Impacts of noise

Noise is an unwanted noise that is unpleasant, disturbing, unexpected or harmful to hearing. The extent of the nuisance caused by noise is influenced by, for example,

  • sound characteristics such as volume, frequency, narrowband and impulse
  • time and place of exposure
  • individual characteristics such as noise sensitivity and attitude towards the sound source.
  • Noise hazards and how the noise situation can be affected

Environmental noise is often perceived as disturbing, and it is perceived as impairing the comfort of the living environment. However, noise also has more serious impacts, such as

  • inducing a stress reaction in the body
  • disturbing sleep
  • increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • undermining mental well-being.

Exposure to traffic noise can be reduced, for example, by

  • keeping the windows closed
  • changing the room order so that the bedroom is as far away from the street and road as possible
  • by choosing a route that is as quiet as possible when walking or cycling
  • reducing traffic noise, for example by choosing a vehicle with lower noise emissions and quieter tyres, observing speed limits and using public transport instead of a car.

If you feel that noise is harmful, you can contact regional environmental protection services or environmental health care for further advice. The municipal engineering planning of the City is responsible for planning the prevention of traffic noise in the street network and the ELY Centre for public roads.

Mikko Sokura

environmental inspector

+358 44 718 2147

mikko.sokura@kuopio.fi

Essi Holopainen

environmental inspector

+358 44 718 2004

essi.holopainen@kuopio.fi