Spatial distribution of health-risky road traffic noise pollution in Dessie City, North East Ethiopia.

Objective: Dessie is the trade center for northeast Ethiopia. High traffic flow plus overacting of promotion made the city noisy. There is a shortage of relevant evidence that enforces policy makers to design intervention plans. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the health-risky road traffic noise pollution in Dessie City, Ethiopia.

Methods: The study was conducted by purposive selection of the study area and sampling sites of the city from May 31, 2021 -June 6, 2021. Noise level recordings were taken by a digital Sound Meter and location data was collected by Global Positioning System. Residential, health facility, commercial, and mixed sites were identified by field observation. A total of 20 noise sampling points were included. The sampling points were selected by considering World Health Organization guideline. The measurements were taken twice a day at peak hours, between 8:00-11:00am and 4:00-7:00pm on all days of the week. The sound level meter was placed at a height of 1.5m and 2m from the curb. A total of 280 sound level records were conducted over one week.

Results: Among twenty noise recording sites, more than 50% of them registered as excessive noisy sites for all types of site categories (health facility, residential, commercial, and mixed areas). For the seven days, average noise recordings were in the range of 66-72 dB at 83% of mixed areas; 33% of health facilities; 25% of residential areas, and 86% of commercial areas. The highest levels of noise pollution were seen at the Bus-station, Buanbuawuha Square, Tekuam, Arada, Ethio General Hospital, Ersha-seble, and Menafesha areas.

Conclusion: This study shows that the average noise level measurement within a week exceeded the permissible limits set by Ethiopia and the World Health Organization. It helps for policy development and timely actions against noise pollution and as baseline information for further investigation.