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Lima, Peru  |  Friday 10 October 2008 15:36  |  | 

Health | 18 June, 2008 [ 11:00 ]

Peru: Noise pollution in Lima quadruples - Two 'rest hours' per day


Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


A study done by a Lima university has revealed that the level of noise in the country's capital has quadrupled in the past 30 years - increasing stress levels, lack of concentration and sleep disorders.

According to San Martin de Porres University, an increase in Lima's population over the past 30 years has not only increased the capital's level of noise but has also reduced the number of "rest hours" from six to two.

According to Supreme Decree 085-2003, noise levels should not surpass 50 decibels in protected zones such as areas where hospitals and clinics are located.

The study shows that in these protected areas, noise levels are almost as high as 90 decibels.

Noise levels outside of Ricardo Palma Clinic have been registered at 85 decibels during the day while they have been registered at 87 decibels at Benavides Clinic.

Noise above 70 decibels is annoying, whereas above 90 decibels is harmful, said the World Health Organization.

"Noise pollution is increasing with Lima's disorganized growth and the (city's) chaotic urban transportation system," affirmed Eliana Galarza Rivera, head of the noise pollution study.

Click here to see a map of some of Lima's noisiest streets


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2 Comments

# Splaktar says :
18 June, 2008 [ 11:10 ]

No surprise here.  Something that needs more attention.  Most Police don't really consider 'noise' to be pollution though.  So even if someone is honking repeatedly at 5am or blasting music through their entire building at 2am, they don't do anything.

Again, without enforcement nothing will change other than to get worse.  Same old problem in Peru...

# Cuy_Frito says :
18 June, 2008 [ 17:06 ]


Yes, as a foreign visitor noise pollution is a huge problem.

In central Lima it gets out of control.

In the football quad behind our apartment,
during summer those guys are shouting until midnight.
A zoning issue. Basically I can't sleep there.

When you request Peruvians to turn down the screaming resturant music,
they say "No, the customers like it like that".

I noticed similar issues in improverished Vietnam,
the volume was always cranked up as high as possible.

Lima's biggest issues for me are:
- Air pollution
- Theft related crime
- Noise pollution

Oh, and while I'm on my soapbox,
-Alcoholism as a treasured national pastime.

Cervecitas anyone ?

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