Community noise pollution in hospital areas of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

            This article identifies, describes, analyzes and assesses the outdoor community noise pollution (CNP) at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (KLH) and Tung Shin Hospital (TSH) in Kuala Lumpur. A type 1 Sound level meter (SLM) was used in noise measurements. Questionnaire-interviews were conducted with the hospitals’ staff to seek their perception and attitudes on CNP. Results are found to be consistent with noise measurement in terms of staff awareness of CNP and dissatisfaction of noise environment at their hospitals. Noise level in terms of equivalent continuous sound level for 16 hours (Leq16) ranged between 72.4 and 80.3dB(A) at the KLH and between 76.8 and 86.6dB(A) at the TSH. These exceed the 45dB(A) level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for outdoor hospital area. Finally, the results showed significant differences in noise level between KLH and TSH (P<0.001), and these may be due to the differences in land use pattern and traffic volume at the two sites.