Noise generated by road traffic is a social and environmental problem that should be addressed by the governments' transportation and highway infrastructure agencies involved in road transport development. The exposure of individuals to road traffic noise can cause health problems and can be very disturbing or annoying to individuals and under certain conditions can also damage physical structures, thus affecting their work efficiency and general quality of urban life. While most studies deal with environmental issues mainly on air pollution, noise pollution is the least dealt with among the many impacts of road traffic. The limited number of studies that have dealt with noise focused mainly on making objective physical measurements of noise levels. The focus of this research is on the awareness, perception and reactions of individuals to noise pollution. The results of this basic study would be useful in the formulation of noise-related standards, policies, and programs which are more sensitive, relevant, and appropriate to the social concerns, needs and conditions of individuals. Field measurements of noise levels are undertaken simultaneously with noise perception surveys at three survey sites in Metro-Manila. The sites are selected in order to obtain data over a wide spectrum of prevailing noise levels. In view of the research findings, it is recommended that: (a) Current noise standards be reviewed in order to adopt more suitable standards; (b) Noise standards and legislation be strictly enforced and (c) Measures to alleviate the impacts of noise pollution should be implemented as part of all road development projects.
