QCOSTARICA — Vehicle noise in the central area of Heredia has reached worrying levels, according to a recent study by Valeria Leitón and Melissa Solórzano, graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Management Engineering at the Universidad Nacional (UNA).
The report, which covered the period between 2021 and 2022, revealed that vehicular traffic is the main source of noise pollution in the area, exceeding the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulations.
Despite the nighttime vehicle restrictions implemented during the covid-19 pandemic, noise levels in Heredia remained above acceptable levels both during the day and at night.
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The researchers created an acoustic map that showed that 90% of the central area of Heredia has high noise levels, with the National University sector being one of the most critical points.
Leitón and Solórzano highlighted the risks that this phenomenon represents for public health, including sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems, stress, and a decrease in work and learning productivity.
Among the proposed solutions are the use of pavements that reduce noise, the installation of acoustic barriers and the promotion of responsible driving practices.
In addition, the need to promote public transport and active mobility, such as walking or cycling, was highlighted.
The study also suggests that urban planning should include more green spaces, such as parks and gardens, that act as natural barriers against noise. These spaces, in addition to reducing noise pollution, would provide other benefits such as improving biodiversity and the mental and physical health of the population.
Finally, the researchers recommended that the Municipality of Heredia extend noise measurements to other areas of the city to assess the magnitude of the problem and design appropriate measures to mitigate its impact.
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The solution
Under the premise that silence is invisible gold, the office of Frente Amplio legislator Antonio Ortega and representatives of civil society joined forces to present a bill that would regulate noise pollution and, more importantly, promote positive soundscapes.
It has been proven that silent public environments allow for greater concentration, while helping to protect mental and physical health, and, of course, allowing for better rest.
“With this project, we are talking about introducing and promoting the concept of positive soundscapes as a concept linked to the right to the city, to well-being, to health, and to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment,” said the Frente Amplio deputy.
The initiative reaffirms the leadership of the issue in the Ministry of Health and the duty of the Public Force to assist said Ministry in the work of monitoring and controlling noise pollution.
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“Betting on sound peace by protecting environments with positive sounds implies, on the one hand, a substantial saving in costs and public health expenses; on the other, living free of noise boosts productivity at the educational, business and national levels. Peace in the ears brings prosperity to the pockets,” said Eduardo Sasso, an industrial engineer specializing in corporate social transformation and general coordinator of Costa Rica Sin Ruido.
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