Evaluation of Noise Pollution in Small Workshops in Qom, Iran; and Its Situation Compared to National Noise Standards

Background Aims of the Study: Noise is one of the most important environmental pollutants. It is a global health problem, especially among industrial workers. Since there was little information about noise levels in small workshops in Qom city, this study aimed to noise evaluation in small workshops and compares it with national standards. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Initially jobs and workshops that were causing noise pollution were identified. Then, noise was measured with a calibrated sound dosimeter, model CASELLA CEL-320, in A-network, in 108 working places. The results were compared with national noise standards. Results: The total numbers of workers in the workshops were 317 people, and inside the workshops 76.3% of the workers and 66.7% of the workshops were exposed to noise over the standard threshold. Outside the workshops, in 89% noise pollution was higher than the standard city values. Only 11% of noise pollution in the city workshops had a 1 or less than 1 dB difference with the standard noise threshold. Conclusion: Small workshops cause a significant amount of noise pollution in Qom city. This can affect the workers’ and the public’s health. Noise control procedures such as controlling the source and direction of noise distribution, as well as setting up workshops in the right location, and far from residential areas are necessary.