2012-12-27 13:02:20
Opinion surveys show that the French attribute a significant and growing value to the right to sound peace in their living environment. However, the health consequences of noise are still not among their major concerns. Noise is more easily perceived as an annoyance, a nuisance, or even environmental pollution than as a real risk to health.
In this context, the Agency was contacted in July 2003 by the ministries responsible for the environment and health. The mission entrusted to him was broad. The aim was to produce an inventory of knowledge regarding assessment methods and quantification of the health impacts of noise pollution and pay particular attention to populations considered sensitive. The Agency was also asked to assess the relevance of the indicators used in French regulations and to propose, where appropriate, additional indicators which make it possible to account for the phenomena of multiple exposure and multiple nuisances.
Following preparatory work carried out within the Agency, a working group, bringing together partners with recognized scientific expertise, was formed. It notably brought together the Scientific and Technical Building Center (CSTB), the National Institute for Research on Transport and Their Safety (Inrets), the Central Laboratory of Bridges and Roads (LCPC), the National Test Laboratory (LNE) , the French Institute of the Environment (Ifen) and technical managers from local authorities. University researchers, the Army Health Service Research Center (CRSSA) and the “noise mission” of the Ministry of the Environment were also involved. The final report of this work was published in September 2004.
Status report and recommendations
This work offers, as an introduction, an analysis of the social perception of noise pollution in France. The different types of sources of noise and vibrations in the environment are then presented as well as their respective regulatory framework: noise in the home, ambient noise and in particular in relation to the different means of transport, noise in the workplace. Where possible, comparisons with the regulatory arsenal put in place by other countries are proposed.
An inventory of current knowledge on the various known impacts of noise on health is then established, whether it concerns the impact on hearing, extra-auditory effects and subjective effects, as well as the effects of multiple exposures to noise and combined exposures of noise with other sources of nuisance. On this basis, a study of noise-health indicators, essential for the implementation of a policy to reduce the health impacts of noise, was carried out.
The numerous actors involved in the fight once morest noise and the prevention of noise pollution, in particular local authorities, are also recalled in the last part of the report.
On this basis, the Agency has formulated a set of recommendations for combating exposure to noise and action plans to combat the health effects of exposure to noise.
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