Assessment of noise exposure in primary school environment

Abstract

Nowadays elementary school teachers and preschool often complain about the noise pollution into the classrooms, which could be an
occupational risk for them.
In this cross-selection study are evaluated the acoustic climate of classrooms through the measurement of noise levels and
reverberation time. These surveys were conducted in 24 classrooms belonging to three elementary schools or to a preschool one.
By noise levels measurements it was evident a noise pollution problem, which depended on the structural requirements of the
classrooms or on the type of activity carried out. We have obtained a minimum value of Leq dB (A) 61.9 and the maximum of Leq
dB (A) 103.4, with an overall median of 75 dB (A). The study findings indicated that 15.9% of elementary school teachers and
31.25% in preschool ones are exposed to Leq dB(A) values (exceeding the action level established by Legislative Decree, 81/08) that
could cause vocal or auditory disorders.