Abstract:
Noise levels and mass concentration of particulates both indoor and outdoor were determined in a car manufacturing industrial unit in Lahore. Two types of noise (broadband and impulsive) were identified. Mean noise levels in the engine assembly hall and welding workshop were found to be 6 to 8 dB(A) higher than permissible limit of 85 dB(A) given in the National Environmental Quality Standards. Mean noise values in the respective places at 95% confidence level were statistically highly significant. Process noise (impulsive) levels varied in a wide range with maximum value of 127 dB(A). Exposure to broadband industrial noise of >90 dB(A) for 8 hrs cannot be encouraged because it may accelerate hearing impairment and aging process; also deafness could result to an unprotected ear. When there are single isolated outburst of noise of the order of more than 130 dB(A) for impulsive type, workers must wear protective equipment. Outdoor measurements of particulate matter were conducted at the roof. Eight hours average concentration of particulate matter ranged from 500 to 1398 µg/m3 in the outdoor atmosphere. Particulates loading varied from 370 to 565 µg/m3 in indoor premises. Since no air quality standards exists in Pakistan, particulate contents, when compared with the most frequently used guidelines provided by the World Health Organization, World Bank, European Union and USEPA, were found to be several times higher than the permissible limit.
Page(s):
1-10
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Environmental Science, Volume: 2, Issue: 1, Year: 2002