Countries do not always report complete datasets - information varies depending both upon the type of source concerned and the year of reporting (2007 or 2012). Data are available at European and national scale for most EEA member countries, including 472 urban agglomerations. The Noise Observation and Information Service for Europe (NOISE) displays noise-mapping data reported by countries under the END to the EEA. Countries are also invited to report to the EEA data corresponding to the WHO NNGs, although reporting of these data is voluntary. The EEA uses these data to create an indicator for environmental noise in Europe.
Countries must report the numbers of people exposed above both thresholds for each noise source (e.g. Where this is not achievable in the short term, the WHO recommends an interim target of 55 dB L night (WHO 2009). Since the implementation of the END, research has suggested that levels of 50 dB L den may be more representative of annoyance, while for sleep disturbance the WHO has set a night noise guideline (NNG) for Europe of 40 dB L night. An L night threshold of 50 dB is defined. The second indicator (L night) is the decibel level for night periods and is designed to assess sleep disturbance.The first indicator (L den) is the decibel level for day, evening, and night periods and is designed to measure 'annoyance'. The END defines an L den threshold of 55 dB.The END requires two main indicators to be applied in the assessment and management of environmental noise.
The EEA has also published guidance to assist countries on how to consider the latest health-impact evidence in developing their action plans.īox 1: Noise indicators in the Environmental Noise Directive
The EEA has recently published guidance on protecting such areas. The END also requires Member States to select and preserve areas of good acoustic environmental quality, referred to as 'quiet areas'. The END also obliges countries to develop and implement action plans to reduce exposure in large cities and places close to major transport infrastructure. It places an obligation on EU Member States to use common criteria for noise mapping (see Box 1). The Environmental Noise Directive (END), is the main European Union (EU) legal instrument through which land-based noise emissions are monitored and actions developed. Underwater sound can travel great distances underwater, and its impacts may be felt far from the source of origin. In some instances, noise can be a cause of death, particularly in marine fauna. Anthropogenic noise sources can potentially interfere with these functions and thus adversely affect species richness, population size, and population distribution. Whether in the terrestrial or marine environment, many species rely on acoustic communication for important aspects of life, such as finding food or locating a mate. There is also increasing scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects of noise on wildlife. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an onset of adverse health effects in humans exposed to noise levels at night above 40 decibels (dB). All of these impacts can contribute to premature mortality. Populations exposed to high noise levels can exhibit stress reactions, sleep-stage changes, and clinical symptoms like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Tackling noise pollution is challenging - its harmful impacts are clear, yet it occurs as a direct consequence of society's demands for increased mobility and productivity. It is a pervasive pollutant that directly affects the health and well-being of exposed humans and wildlife. It is a product of transport and industrial activity on land, in the air, on waterways, and on oceans. Environmental noise can be defined as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound.