Working group calls for more funding to fight noise pollution
About one million Finns regularly exposed to too much noise
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The Ministry of the Environment estimates that the number of people in Finland suffering from the ill effects noise pollution could increase by 200,000 in the coming years.
According to the calculations of a working group on fighting noise pollution, necessary measures to combat the problem would require investments of EUR 30 million a year.
The main responsibility in fighting excess noise rests with town planners, and planners of transport routes. According to the working group, fighting excess noise should be taken into consideration in all planning, construction, and budgeting.
The worst sources of noise include traffic, industrial plants, shooting ranges, and motor sports. As a result of their combined effect, the noise levels at the homes of about one million people in Finland exceed 55 decibels, which is set as the level of noise considered harmful.
Noise levels somewhat lower than 55dB have also been found to have a negative effect on well-being, causing heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and sleeping disorders.
Experts say that for noise not to be very disturbing to most of those hearing it, the level of constant exposure during daytime should not exceed 55dB on balconies, terraces, or yards.
For most people not to be disturbed by noise, the average level during the day while out-of-doors should not exceed 50dB.
In addition to the million Finns who experience more than 55dB of noise on a daily basis, about 300,000 are constantly exposed to more than 60dB, and a few thousand suffer from noise of more than 65dB where they live.
The working group is calling for measures to decrease harmful noise in public areas by about 15%. The group also hopes to reduce noise in rail transport areas by about one third, and aviation noise by one fifth. The proposed reductions would ease the lives of thousands.
The chairman of the working group, Pekka Jalkanen of the Ministry of the Environment, emphasises that the most important aim of the programme to fight noise is to keep the problem from getting worse.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 23.4.2004 - TODAY |
 Working group calls for more funding to fight noise pollution |
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