Excessive noise levels were measured by students from Vasil Aprilov Primary School in Varna in the area around the school building. The noise meters of the four teams of students from class VI “a” showed between 40 and 95 decibels, each of which surveyed three points in the square enclosed between Slivnitsa Blvd. Tsar Osvoboditel, Otets Paisiy St. and Pirin St.
The study is part of the activities on the topic of “Healthy Urban Environment for Living,” which the school organizes jointly with the Public Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (PCESD) under the project “The Neighborhood – My Classroom.”
The students measured noise levels using a mobile app and under the supervision of an expert from PCESD or a teacher from Vasil Aprilov Primary School. Before the practical activity, they learned about the nature and significance of noise pollution.
Noise – the silent killer
According to Regulation 6 of 2006, noise levels exceeding 50-60 dB during the day and 40-50 dB at night in residential areas are considered problematic, and levels above 70-80 dB are harmful to health and hearing. For educational institutions and hospitals, the regulated standards are even stricter. Schools fall into the category of “buildings with enhanced protection,” requiring values below 50 dB during the day.
Excessive levels are a serious problem, especially around busy roads and in cities. Noise pollution seriously damages health, causing cardiovascular problems (hypertension, heart attacks), sleep disorders and fatigue, hearing loss, stress, irritability, and problems with concentration and learning. It harms both humans and animals and ecosystems. Noise is not only annoying, but also leads to real medical conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most significant cause of environmentally related diseases after air pollution.
Noise levels and effects:
Above 120 dB: Direct damage to hearing.
50-80 dB: Impairs speech; affects the nervous system.
50 dB: Recommended maximum limit for residential areas by the WHO.
What we can do
One of the most realistic and effective solutions for reducing noise pollution is to install sound-absorbing panels in schools. Such materials significantly reduce echo and noise propagation, creating a more comfortable environment for both students and teachers. Improving acoustics is only the first step—it is also important to better organize movement in the corridors. If the flow of students is directed in such a way as to avoid crowding, loud talking, and slamming doors, noise will naturally decrease.
It is important to be informed. Most students are unaware of the impact of high noise levels on concentration and mental fatigue. An information campaign among students could motivate them to behave more calmly, which would reduce noise levels. The creation of student teams to periodically measure noise and monitor changes would also contribute to this goal. This would not only increase student engagement, but also provide real data that could be discussed with management and used as an argument for future improvements. In this way, students will not only be observers but also active participants in improving the learning environment.
Measuring noise pollution is part of educational activities aimed at familiarizing young people with key environmental issues and problems in urban environments. These activities are carried out under the “Learning Together” program of the “Together in Class” Foundation, implemented with the financial support of the “America for Bulgaria” Foundation.
