Abstract

ZANNIN, Paulo Henrique Trombetta  and  SZEREMETTA, Bani. Evaluation of noise pollution in the Botanical Garden in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2003, vol.19, n.2, pp. 683-686. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2003000200037.

This study focuses on noise pollution in the Botanical Garden in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Equivalent noise levels (L_eq) were measured at 21 points throughout the park, and interviews were conducted with park visitors. Some 47.6% of the measurement sites presented L_eq levels over 65dB(A), considered by preventive medicine as the maximum tolerable exposure level without risk of health impairment,, and 90.5% of the sites failed to comply with Municipal Ordinance 8,583, setting 55dB(A) as the maximum noise emission level for green areas. The results of interviews with visitors showed that 78% visit the park at least twice a week and that 96% come for physical activity. During their activities in the Botanical Garden, 24% of interviewees identified noise pollution as a source of annoyance, as compared to 22% who complained of insufficient park security.

Keywords : Sound Contamination; Noise; Environmental Risks.