Context: noise is considered one of the most pervasive and harmful agents in crowded cities. The aim of this study was to determine the exposure rate to noise pollution of residents on the main streets of Zahedan city in southeastern Iran and the knowledge and attitudes of these residents concerning noise.Evidence Acquisition: noise was measured for three consecutive weeks in the October-November areas of the city in 31 test locations, using a CEL-440 Classic sound level meter and analyzer during the noisiest hours of the day (07:00 to 22:00). Using a validated questionnaire, data were collected from 400 subjects to estimate their knowledge’s and attitudes about noise pollution.Results: The average noise level in the main city streets during the day was 75 ± 2.96 d B. The mean age of participants was 31.9 ± 11 years. Approximately 82.3% of the subjects tested reported that street noise pollution was too high, and 48% suggested that the best way to decrease city noise pollution was to enhance people’s knowledge of the problem. Furthermore, 65.8% of the subjects stated that street noise is a cause of stress. There was a significant association between noise levels and subjects’ sleepiness (P<0.05). In addition, noise pollution in Zahedan city streets was found to be higher than standard levels.Conclusions: It was concluded that appropriate traffic management and a health promotion program are essential for increasing the residents’ understanding about how to improve the current noise pollution situation.

noise is defined as unwanted or objectionable sound. Human susceptibility to noise varies in terms of intensity, altitude, timbre of sound, personal sensibility, age, and history of ear disorder. noise pollution which is the result of heterogeneous and uncontrolled developments of cities is one the serious problems in large cities of Iran. Although noise pollution in Kerman (located in southeast of Iran) is not as serious as that of large cities in Iran, it can be considered as one of the elements which have changed Kermans life pattern. In this study, conducted in 1999, in order to assess noise pollution level in Kerman, 13 stations were selected and the levels of Lmax, LAV, L99, L90, L50, L10 were measured daily for 156 days. Results, in all stations, indicated that sound level in Kerman exceeds national standard level and WHO guidelines. Therefore, it is essential to take some actions in order to control Kerman noise pollution with some undesirable impacts.

noise pollution can be considered as the most important problem of urban environmental management in mega metropolises and urban transportation is the main source of the mentioned problem. This study aims to investigate the amount of traffic noise dose received by traffic policemen in Tehran; District 1 Municipality. The investigation was conducted during three consecutive months in 2007 in 282 locations of the main streets of studied district which are known for its heavy traffic, as well as population flow. In order to measure the noise volume, pre-calibrated Cell- 450 and Quest- 2900 sound level meters were used. Regarding to noise dosimeter, 158 cases were measured using a dosimeter Cell-320. For this purpose, Leq, L10, Lmax and Lmin indicators were used. The results showed that the Leq average during peak traffic load hours and in the least traffic conditions was 77.2±2.1 and 64.5±2.2 dB, respectively which were higher than the acceptable levels (55dB). Moreover, the statistical results showed the significant differences between light and heavy traffic conditions and also the direct effect of heavy traffic on noise pollution, also it was shown that vehicles traffic is the main source of the produced noise pollution. The study created a related questionnaire which evaluated the traffic policemen behavior from them and their relative’s point of views. The results showed that noise pollution has damaging effects on their behavioral conditions and also, on their personal assessment. The policemen believed their psychological disorders and their relative had also the same opinion. This study attempted to show that noise pollution in metropolises such as Tehran is a serious problem and it is should be treated as a top priority in the urban environmental management in order to reduce noise pollution.

Introduction and Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the level of noise pollution due to traffic in Kermanshah.Materials and Methods: In the first step of this cross sectional study, general noise was measured in midpoint between street and sidewalk, using Quest-2900 and B&K 2230, at 4-8 pm at 328 points in main streets of Kermanshah, at spring of 1379. In the second step, the level of noise received by residents (shopkeepers and police) was measured according to Leq factor, using Quest dosimeter.Results: Background noise was very high. L50 and L90 were 68 and 63 dB, respectively. Shopkeepers received 74.3 and 75.6 dB, at squares and streets respectively, and police received 73.5 and 75dB, at squares and streets respectively.Discussion and Conclusions: noise pollution due to traffic in Kermanshah is much higher than standards. Broadening the streets and placing noise absorbent panels in streets is recommended.