Public outreach workshop on noise in communities and public areas

Noise is a significant social and public health problem, particularly in urban areas. Documented health effects include hypertension, increased risk of stroke and heart attack, sleep disturbance, speech interference, annoyance, compromised enjoyment of natural quiet, and a general decrease in the quality of life (WHO 2011). Protected natural areas, flora and fauna are also affected; noise exposure in national parks and wilderness areas has been documented by the US National Park Service (NPS) (Reid and Olson 2013). Successful resolution of these problems requires informed public support for improved noise management policy at all levels of government.