Paisagem sonora no entorno de uma área hospitalar na cidade de Santa Maria/RS.

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers noise pollution as the second-largest pollutant source in the world. The growth of cities along with the evolution and abrupt change of the urban environment caused the emergence of new sounds that previously did not integrate the urban spaces, this resulted in increased levels of noise pollution. Urban environments present complex acoustic scenarios, which have influences from different sound sources that must be taken into account in noise mapping. To achieve consistent results, computer models are needed because they facilitate and allow quick calculations. Moreover, for the evaluation of the soundscape, it is necessary to qualitatively evaluate the urban space based on human perceptions. In view of the above, this work identified the interference produced by environmental noise around the Hospital de Caridade Astrogildo de Azevedo, which receives people from all over the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. The research aimed to characterize the sound environment, in micro-scale, of the object of study, to support the master plan of the city of Santa Maria/RS and encourage further studies as a compliment. For this purpose, the relationship between individuals and the sound environment was assessed using questionnaires. The noise map was generated through the data obtained (LAeq, Leq, L10, L50, and L90) in the field measurements. As result, it was observed a tendency to chaotic definition for the soundscape, according to the answers of the questionnaires, which is directly linked to the high sound pressure level (SPL) in the surroundings of the hospital complex, which varies from 65 dB to 75 dB, values above what ABNT NBR 10.151 recommends. The large flow of cars provides the exacerbated generation of noise that according to the noise map, emits up to 80 dB. This noise requires greater attention as to the interventions to be made in the region studied so that the emitted noise within the limits established by current standards and legislation.