How can low-frequency noise exposure interact with the well-being of a population? Some results from a portuguese municipality

Noise pollution is the second most harmful environmental stressor in Europe. Portugal is the fourth European country most affected by noise pollution, whereby 23.0% of the population is affected. This article aims to analyze the effects of exposure to low frequency noise pollution, emitted by power poles and power lines, on the population’s well-being, based on a study of “exposed” and “unexposed” individuals in two predominantly urban areas in north-western Portugal. To develop the research, we used sound level (n = 62) and sound recording measurements, as well as adapted audiometric test performance (n = 14) and surveys conducted with the resident population (n = 200). The sound levels were measured (frequency range between 10 to 160 Hz) and compared with a criterion curve developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The sound recorded was performed 5 m away from the source (400 kV power pole). Surveys were carried out with the “exposed” and “unexposed” populations, and adapted audiometric tests were performed to complement the analysis and to determine the threshold of audibility of “exposed” and “unexposed” volunteers. The “exposed” area has higher sound levels and, consequently, more problems with well-being and health than the “unexposed” population. The audiometric tests also revealed that the “exposed” population appears to be less sensitive to low frequencies than the “unexposed” population.The authors gratefully acknowledge CAPES/Brazil (Process: BEX1684-13/2) for the financial support granted though a doctorate scholarship, the Project Lab2PT—Landscapes, Heritage and Territory Laboratory - AUR/04509 and FCT through national funds and when applicable of the FEDER co-financing, under the new partnership agreement PT2020 and COMPETE2020—POCI 01 0145 FEDER 007528, the FCT/C-TAC for the financial support granted, in particular from acquiring equipment essential for the research development