The NOISE Observation & Information Service for Europe
NOISE pollution is a major environmental concern in Europe.
EU indicators for noise pollution
Established by the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END)
55dB Lden: day-evening-night
50dB Lnight: night
Explore NOISE maps to see environmental noise levels from:
- Roads
- Railways
- Airports
- Industry
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Roads
Road traffic is the most prevalent source of environmental noise in Europe.
Slide left for night time noise and right for day time noise.
Noise levels from roads that exceed 55dB L den affect at least 20% of the EU population. This map shows the numbers of people exposed to road traffic noise levels above this threshold, as reported by EEA countries. L den was designed to assess ‘annoyance’, and is based on noise levels over a whole day with a penalty for night time and evening noise.
You may also view the map for exposure to road traffic noise exceeding the night ‘sleep disturbance’ threshold. Around 15% of the EU population are exposed to night time levels of road traffic noise that exceed 50dB L night .
Zoom in to view noise contour maps
Photograph by © Matthias Hintzsche
Railways
Railways are the second most dominant source of environmental noise.
Slide left for night time noise and right for day time noise.
This map illustrates the average exposure to railway noise in Europe over a day (L den ) and the average night time exposure (L night ).
Zoom in to view noise contour maps
Photograph by © Colin Nugent/EEA
Airports
Overall exposure to airport noise in Europe is less than for other transport sources, however, the annoyance experienced by people exposed to noise from this source is greater than for any other.
Slide left for night time noise and right for day time noise.
This map illustrates the exposure to noise from airports in Europe over a day (L den ) and the average night time exposure (L night ).
Zoom in to view noise contour maps
Photograph by © Greta De Metsenaere/EEA
Industry
The number of people exposed to high levels of environmental NOISE from industry is very localized and very low compared to other sources.
Slide left for night time noise and right for day time noise.
This map illustrates the exposure to NOISE from industry in Europe over a day (L den ) and the average night time exposure (L night ).
Zoom in to view noise contour maps
Photograph by © Victor Troyanov/EEA
Further information
The NOISE population exposure data are based on strategic NOISE maps reported by EEA’s member countries in accordance with Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise – the Environmental Noise Directive (END).
More information:
