Noise Pollution Investigation

1.Introduction

1.1 Aim

The aim of this investigation is to find out how the noise pollution, caused by O.R. Tambo International Airport, affects people who work and live in the surrounding areas, such as Kempton Park , Benoni, Edenvale and Boksburg (figure 1.1). I expect that the results of this investigation will show that the noise pollution caused by O.R. Tambo Airport is disruptive and a nuisance.

Figure 1.1 Four areas that may be affected by O.R. Tambo’s noise pollution

1.2. Expected Results of the Investigation

I expect that the investigation will show that the noise pollution caused by O.R. Tambo affects people who live near and/or work near the airport negatively, in ways such as physical strain (headaches) and a decline in productivity.

Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can cause permanent hearing damage in extreme cases. Noise pollution can also cause anxiety, stress, fatigue, head aches, irritability, aggressive behaviour, sleep disruption , decreased work efficiency and hypo tension. The purpose of this investigation is to investigate the impacts that noise pollution caused by O.R. Tambo International Airport have on people who live and work near the airport. Data will be collected, in the form of questionnaires (figure 1.2.) and primary field investigation, to illustrate these effects. Solutions will be formulated based on the collected

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Figure 1.2. A Blank copy of the Questionnaire

2.Data Representation and Analysis 2.1.Data Regarding Businesses

Figure.2.1.A bar chart showing if the noise from O.R. Tambo disrupts businesses work

Here it can be deduced that the noise pollution caused by O.R. Tambo International Airport does not disrupt many businesses work. According to the results, only one businesses work was disrupted and this business was in Kempton Park.

Table 1.Number of business respondents by area

Area Total

Benoni 4

Boksburg 3

Edenvale 8

Kempton Park 11

Grand Total 26

Fig. 2.2.A bar chart showing the distances businesses are situated from O.R. Tambo International Airport

Figure 2.3. A pie chart showing the distribution of respondents by area.

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Figure 2.4. A pie chart showing the distribution of respondents age groups.

This information is important as the age of the respondents may affect how they experience the effects of noise