In their recent report, Frontiers 2022: Noise, Fire and Mismatch Flames and Disagreements), the United Nations Environment Program presents data and observations from main cities the world, including New York and Hong Kong. The report shows that South Asia is the noisiest region in the world, while Latin America and Europe are the quietest.
Check the ranking of 15 Noisiest Cities in the World!
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The 15 Noisiest Cities in the World
Below, check out the list of the 15 noisiest cities in the world, according to the decibels (dB) presented in the cited report:
- Dhaka, Bangladesh – 119 dB
- Moradabad, India – 114 dB
- Islamabad, Pakistan – 105 dB
- Rajshahi, in Bangladesh – 103 dB
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 103dB
- Ibadan, Nigeria – 101 dB
- Kuvindole, in Nepal – 100 dB
- Algiers, Algeria – 100dB
- Bangkok, Thailand – 99 dB
- New York, in the United States – 95 dB
- Damascus, Syria – 94 dB
- Manila, Philippines – 92 dB
- Hong Kong, China – 89 dB
- Kolkata, India – 89dB
- Asansol, India – 89dB
Allowed noise level limits
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the permitted noise level limits for residential areas are 55 dB LAeq (this is the equivalent continuous sound pressure level) and 70 dB LAeq, used in traffic and areas commercials. Experts believe that prolonged periods of noise levels above 70 decibels can maximize hearing loss.
What does the UN report say?
In addition to publishing a list of the noisiest cities in the world, the report also has some very interesting insights from cities around the world. For example, in New York, nine out of 10 public transport users have noise levels that exceed the permissible limit of 70 decibels, putting them at risk of hearing damage.
Furthermore, the report points out that two out of five Hong Kong residents, for example, face high levels of road traffic noise above the recommended safe limit.
The report also highlights that more than half of residents of large European cities live in areas where noise levels can harm their health and well-being.
