Greta Jimenez
Noise pollution is a common issue in Finland, with at least 700,000 people exposed to noise levels above the guideline values. Environmental noise has been linked to adverse health effects, causing stress and sleep disturbances, and reducing the amenity of living environments. It is primarily caused by road and rail traffic, with industrial noise also contributing to the problem. The City of Oulu, for example, has conducted noise assessments to identify areas affected by traffic and industrial noise, and has implemented measures such as sound insulation and noise barriers to mitigate the impact on residential areas. Finland also experiences seasonal variations in noise pollution, with the summer months being the peak season due to construction projects and outdoor events. To address the issue, Finland has noise abatement laws and guidelines in place, aiming to reduce noise disturbances and protect the well-being of its residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Areas with noise pollution | Residential areas, Southern Finland, Oulu, Oulunsalo, Kempele, Helsinki, Espoo |
| Causes of noise pollution | Traffic, construction, aviation, industrial operations, neighbours |
| Effects of noise pollution | Adverse effects on well-being, reduction in amenity of living environments, decrease in housing value, health issues (heart disease, sleep disturbance) |
| Noise guidelines | Average noise level of 55 decibels or less during the day and 50 decibels or less at night in residential areas |
| Noise abatement measures | Locating operations away from residential areas, sound insulation, noise barriers, time limits for noisy operations |
| Noise assessment | Conducted every five years for cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, includes noise area maps, number of residents exposed, and map of quiet areas |
| Noise regulations | Included in the Environmental Protection Act and Decree (2014), strict rules about making noise at work sites before 7 am |
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What You'll Learn
Environmental noise affects residents' well-being and housing value
Environmental noise is a common issue in residential areas of Finland, with road traffic being the primary source. This noise pollution has adverse effects on the well-being of residents, reducing the amenity of living environments and decreasing housing values. The impact of noise on well-being is influenced by factors such as noise intensity, quality, timing, and individual characteristics.
The health consequences of noise pollution are significant. Research has linked environmental noise to various issues, including stress, sleep disturbances, hearing impairment, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems. In Finland, traffic noise is estimated to cause the loss of nearly 2,000 good years of life annually. These health impacts highlight the negative influence of noise on residents' well-being.
The EU's Environmental Noise Directive plays a crucial role in addressing noise pollution in Finland. It mandates noise surveys every five years in high-population areas and around busy transportation hubs. These surveys guide the development of noise abatement action plans to reduce both noise levels and the number of people exposed.
Noise pollution also affects housing values. Studies in various countries, including Israel, South Korea, and Ecuador, have demonstrated that increased noise levels lead to decreased property values. For example, research in Israel found that a 1 dB reduction in noise increased property values by 1.2%. Similarly, a study in South Korea concluded that a 1% increase in traffic noise resulted in a 1.3% reduction in land prices.
While there is limited specific data on the impact of noise on housing values in Finland, it is reasonable to assume a similar relationship. The negative externality of noise pollution influences the decisions of prospective homebuyers or renters, who may prioritize quiet environments. This preference for quiet areas can drive down housing demand and values in noisier locations.
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Rail and road traffic noise in Oulu
Noise pollution is a widespread issue in Finland, with at least 700,000 people exposed to noise levels above the guideline values. Environmental noise has been shown to have direct health effects, causing stress and sleep disturbances, and it also negatively impacts the well-being of residents, reducing the amenity of living environments and decreasing housing values.
The City of Oulu, with a population of over 100,000, is required by the EU's Environmental Noise Directive to carry out noise assessments every five years. The latest assessment was conducted in 2022, examining noise exposure and identifying quiet areas. The assessment covers all busy traffic roads and railways, and the findings are used to develop noise abatement action plans to reduce noise levels and their adverse effects.
The noise assessment in Oulu identified several quiet areas, including Hupisaari, southern Hietasaari, northern Pikisaari, and the eastern and southern beaches of Pyykösjärvi, among others. These areas were determined by excluding road and rail traffic noise zones and densely built residential regions. The impact of road and rail traffic noise on residential areas is a crucial consideration in land-use planning and permitting processes.
Rail and road traffic noise have been the subject of numerous studies investigating their annoyance levels and psychological impacts. Some research in European Union countries has indicated that railway noise is generally less annoying than road traffic noise due to differences in acoustic properties and the predictability of noise intervals. However, combined road-rail traffic noise has been found to be more annoying than either noise source individually, suggesting stricter planning permission reviews for areas exposed to this type of noise.
While the City of Oulu actively addresses noise pollution through regular assessments and abatement plans, the access to up-to-date information on environmental noise levels can still be improved. The development of noise prediction models using open data offers an opportunity to enhance the understanding of noise levels and their impacts on individuals and the environment.
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Aviation noise in Oulunsalo and Kempele
Environmental noise is a common problem in residential areas of Finland, with road traffic being the main source of noise pollution. In the Oulu region, highway 4 and the rail traffic on the south side of the city centre are the most significant sources of environmental noise. In Oulunsalo, quiet areas are limited to the borders of residential areas and roads.
The City of Oulu's noise abatement action plan identifies sites requiring noise protection and considers possible measures. Solutions include locating operations away from residential areas, building more effective sound insulation for external walls, setting up noise barriers, and imposing time limits on noisy operations.
While aviation noise is not specifically mentioned in relation to Oulunsalo and Kempele, aircraft noise is a well-known source of noise pollution globally, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulating maximum noise levels for civil aircraft in the US. Aircraft noise affects not only those on the ground but also the crew and passengers inside the plane.
Although Finland does not appear to have specific legislation addressing aviation noise, the country follows the EU's Environmental Noise Directive, which requires noise surveys every five years for the busiest airports. These surveys inform noise abatement action plans aimed at reducing the number of people exposed to noise and mitigating its adverse effects. Given the presence of an international airport in Oulu, aviation noise likely contributes to the environmental noise experienced in Oulunsalo and Kempele.
Overall, while the specific impact of aviation noise on Oulunsalo and Kempele is not explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed that it contributes to the broader issue of environmental noise in the region, with aircraft noise being a significant concern for residents.
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Noise regulations for factories and industrial companies
Noise pollution is a prevalent issue in Finland, particularly in residential areas, where road traffic is a significant contributor. Environmental noise adversely affects the well-being of residents, diminishes the amenity of living environments, and reduces housing values. While quiet areas are scarce, Southern Finland offers some places with average noise levels below 45–50 decibels, considered moderately quiet.
In Finland, noise regulations for factories and industrial companies are governed by various legislations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002) and occupational safety regulations (85/2006 and 831/2005). These laws aim to protect workers from the harmful effects of noise exposure, which can include hearing loss, occupational accidents, and work-related strain.
The regulations set specific action and limit values for noise levels. When the action values are exceeded, employers must take preventive measures to safeguard their employees' hearing. The lower daily noise exposure action value is 80 decibels, while the upper daily exposure action value is 85 decibels. At this upper limit, hearing protection becomes mandatory.
Employers are responsible for providing regular hearing tests, conducted by their occupational health care provider, for employees exposed to noise levels equal to or exceeding 85 decibels or a peak sound pressure of 140 pascals (peak sound levels of 137 dB or higher). Additionally, workers have the right to know their employer's evaluation of their noise exposure risk and the subsequent conclusions.
To comply with the regulations, companies must implement hearing conservation programs, measure noise levels, offer free annual hearing tests, and provide hearing protection and training to their employees. They should also evaluate safety measures and, if possible, modify work practices, tools, and equipment to reduce noise exposure.
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Noise abatement laws in Finland
Noise pollution is a widespread issue in Finland, with at least 700,000 people exposed to noise levels above the guideline values. Environmental noise, particularly from traffic, has been shown to have adverse health effects, causing stress and sleep disturbances, and reducing the amenity of living environments.
To address this issue, Finland has implemented noise abatement laws and guidelines to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on its residents. These laws are governed by the EU Environmental Noise Directive and Finnish legislation, which include guideline values for noise levels in different settings. Here is an overview of the noise abatement laws and regulations in Finland:
- Environmental Protection Act and Decree: The Environmental Protection Act 527/2014 and the Environmental Protection Decree 713/2014 are the central pieces of legislation that outline the goals and tools for noise abatement in Finland.
- Government Decisions and Decrees: The Finnish Government has issued several decisions and decrees specifically targeting noise abatement. These include guidelines for noise levels, noise emission levels from outdoor equipment, noise mapping, and action plans for noise reduction. For instance, the Government Decision on Guideline Values for Noise Levels 993/1992 and the Government Decree on Noise Emission Levels from Equipment for Outdoor Use 621/2001.
- Legislation Related to Health and Housing: Provisions relating to noise abatement are also incorporated into health and housing regulations. For example, the Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on Health-related Conditions of Housing and Other Residential Buildings 545/2015 aims to ensure that residential buildings meet health-related standards, including appropriate noise levels.
- Cross-Country Traffic Act: The Cross-Country Traffic Act 1710/1995 addresses noise abatement in the context of traffic and transportation. This legislation helps manage noise levels caused by vehicles and traffic flow.
- EU Environmental Noise Directive: Finland, as an EU member state, also adheres to the EU Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC. This directive establishes noise pollution levels and triggers necessary actions at both the member state and EU levels. It requires noise surveys to be conducted periodically and forms the basis for noise abatement action plans.
While these laws and regulations provide a framework for noise abatement in Finland, it is important to note that their enforcement and effectiveness can vary depending on the specific circumstances and local authorities. As seen in some anecdotes, noise disturbances from businesses and neighbours may still occur, and residents may need to take their own initiatives to resolve such issues. Nonetheless, the presence of these laws demonstrates Finland's recognition of noise pollution as a significant concern and its commitment to creating a healthier and more peaceful living environment for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, noise pollution is a widespread issue in Finland, with at least 700,000 people exposed to noise levels above the guideline values. Environmental noise affects both the well-being of residents and the amenity of living environments, reducing housing values.
The main sources of noise pollution in Finland are road traffic, construction sites, and rail traffic. In the city of Oulu, for example, rail traffic on the south side of the city centre may cause even larger noise areas than those on Highway 4. Additionally, aviation causes noise pollution near airports, such as in the Oulunsalo and Kempele areas.
Finland has implemented several measures to address noise pollution. These include land use planning, noise abatement solutions, and regulations to prevent, limit, and control noise from industrial and construction operations. The country also adheres to the EU's Environmental Noise Directive, which requires noise surveys every five years and the development of noise abatement action plans.
