Background Noise
Summary
We have measured the levels of background noise residents within a London neighbourhood can expect to be subjected to. Our noise measure classifies each postcode to one of 5 possible noise bands based on the measurable level of background noise averagely experienced within a 24-hour test period. The lower the Noise Band score, the quieter the neighbourhood.
Definition
When we refer to background noise level, we are referring to any of the general persistent undesired sounds that impede something someone is specifically trying to hear. This is measured in decibels (dB). Examples of background noise include noise generated by heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and/or external noise such as outdoor traffic flow.
| Decibel Level (dB) | Noise Level and Equivalence | Type of noise |
|---|---|---|
| <49.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of less than 40 decibels, which is equivalent to a library or quiet rural area. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 50 - 54.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of around 55-60 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise made by a distant bird call. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 55 - 59.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of around 50-55 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise made by a refrigerator in the corner of a room. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 60 - 64.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of around 60-65 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a neighbour mowing the lawn. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 65 - 69.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of around 65-70 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise level of someone taking a shower. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 70 - 74.9 | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of around 70-75 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise a toilet makes when flushed. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
| 75 + | Residents within neighbourhoods that fall within this noise band can ordinarily expect background noise levels of greater than 75 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of vacuum cleaning in the same room as you. | We track whether the background noise in your area is generated primarily by road or rail traffic and determine whether that noise is typical during the daytime (07:00 – 23:00) or during the nighttime (23:00 – 07:00). |
Why the metric matters from a commercial inhabitant’s perspective
Lower noise levels can have an increased draw factor depending on the type of business a commercial inhabitant undertakes. Quieter areas near parks and other amenities can become an asset for cafes and restaurants as well as other venues like beauty centres and spas. Furthermore, any business will benefit from reducing noise levels at work in terms of productivity and well-being. Meanwhile, when it comes to central areas, a higher noise level may also indicate a hotspot for pedestrian and motorised traffic, something that may be beneficial to those businesses that rely on heavy exposure to a varied set of customers.
Why the metric matters from a residential inhabitant’s perspective
Residential inhabitants are most interested in levels of noise related to liveability. While some may enjoy the buzz of a nearby main road, most people agree that quiet immediate surroundings are an essential amenity. Noise levels have a significant impact on particular types of residents such as the elderly and young children as well as those with specific health needs. These groups of the population will be particularly discouraged from inhabiting more noisy areas. On the contrary, low noise levels can put on a premium on residential property.
General Commentary
Researchers have established a connection between noise levels and mental, as well as physical, health issues. A 2006 report by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) pointed towards exposure to constant noise as one of the main causes of heart disease and premature death in the UK. When it comes to London, median daytime exposure to road traffic is 55.6 dB, which according to WHO causes health problems.
In 2015, a study by the London School of Tropical Hygiene also found a strong correlation with traffic noise and hospital admission for stroke. Night-time noise levels were also highly associated with stroke admissions among the elderly. Noise levels beyond 70dB have been linked with the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood pressure.
Scientists say that this is due to noise being interpreted by our bodies as a threat and therefore unleashing flight-fight responses. In the long run, high blood pressure has a damaging effect over the body, dramatically increasing the risk of heart diseases. Moreover, research has found links between noisy areas and worse school performance as well as behavioural problems.
Trains are one of the leading causes of background noise in London (Photograph: Wikimedia Commons)
Trivia
The environmental burden of disease, a measure of the amount of disease caused by environmental factors, ranks noise levels as a main health risk only second to airborne particular matter.
History
The international standardised measure for sound is called a decibel (dB). The particle ‘Bel’ pays homage to Alexander Graham Bell, a UK born scientist that invented the telephone. HIL The first ever telephone call in Europe is said to have been made at the Browns Hotel in Mayfair by Alexander Graham Bell. It was the need to measure efficiency in sound exchanges that lead to the adoption of the “decibel” measure.