Industrial noise in residential areas: effects on residents.

In the surroundings of five industrial plants, noise immissions (industrial noise and non-industrial noise) were measured and residents asked by a questionnaire about the effects (annoyance and reactions) caused by industrial noise. The questionnaires of a total of 1498 (58%) residents could be analyzed. The Leq for the industrial noise ranges from 37 to 68 dB(A) in the daytime and from 37 to 59 dB(A) in the nighttime. Ten to 20% of the residents are already strongly annoyed at industrial noise Leq levels of 50 dB(A). The sensitivity to noise is higher in the evening and at night. Residents are disturbed mainly during their rest and recreation and often react by closing the windows. Limits for noise immissions caused by industrial plants in residential areas are proposed (Switzerland).