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Wogan R, Kennedy J. Crowdsourced cycling data applications to estimate noise pollution exposure during urban cycling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27918. [PMID: 38533008 PMCID: PMC10963327 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This research demonstrates a methodology to integrate freely available datasets to understand the relationship between road traffic noise and cycling experiences in a medium sized city. An illustrative example of the methodology was drawn from data for Dublin, Ireland. We aggregate local environmental data with 81,403 Strava cycle trips, contextualised by feedback from 335 cyclists to estimate exposure levels and infer impacts on experiences and behaviours. Results demonstrate that cyclists recognise that they are subjected to increased noise levels and experience negative psychophysical consequences as a result, but they tend to downplay the impact of noise as merely a minor annoyance. Noise also impacts behaviour, most noticeably through temporal and spatial detours. Geospatial mapping was used to visualise the relationship between noise pollution and cycling activity. Estimating traffic noise levels across two cycle routes, direct vs popular detour, revealed a +10 dB(A) increase in exposure for a saving of approximately 4 min on the direct route compared to the detour. Spatial inequities in exposure levels may have serious health consequences for cyclists in a city such as Dublin. The methodology is demonstrated as suitable for policy level interventions and planning purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wogan
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Kennedy
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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Sun K, Szatmari TI, Pasta A, Bramsløw L, Wendt D, Christensen JH, Pontoppidan NH. Daily sound exposure of hearing aids users during COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1091706. [PMID: 37905241 PMCID: PMC10613490 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1091706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate the daily sound exposure of hearing aid (HA) users during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the impact of different governance intervention levels. Methods Modern HA technology was employed to measure and compare the sound exposure of HA users in three distinct periods: pre-pandemic, and two 14-day periods during the pandemic, corresponding to varying levels of governance interventions. The study sample comprised a total of 386 HA users in Europe during the pandemic, with daily sound exposure data collected as part of the main dataset. Results The results revealed that, during the pandemic, the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (SPL) experienced by HA users decreased, while the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increased compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notably, this impact was found to be more pronounced (p < 0.05) when individuals were subjected to stronger governance intervention levels, characterized by lower SPL and higher SNR. Discussion This study highlights the changes in daily sound exposure experienced by HA users during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly influenced by the extent of governance interventions that restricted social activities. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of pandemic-related governance measures on the sound environments of HA users and have implications for audiological interventions and support strategies during similar crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sun
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tiberiu-Ioan Szatmari
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alessandro Pasta
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Demant A/S, Smørum, Denmark
| | | | - Dorothea Wendt
- Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark
- Hearing Systems, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Willberg E, Poom A, Helle J, Toivonen T. Cyclists' exposure to air pollution, noise, and greenery: a population-level spatial analysis approach. Int J Health Geogr 2023; 22:5. [PMID: 36765331 PMCID: PMC9921333 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban travel exposes people to a range of environmental qualities with significant health and wellbeing impacts. Nevertheless, the understanding of travel-related environmental exposure has remained limited. Here, we present a novel approach for population-level assessment of multiple environmental exposure for active travel. It enables analyses of (1) urban scale exposure variation, (2) alternative routes' potential to improve exposure levels per exposure type, and (3) by combining multiple exposures. We demonstrate the approach's feasibility by analysing cyclists' air pollution, noise, and greenery exposure in Helsinki, Finland. We apply an in-house developed route-planning and exposure assessment software and integrate to the analysis 3.1 million cycling trips from the local bike-sharing system. We show that especially noise exposure from cycling exceeds healthy thresholds, but that cyclists can influence their exposure by route choice. The proposed approach enables planners and individual citizens to identify (un)healthy travel environments from the exposure perspective, and to compare areas in respect to how well their environmental quality supports active travel. Transferable open tools and data further support the implementation of the approach in other cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Willberg
- Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Age Poom
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Mobility Lab, Department of Geography, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joose Helle
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuuli Toivonen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Lucas D, Guerrero F, Jouve E, Hery S, Capellmann P, Mansourati J. Effect of occupational exposure to welding fumes and noise on heart rate variability: An exposed-unexposed study on welders and airport workers' population. Front Public Health 2022; 10:937774. [PMID: 36249234 PMCID: PMC9554501 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.937774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Welding fumes (WF) are a complex mixture of gas and particles. Action of occupational exposure to WF on cardiovascular system has been recently studied as for noise. Research question The main objectives of our study are therefore to evaluate the impact of exposure to WF, noise, and combined WF and noise on autonomic nervous system as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). Methods The study groups were 16 welders and eight airport workers (as a control group). All the participants underwent ambulatory electrocardiogram, personal WF, and noise exposure monitoring, respectively, with dust track and calibrated noise dosimeter during workday. Atmospheric environmental assessments at workplaces have been also performed. HRV parameters were summarized for all the workday and hourly. Correlation tests were used to examine relation between HRV parameters and levels of noise exposure in the two population. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for mean of each HRV parameters. Results For HRV parameters, we found significant higher levels for mean range of high frequency (HF), standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R interval (SDNN), and root mean square of successive heartbeat interval difference (RMSSD) in welders which suggested an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system in this population. For relation between noise and HRV parameters, we noted that levels of low frequency (LF), HF, and SDNN were significantly correlated with mean noise levels for welders (respectively, r = 0.62, r = 0.357, r = 0.48), not in control group. Using ANCOVA, we found that working as a welder significantly increases mean of HF (p = 0.01) and RMSSD (p = 0.02) and decreases in LF/HF (p = 0.008). Indeed, the interaction between exposure to WF and mean noise levels for HF (p = 0.005), LF/HF (p = 0.01), and RMSSD (p = 0.007) was significant. Conclusion This study shows an impact of WF and noise on ANS balance. One hypothesis is WF exposure could increase sensibility to noise exposure on autonomic nervous system or there is a synergic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lucas
- Center of Environmental and Occupational Diseases, Department of Occupational Health, Brest Teaching Hospital, Brest, France,ORPHY Laboratory, Department of Sciences, Occidental Brittany University Brest, Brest, France,*Correspondence: David Lucas
| | - François Guerrero
- ORPHY Laboratory, Department of Sciences, Occidental Brittany University Brest, Brest, France
| | - Emmanuel Jouve
- Carsat Bretagne (Regional Agency of Occupational Health), Department of Occupational Prevention, Rennes, France
| | - Sophie Hery
- Occupational Health Service, Department of Occupational Prevention, Naval Group, Brest, France
| | - Pascale Capellmann
- Iroise Occupational Health Service, Department of Occupational Prevention 22 Rue de Kervezennec, Brest, France
| | - Jacques Mansourati
- ORPHY Laboratory, Department of Sciences, Occidental Brittany University Brest, Brest, France,Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Brest Teaching Hospital, Brest, France
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Neitzel RL, Smith L, Wang L, Green G, Block J, Carchia M, Mazur K, DePalma G, Azimi R, Villanueva B. Toward a better understanding of nonoccupational sound exposures and associated health impacts: Methods of the Apple Hearing Study. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:1476. [PMID: 35364926 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, noise exposure from occupational and nonoccupational sources is common, and, as a result, noise-induced hearing loss affects tens of millions of people. Occupational noise exposures have been studied and regulated for decades, but nonoccupational sound exposures are not well understood. The nationwide Apple Hearing Study, launched using the Apple research app in November 2019 (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA), is characterizing the levels at which participants listen to headphone audio content, as well as their listening habits. This paper describes the methods of the study, which collects data from several types of hearing tests and uses the Apple Watch noise app to measure environmental sound levels and cardiovascular metrics. Participants, all of whom have consented to participate and share their data, have already contributed nearly 300 × 106 h of sound measurements and 200 000 hearing assessments. The preliminary results indicate that environmental sound levels have been higher, on average, than headphone audio, about 10% of the participants have a diagnosed hearing loss, and nearly 20% of the participants have hearing difficulty. The study's analyses will promote understanding of the overall exposures to sound and associated impacts on hearing and cardiovascular health. This study also demonstrates the feasibility of collecting clinically relevant exposure and health data outside of traditional research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Neitzel
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Lauren Smith
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Linyan Wang
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Glenn Green
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, USA
| | | | | | - Kuba Mazur
- Apple Inc., Cupertino, California 95014, USA
| | | | - Reza Azimi
- Apple Inc., Cupertino, California 95014, USA
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Comparison of Response Scales as Measures of Indoor Environmental Perception in Combined Thermal and Acoustic Conditions. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11143975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Response scales are widely used to assess the personal experience of sensation and perception in built environments, and have a great impact on the quality of the responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of response scales on human sensation and perception in moderate indoor environments. Four different response scales were compared under three room temperatures (19.0 °C, 24.5 °C, and 30.0 °C) and five acoustic stimuli (ambient noise, 42 and 61 dBA × water sounds and traffic noise): a bipolar seven-point scale according to ISO 10551:1995, a unipolar 11-point scale according to ISO/TS 15666:2003, these two scales combined for each sensory comfort assessment, and a bipolar visual analogue scale. The degree of relative differentiation based on indoor physical factors made no significant difference across the four response scales. Therefore, the effects of physical factors on human response could be assessed by using any of the four scales tested in this study, with a statistical significance at P < 0.05 in moderate environments. The choice of response scale would depend not only on the type of physical stimulus but also on the question of sensation or perception. The reliability of each response scale was different according to the subjective attributes. The bipolar visual analogue scale was subjectively preferred by the respondents.
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Lin CY, Tsai PJ, Lin KY, Chen CY, Chung LH, Wu JL, Guo YL. Will daytime occupational noise exposures induce nighttime sleep disturbance? Sleep Med 2018; 50:87-96. [PMID: 30016756 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nighttime environmental noise affects sleep quality. However, the effects of daytime occupational noise remain unclear. METHODS A quasi-experiment of 48 participants who had been employed for at least six months in two hospital cafeterias. The participants were randomly designated to be assessed on high- and low-noise workdays for 8 h or low- and high-noise workdays, separated by a washout period of 14 days. Subsequently, pure tone audiometry, autonomic nervous system (ANS) function tests, serum cortisol tests, and polysomnography were conducted. RESULTS For the 40 participants in the study, the 8-h time-weighted average of personal noise exposed on high- and low-noise workdays was 76.8 dBA (standard deviation, SD: 6.2) and 61.0 dBA (SD: 7.1), respectively. Participants with higher personal noise exposure during the day were found to have a lower percentage of slow wave sleep (percent change of mean value: -1.287%; 95% CI: -2.602%, -0.037%) and lower sleep efficiency (-0.267%; 95% CI: -0.525%, -0.008%). In addition, after work, personal noise exposure was revealed to be related to increased serum cortisol levels (1.698%; 95% CI: 0.887%, 2.528%), and sympathetic activity as measured by low frequency/high frequency (3.000%; 95% CI: 1.294%, 4.706%) and blood pressures by cold pressor test (systolic: 5.163%; 95% CI: 2.780%, 7.537%) (diastolic: 3.109%; 95% CI: 1.604%, 4.614%). CONCLUSIONS Daytime occupational noise exposure had sustained effects on nighttime sleep quality, specifically on slow wave sleep and sleep efficiency. These disturbances could be partially explained by post-shift elevated cortisol and ANS activity. The psychosocial and metabolic consequences of poorer sleep quality induced by occupational noise exposure warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Sheng-Li Road, North District, Tainan City, 704, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Sheng-Li Road, North District, Tainan City, 704, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.125, Zhong-Shan Road, West Central District, Tainan City, 700, Taiwan
| | - Perng-Jy Tsai
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Sheng-Li Road, North District, Tainan City, 704, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Yi Lin
- Human Factor and Ergonomics Section, System Development Center, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 90008-6-20, Lung-Tan, Tao-Yuan, 325, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yong Chen
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Executive Yuan, No.99, Lane 407, Heng-Ke Road, Si-Jhih District, New Taipei City, 221, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Hui Chung
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, Executive Yuan, No.99, Lane 407, Heng-Ke Road, Si-Jhih District, New Taipei City, 221, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Liang Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.138, Sheng-Li Road, North District, Tainan City, 704, Taiwan
| | - Yueliang Leon Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Room C339, No. 17, Syu-Jhou Road, Jhong-Jheng District, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Science, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Ke-Yan Road, Zhu-Nan, Miaoli County, 350, Taiwan.
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