential areas and the resulting annoyance based on the perception and sensitivity reported. METHODS: The study involved noise assessment, with the creation of noise maps of the neighborhood in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and application of a questionnaire to ascertain the perception of the residents of the neighborhood, regarding the effects of this exposure. RESULTS: The noise levels at all the measured points were found to exceed the critical level for the area, 55 dB(A). A total of 225 interviews were conducted. Noise-related annoyance was reported by 48.4% of the respondents. Associations were observed between living in areas exposed to traffic noise and feeling annoyed with this noise (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the importance of reviewing and updating Brazilian public policies regarding environmental noise. We found a high prevalence of annoyance reports, as well as aspects indicative of sensitivity to noise exposure.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Sound-sensitive organisms are abundant on coral reefs. Accordingly, experiments suggest that boat noise could elicit adverse effects on coral reef organisms. Yet, there are few data quantifying boat noise prevalence on coral reefs. We use long-term passive acoustic recordings at nine coral reefs and one sandy comparison site in a marine protected area to quantify spatio-temporal variation in boat noise and its effect on the soundscape. Boat noise was most common at reefs with high coral cover and fish density, and temporal patterns reflected patterns of human activity. Boat noise significantly increased low-frequency sound levels at the monitored sites. With boat noise present, the peak frequencies of the natural soundscape shifted from higher frequencies to the lower frequencies frequently used in fish communication. Taken together, the spectral overlap between boat noise and fish communication and the elevated boat detections on reefs with biological densities raises concern for coral reef organisms.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Anthropogenic noise pollution is increasing and can constrain acoustic communication in animals. Our aim was to investigate if the acoustic parameters of loud calls and their diurnal pattern in the black-fronted titi monkey (Callicebus nigrifrons) are affected by noise produced by mining activity in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. We installed two passive acoustic monitoring devices to record sound 24 h/day, 7 days every 2 months, for a year; one unit was close to an opencast mine and the other 2.5 km away from it. Both sites presented similar habitat structures and were inhabited by groups of black-fronted titi monkeys. We quantified the noise at both sites by measuring the equivalent continuous sound level every 2 months for 1 year and quantified the emission of loud calls by titi monkeys through visual inspection of the recordings. The close site presented higher ambient noise levels than the far site. The quantitative comparison of loud calls of black-fronted titi monkeys between the two sites showed less calling activity in the site close to the mine than in the site further away. Approximately 20 % of the calls detected at the site close to the mine were masked by noise from truck traffic. Loud calls were longer at the site far from the mine and the diurnal patterns of vocal activity differed in the amount of calling as well as in the timing of peak calling activity between the two sites. Our results indicate that mining noise may constrain titi monkeys' long-distance vocal communication. Loud calls occupy a similar frequency band to mining noise, and an increase in ambient noise may be triggering black-fronted titi monkeys to adjust their long-distance communication patterns to avoid masking of their calls. Given that vocalizations are an important means of social interaction in this species, there are concerns about the impact of mining noise on populations exposed to this human activity.

Assuntos