Value of noise reduction

HEALTH VALUE

Noise may have a negative effect on health in many ways. These have been discussed in the benefit indicator. (See Benefit: Reduced noise level)

ECONOMIC VALUE

Economic value of natural noise reduction originates mainly from the avoided health care costs. Exposure to noise inflicts a variety of negative health impacts including both psychological and physiological symptoms. The avoided costs compose of, for example, hospital stays, medication such as sleeping pills, antidepressants and coronary medication, as well as indirect costs such as the expenses of sick leaves at workplaces.

Other source of avoided costs is the replacing natural noise reduction (mainly vegetation) by artificial noise reduction structures such as noise barriers surrounding motorways.

SOCIAL VALUE

Not identified.

INTRINSIC VALUE

Intrinsic value of noise reduction arises from the intrinsic value of silence and the possibility of enjoying it.

 

Updated (15.01.2015)