Occupational Health Problems Caused by the Noise Problem in Matinhos Municipal School / PR

Abstract

School environments are subjected to increasing noise levels due to various internal and external factors that culminate in the deterioration of the quality of life of the education professionals involved in the process. This paper aims to quantitatively characterize the noise levels in these environments, proposing actions and discussions to reduce this noise level. Data collection was carried out in a Municipal School of Matinhos / PR in several environments, such as classrooms, corridors, library and patio, using a Skill-Tec digital decibel meter, model SKDEC-O1. The results are alarming since the values of sound intensity ranged from 66.7 dB to 88.7 dB, which according to the WHO - World Health Organization is above tolerated levels. Some simple proposals such as room layout changes, curtains, furniture and acoustic insulation are presented in order to promote improvements in the school's internal sound quality of life. External questions were also raised, showing the causes that can also contribute negatively, leading to the removal of teachers and staff due to hearing and vocal problems. In addition, excessive sound causes irreparable damage to the human ear, which contributes to hearing, vestibular difficulties, vocal, psychological and even cardiac problems.

Keywords: Sound Intensity. Sound Pollution. School Environments. Collective Health.