Evaluation of Environmental noise pollution in schools of central Karaj (Iran) in 1383-4

This study has been carried out to evaluate the existing noise pollution in schools of central karaj situated at 35 Km west of Tehran. The Leq30 min was measured in classes, and the noise level was analyzed in one-octave band central frequencies to calculate the preferred noise criteria. A questionnaire was filled by teachers in order to evaluate the probable subjective effects of noise pollution.The results indicated that the mean value of PNC and Leq 30 min A was 55.6dB and 51.8 dBA, respectively, which were higher than the recommended permissible values (both 35 dB (A)).This may be due to the increased numbers of schoolchildren, oldness of school buildings, presence of schools in areas with heavy traffic, e g, along busy streets and high ways, construction activities, and lack of sports hall in schools. Noise pollution in non-profit schools was 4dBA less than the stste schools. It might be due to the fact that the private schools mostly had new buildings, fewer students than the state school, and sports hall for the children to exercise.According to an open-ended questionnaire, 32% of teachers considered noise pollution as the main problem while teaching at school, And 47% of them believed that it could be harmful to the students and might decrease their motivation.