Impact of construction noise exposure on stress and annoyance levels

Construction sites are extremely noisy environments that can negatively impact both workers and surrounding communities. Excessive noise pollution has been associated with higher stress levels, lower job satisfaction, and greater annoyance, all of which can contribute to poor mental and physical health. While earlier studies have mostly focused on the long-term effects of noise pollution, there has been little investigation into the immediate physiological and psychological effects of construction noise in controlled environments. This study examines the short-term effects of construction noise on stress and annoyance levels by subjecting five participants to recorded construction sounds (83-109 decibels) in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants' stress and annoyance levels were measured using standardized self-reported questionnaires before and after 20 minutes of noise exposure. The results indicated that all participants experienced greater stress and annoyance as a result of the exposure, which supports previous studies on noise-induced reactions. The key acoustic features of the construction noise is also analysed and compared against Internationally recommended guidelines. These preliminary findings show that short-term exposure to loud noise has a considerable impact on well-being. These insights can help inform urban planning and workplace policies to promote healthier environments.