Showing papers on "Annoyance published in 2014"

The association between road traffic noise exposure, annoyance and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between road traffic noise exposure, annoyance caused by different noise sources and validated health indicators in a cohort of 1375 adults from the region of Basel, Switzerland. Road traffic noise exposure for each study participant was determined using modelling, and annoyance from various noise sources was inquired by means of a four-point Likert scale. Regression parameters from multivariable regression models for the von Zerssen score of somatic symptoms (point symptom score increase per annoyance category) showed strongest associations with annoyance from industry noise (2.36, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.17), neighbour noise (1.62, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.06) and road traffic noise (1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.96). Increase in modelled noise exposure by 10 dB(A) resulted in a von Zerssen symptom score increase of 0.47 (95% CI: −0.01, 0.95) units. Subsequent structural equation modelling revealed that the association between physical noise exposure and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is strongly mediated by annoyance and sleep disturbance. This study elucidates the complex interplay of different factors for the association between physical noise exposure and HRQOL.

Wind turbines and health: a critical review of the scientific literature.

Abstract: Objective: This review examines the literature related to health effects of wind turbines. Methods: We reviewed literature related to sound measurements near turbines, epidemiological and experimental studies, and factors associated with annoyance. Results: (1) Infrasound sound near wind turbines does not exceed audibility thresholds. (2) Epidemiological studies have shown associations between living near wind turbines and annoyance. (3) Infrasound and low-frequency sound do not present unique health risks. (4) Annoyance seems more strongly related to individual characteristics than noise from turbines. Discussion: Further areas of inquiry include enhanced noise characterization, analysis of predicted noise values contrasted with measured levels postinstallation, longitudinal assessments of health pre- and postinstallation, experimental studies in which subjects are “blinded” to the presence or absence of infrasound, and enhanced measurement techniques to evaluate annoyance. T he development of renewable energy, including wind, solar, and biomass, has been accompanied by attention to potential environmental health risks. Some people who live in proximity of wind turbines have raised health-related concerns about noise from their operations. The issue of wind turbines and human health has also now been explored and considered in a number of policy, regulatory, and legal proceedings. This review is intended to assess the peer-reviewed literature regarding evaluations of potential health effects among people living in the vicinity of wind turbines. It will include analysis and commentary of the scientific evidence regarding potential links to health effects, such as stress, annoyance, and sleep disturbance, among others, that have been raised in association with living in proximity to wind turbines. Efforts will also be directed to specific compo

Wind turbines and human health.

Abstract: The association between wind turbines and health effects is highly debated. Some argue that reported health effects are related to wind turbine operation (electromagnetic fields (EMF), shadow flicker, audible noise, low frequency noise, infrasound). Others suggest that when turbines are sited correctly, effects are more likely attributable to a number of subjective variables that result in an annoyed/stressed state. In this review we provide a bibliographic-like summary and analysis of the science around this issue specifically in terms of noise (including audible, low frequency noise and infrasound), EMF and shadow flicker. Now there are roughly 60 scientific peer-reviewed articles on this issue. The available scientific evidence suggests that EMF, shadow flicker, low frequency noise and infrasound from wind turbines are not likely to affect human health; some studies have found that audible noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some. Annoyance may be associated with some self-reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) especially at sound pressure levels >40 dB(A). Because environmental noise above certain levels is a recognized factor in a number of health issues, siting restrictions have been implemented in many jurisdictions to limit noise exposure. These setbacks should help alleviate annoyance from noise. Subjective variables (attitudes and expectations) are also linked to annoyance and have the potential to facilitate other health complaints via the nocebo effect. Therefore, it is possible that a segment of the population may remain annoyed (or report other health impacts) even when noise limits are enforced. Based on the findings and scientific merit of the available studies, the weight of evidence suggests that when sited properly, wind turbines are not related to adverse health. Stemming from this review, we provide a number of recommended best practices for wind turbine development in the context of human health.

Human response to vibration in residential environments

Abstract: This paper presents the main findings of a field survey conducted in the United Kingdom into the human response to vibration in residential environments. The main aim of this study was to derive exposure-response relationships for annoyance due to vibration from environmental sources. The sources of vibration considered in this paper are railway and construction activity. Annoyance data were collected using questionnaires conducted face-to-face with residents in their own homes. Questionnaires were completed with residents exposed to railway induced vibration (N = 931) and vibration from the construction of a light rail system (N = 350). Measurements of vibration were conducted at internal and external positions from which estimates of 24-h vibration exposure were derived for 1073 of the case studies. Sixty different vibration exposure descriptors along with 6 different frequency weightings were assessed as potential predictors of annoyance. Of the exposure descriptors considered, none were found to be a better predictor of annoyance than any other. However, use of relevant frequency weightings was found to improve correlation between vibration exposure and annoyance. A unified exposure-response relationship could not be derived due to differences in response to the two sources so separate relationships are presented for each source.

Occupational noise annoyance linked to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation: a result from nationwide survey of Korea.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Noise, or undesirable sound, is one of the most common environmental stressors, and it can cause various health effects. Beyond the auditory consequences of occupational noise exposure, extra-auditory effects such as psychological problems have also been found. The aim of the current study is to elucidate the association between occupational noise annoyance and psychological symptoms, including symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. METHODS: A total of 10,020 participants (5,410 men and 4,610 women) were included in the current analysis, using data from the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Self-report questionnaires were used to assess noise annoyance levels, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for psychosocial symptoms were calculated using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Compared to the no noise annoyance group, ORs (95% CI) of the severe annoyance groups were 1.58 (1.12-2.23) and 1.76 (1.29-2.40) in men and 1.49 (1.05-2.11) and 1.41 (1.01-1.97) in women for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, respectively. The ORs (95% CI) for severe noise annoyance in those with less than five hours of sleep were 2.95 (1.46-5.96) and 2.05 (1.01-4.16) in men and women, respectively, compared with those with no noise annoyance and a sleep time of more than five hours. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that occupational noise annoyance is significantly related to mental health, including depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation after controlling for individual and socio-demographic characteristics even with gender stratification. However, prospective studies with quantified noise exposure assessment were needed to elucidate the causality on the association between noise annoyance and psychological symptoms. Language: en

Reconstruction of historical noise exposure data for environmental epidemiology in Switzerland within the SiRENE project

Abstract: Abstract In 2014 the three-year interdisciplinary study SiRENE (Short and Long Term Effects of Traffic Noise Exposure) was launched in Switzerland. The goal of SiRENE is to investigate acute, short- and long-term e_ects of road, railway and aircraft noise exposure on annoyance, sleep disturbances and cardio-metabolic risk. The study is based on a detailed Swiss-wide assessment of transportation noise exposure, including diurnal distributions. The exposure analysis comprises current as well as historical exposure calculations for up to 20 years in the past. We present the major challenges of compiling sufficient data to support a Swiss-wide model for all buildings and including all transport infrastructure as a basis for the subsequent SiRENE sound exposure analysis for the years 2011, 2001 and 1991. The task is particularly challenging for the early years due to poor data quality and/or lack of availability. We address the integration of geo-referenced input datasets from various sources and time periods, the assignment of tra_c noise exposure from façade points to dwelling units, as well as the processing of traffic information and statistics. Preliminary results of the noise exposure calculations are presented.

Evaluation of annoyance from the wind turbine noise: A pilot study

Abstract: Objectives The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of and annoyance due to the noise from wind turbines in populated areas of Poland.

Effect of situational, attitudinal and demographic factors on railway vibration annoyance in residential areas.

Abstract: Railway induced vibration is an important source of annoyance among residents living in the vicinity of railways. Annoyance increases with vibration magnitude. However, these correlations between the degree of annoyance and vibration exposure are weak. This suggests that railway vibration induced annoyance is governed by more than just vibration level and therefore other factors may provide information to understand the wide variation in annoyance reactions. Factors coming into play when considering an exposure-response relationship between level of railway vibration and annoyance are presented. The factors investigated were: attitudinal, situational and demographic factors. This was achieved using data from field studies comprised of face-to-face interviews and internal vibration measurements (N = 755). It was found that annoyance scores were strongly influenced by two attitudinal factors: Concern of property damage and expectations about future levels of vibration. Type of residential area and age of the respondent were found to have an important effect on annoyance whereas visibility of the railway and time spent at home showed a significant but small influence. These results indicate that future railway vibration policies and regulations focusing on community impact need to consider additional factors for an optimal assessment of railway effects on residential environments.

Industrial wind turbines and adverse health effects.

Abstract: Introduction Some people living in the environs of industrial wind turbines (IWTs) report experiencing adverse health and socioeconomic effects. This review considers the hypothesis that annoyance from audible IWTs is the cause of these adverse health effects. Methods We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published since 2000 that included the terms "wind turbine health," "wind turbine infrasound," "wind turbine annoyance," "noise annoyance" or "low frequency noise" in the title or abstract. Results Industrial wind turbines produce sound that is perceived to be more annoying than other sources of sound. Reported effects from exposure to IWTs are consistent with well-known stress effects from persistent unwanted sound. Conclusion If placed too close to residents, IWTs can negatively affect the physical, mental and social well-being of people. There is sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that noise from audible IWTs is a potential cause of health effects. Inaudible low-frequency noise and infrasound from IWTs cannot be ruled out as plausible causes of health effects.

Noise annoyance through railway traffic - a case study

Abstract: This paper describes an assessment of noise caused by railway traffic in a large Latin American city. Measurements were taken of noise levels generated by trains passing through residential neighborhoods with and without blowing their horns. Noise maps were also calculated showing noise pollution generated by the train traffic. In addition - annoyance of the residents - affected by railway noise, was evaluated based on interviews. The measurements indicated that the noise levels generated by the passage of the train with its horn blowing are extremely high, clearly exceeding the daytime limits of equivalent sound pressure level - Leq = 55 dB(A) - established by the municipal laws No 10.625 of the city of Curitiba. The Leq = 45 dB (A) which is the limit for the night period also are exceeded during the passage of trains. The residents reported feeling affected by the noise generated by passing trains, which causes irritability, headaches, poor concentration and insomnia, and 88% of them claimed that nocturnal noise pollution is the most distressing. This study showed that the vast majority of residents surveyed, (69%) believe that the noise of the train can devalue their property.

Exposure-response relationships for annoyance due to freight and passenger railway vibration exposure in residential environments

Abstract: In this work, exposure-response relationships for annoyance due to freight and passenger railway vibration exposure in residential environments are developed, so as to better understand the differences in human response to these two sources of environmental vibration. Data for this research come from a field study comprising interviews with respondents and measurements of their vibration exposure (N = 752). A logistic regression model is able to accurately classify 96% of these measured railway vibration signals as freight or passenger based on two signal properties that quantify the duration and low frequency content of each signal. Exposure-response relationships are then determined using ordinal probit modeling with fixed thresholds. The results indicate that people are able to distinguish between freight and passenger railway vibration, and that the annoyance response due to freight railway vibration is significantly higher than that due to passenger railway vibration, even for equal levels of exposure. In terms of a community tolerance level, the population studied is 15 dB (re 10−6 m s−2) more tolerant to passenger railway vibration than freight railway vibration. These results have implications for the expansion of freight traffic on rail, or for policies to promote passenger railway.

Exposure-Response Relationship Between Aircraft Noise and Sleep Quality: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract: Objectives Exposure to aircraft noise has been shown to have adverse health effects, causing annoyance and affecting the health-related quality of life, sleep, and mental states of those exposed to it. This study aimed to determine sleep quality in participants residing near an airfield and to evaluate the relationship between the levels of aircraft noise and sleep quality.

Railway noise annoyance: exposure-response relationships and testing a theoretical model by structural equation analysis.

Abstract: In some regions the exposure to railway noise is extremely concentrated, which may lead to high residential annoyance. Nonacoustical factors contribute to these reactions, but there is limited evidence on the interrelations between the nonacoustical factors that influence railway noise annoyance. The aims of the present study were (1) to examine exposure-response relationships between long-term railway noise exposure and annoyance in a region severely affected by railway noise and (2) to determine a priori proposed interrelations between nonacoustical factors by structural equation analysis. Residents (n = 320) living close to railway tracks in the Middle Rhine Valley completed a socio-acoustic survey. Individual noise exposure levels were calculated by an acoustical simulation model for this area. The derived exposure-response relationships indicated considerably higher annoyance at the same noise exposure level than would have been predicted by the European Union standard curve, particularly for the night-time period. In the structural equation analysis, 72% of the variance in noise annoyance was explained by the noise exposure (Lden ) and nonacoustical variables. The model provides insights into several causal mechanisms underlying the formation of railway noise annoyance considering indirect and reciprocal effects. The concern about harmful effects of railway noise and railway traffic, the perceived control and coping capacity, and the individual noise sensitivity were the most important factors that influence noise annoyance. All effects of the nonacoustical factors on annoyance were mediated by the perceived control and coping capacity and additionally proposed indirect effects of the theoretical model were supported by the data.

The relation between scores on noise annoyance and noise disturbed sleep in a public health survey

Abstract: The relation between responses to survey questions on noise annoyance and self-reported sleep disturbance has been analysed to gain insight in its dependency on noise source or noise type and on individual characteristics. The results show a high correlation between responses (scores 0–10) with Pearson’s correlation coefficient close to 0.8 for respondents who report hearing the source. At the same level of annoyance, scooters and neighbours are associated with more sleep disturbance, air and road traffic with less. The relation between Annoyance (A) and Sleep Disturbance (SD) is also significantly related to age, the use of sleeping drugs, and living alone. However, the differences in the A-SD relations with respect to source and characteristic are small. Noise-related sleep disturbance is associated more strongly to noise annoyance than it is to noise exposure. For transportation noise both scores are more often equal when the annoyance score is 7 or higher; this change in scoring behaviour could be an indication for a change to severe annoyance.

The link between noise perception and quality of life in South Australia.

Abstract: Environmental noise is a significant risk factor for a range of short- and long-term adverse health outcomes such as annoyance, cognitive development impairment, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular effects, and psychiatric problems. The aim of this study was to gather standardized quality of life (QOL) data hitherto rarely correlated with noise annoyance by source category. To provide an evidence-base for environmental noise policy development, a representative state-based survey was undertaken in South Australia (SA). A total of 3015 face-to-face interviews were conducted, using a questionnaire addressing noise sources, distances to busy roads and standardized measures of perceived annoyance and QOL. Population weighted descriptive survey and regression analysis. The most common sources of noise annoyances were road transport (27.7%, using a Likert scale, aggregating "little" to "extreme" annoyance), neighbors (22.0%), construction noise (10.0%), air conditioner noise (5.8%), rail transport noise (4.7%), and industry (3.9%). Using the QOL instrument, all eight health dimensions were significantly decreased for those reporting high noise annoyance ("very much" to "extreme") in relation to road transport and neighbors compared to those reporting low annoyance ("none" to "moderate") from these sources. Noise annoyance is common in the SA general population, and the evidence for a strong association with QOL reinforces the need for environmental noise management at a population basis.

Listening Test Comparing A-Weighted and C-Weighted Sound Pressure Level as Indicator of Wind Turbine Noise Annoyance

Abstract: A listening test was conducted to investigate whether A-or C-weighed sound levels are most suitable as indicator of annoyance due to wind turbine noise. The tests consisted of fifteen different win ...

Nocturnal air, road, and rail traffic noise and daytime cognitive performance and annoyance.

Abstract: Various studies indicate that at the same noise level and during the daytime, annoyance increases in the order of rail, road, and aircraft noise. The present study investigates if the same ranking can be found for annoyance to nocturnal exposure and next day cognitive performance. Annoyance ratings and performance change during combined noise exposure were also tested. In the laboratory 72 participants were exposed to air, road, or rail traffic noise and all combinations. The number of noise events and LAS,eq were kept constant. Each morning noise annoyance questionnaires and performance tasks were administered. Aircraft noise annoyance ranked first followed by railway and road noise. A possible explanation is the longer duration of aircraft noise events used in this study compared to road and railway noise events. In contrast to road and rail traffic, aircraft noise annoyance was higher after nights with combined exposure. Pooled noise exposure data showed small but significant impairments in reaction times (6 ms) compared to nights without noise. The noise sources did not have a differential impact on performance. Combined exposure to multiple traffic noise sources did not induce stronger impairments than a single noise source. This was reflected also in low workload ratings.

The assessment and evaluation of low-frequency noise near the region of infrasound.

Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to present recent knowledge about the assessment and evaluation of low-frequency sounds (noise) and infrasound, close to the threshold of hearing, and identify their potential effect on human health and annoyance. Low-frequency noise generated by air flowing over a moving car with an open window was chosen as a typical scenario which can be subjectively assessed by people traveling by automobile. The principle of noise generated within the interior of the car and its effects on the comfort of the driver and passengers are analyzed at different velocities. An open window of a car at high velocity behaves as a source of specifically strong tonal low-frequency noise which is generally perceived as annoying. The interior noise generated by an open window of a passenger car was measured under different conditions: Driving on a highway and driving on a typical roadway. First, an octave-band analysis was used to assess the noise level and its impact on the driver's comfort. Second, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis and one-third octave-band analysis were used for the detection of tonal low-frequency noise. Comparison between two different car makers was also done. Finally, the paper suggests some possibilities for scientifically assessing and evaluating low-frequency sounds in general, and some recommendations are introduced for scientific discussion, since sounds with strong low-frequency content (but not only strong) engender greater annoyance than is predicted by an A-weighted sound pressure level.

Annoyance rate evaluation method on ride comfort of vehicle suspension system

Abstract: The existing researches of the evaluation method of ride comfort of vehicle mainly focus on the level of human feelings to vibration. The level of human feelings to vibration is influenced by many factors, however, the ride comfort according to the common principle of probability and statistics and simple binary logic is unable to reflect these uncertainties. The random fuzzy evaluation model from people subjective response to vibration is adopted in the paper, these uncertainties are analyzed from the angle of psychological physics. Discussing the traditional evaluation of ride comfort during vehicle vibration, a fuzzily random evaluation model on the basis of annoyance rate is proposed for the human body’s subjective response to vibration, with relevant fuzzy membership function and probability distribution given. A half-car four degrees of freedom suspension vibration model is described, subject to irregular excitations from the road surface, with the aid of software Matlab/Simulink. A new kind of evaluation method for ride comfort of vehicles is proposed in the paper, i.e., the annoyance rate evaluation method. The genetic algorithm and neural network control theory are used to control the system. Simulation results are obtained, such as the comparison of comfort reaction to vibration environments between before and after control, relationship of annoyance rate to vibration frequency and weighted acceleration, based on ISO 2631/1(1982), ISO 2631-1(1997) and annoyance rate evaluation method, respectively. Simulated assessment results indicate that the proposed active suspension systems prove to be effective in the vibration isolation of the suspension system, and the subjective response of human being can be promoted from very uncomfortable to a little uncomfortable. Furthermore, the novel evaluation method based on annoyance rate can further estimate quantitatively the number of passengers who feel discomfort due to vibration. A new analysis method of vehicle comfort is presented.

Incorporating and Minimizing Aircraft Noise Annoyance during Conceptual Aircraft Design

Abstract: The assessment of aircraft noise for community noise impact and certification has till now been performed conventionally using the A-weighted decibel (dBA) and Effective Perceived Noise Level (EPNL) metrics respectively. Although these metrics have sufficed till now for conventional noise assessment, the renewed interest in unconventional engines such as Counter Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) engines and the much stronger tonal content their spectra contain may require new unconventional metrics, which fully capture the individual characteristics and complexities of aircraft noise. The focus of this paper shall be on the annoyance aspect of aircraft noise rather than solely on intensity and how this annoyance could be incorporated and minimized during conceptual aircraft design. The research builds on the previous research into aircraft noise annoyance at RWTH Aachen where the sound quality metrics of loudness and tonality were compared to the more conventional metrics dBA, PNL, PNLT and EPNL for standard and noise abatement aircraft procedures. The same approach shall now be applied to aircraft and engine design parameters. It will be seen what influence various design parameters such as number of fan blades and stator vanes, fan tip design Mach number, primary and secondary jet areas, wing span and wing area among others, have on the annoyance caused by aircraft noise via the sound quality metrics of loudness, tonality and sharpness. This will be done using the ILR Noise Simulation and Assessment module INSTANT. A comparison will be made for the currently used conventional metrics, to see if the sound quality metrics capture more information than dBA and EPNdB both for community as well as certification noise assessment. Also, an attempt shall be made for minimal aircraft noise annoyance optimization during conceptual design, via a reduced tonality variant of selected aircraft, using the conceptual aircraft design and optimization environment MICADO of the ILR. The research in this paper is intended as a follow-up to the work carried out for the interdisciplinary internal RWTH Aachen project – Virtual Air Traffic System Simulation (VATSS) which had the aim of making aircraft noise more easily communicable via auralization and 3D visualization of air-traffic.

A multidimensional evaluation of the perception and annoyance caused by railway induced groundborne vibration

Abstract: This paper presents a study investigating seated subjects' perception of railway induced groundborne vibration in the vertical direction. Previous studies into the perception of railway induced vibration have treated this phenomenon as a unidimensional problem. The aim of the study detailed in this paper is to determine if the perception of railway induced groundborne vibration is multidimensional in nature and if the resulting perceptual dimensions can be related to a measure of annoyance. Twenty-one subjects took part in paired comparison tests of similarity and annoyance. These tests were conducted using fourteen measured vibration stimuli selected to be representative of groundborne vibration induced by railway activities in the United Kingdom. Through multidimensional scaling analysis, it is shown that the perception of railway induced vibration is dependent on up to four perceptual dimensions. These dimensions relate to energy in the 16 Hz 1/3 octave band (α 16Hz), energy in the 32 Hz 1/3 octave band (α 32Hz), the duration of the train passage (T 10dB), and the modulation frequency of the envelope of the signal (f mod). These perceptual dimensions are shown to be related to single figure Perceived Annoyance Ratings (α) by the following relationship: A = −0.40+4.57α 16Hz+3.18α 32Hz+0.02T 10dB+0.02f mod. Finally, the single figure Perceived Annoyance Ratings are related to categorical ratings of annoyance via a logistic regression model. These findings confirm the hypothesis that the perception of complex vibration stimuli is multidimensional and can be described by a small number of perceptual dimensions.

Differences in subjective loudness and annoyance depending on the road traffic noise spectrum

Abstract: There is at present no consensus about the relative importance of low frequency content in urban road traffic noise. The hypothesis underlying this research is that changes to different parts of the spectrum will have different effects depending on which part of the spectrum is subjectively dominant in any particular situation. This letter reports a simple listening experiment which demonstrates this effect using typical urban main road traffic noise in which the low frequency content is physically dominant without necessarily being subjectively dominant.

Odour Impact Assessment by Community Survey

Abstract: Odours emissions that result from anthropic activities and may cause an adverse effect on health status, social and individual life are frequently classified as airborne pollutants and are subject to control and regulation. Atmospheric dispersion of unpleasant odours is considered one of the major causes of public complaints concerning air quality and represents a growing social problem in industrialized countries. Due to the need to protect population from possible olfactory nuisances from a food industry located in an urban area in Brazil, an odour impact assessment was conducted to evaluate the annoyance level by means of community survey. The study was carried out in the surroundings of the odour source involving local residents through administration of 395 standard questionnaires in a one-shot campaign. The area of investigation was divided into five sub-areas named Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4 and Region 5 within a radius of about 2 km centered in the facility. The questionnaire applied characterized basically the public interviewed, hedonic tone, intensity, frequency and period of the day that perceived odour episodes occurred. Annoyance level were compared with the criteria of ≤ 20 % 'at least annoyed' established by New Zealand Ambient Air Quality Guidelines, used as reference, for environmental compliance. Region 2 was the most impacted area by emissions from the facility presenting annoyance level of 31 % at least annoyed. Comparing the degree of annoyance (17 %) for all Regions with the criteria used as a reference (≤ 20 % at least annoyed), food industry is in accordance with maximum annoyance standard permitted. Community survey is a low cost methodology, compared to others methods, but it is difficult to insure impartial judgement in order to avoid errors in the responses. This technic can be satisfactorily used to asses odour impacts from facilities in urban areas taking into account past experiences, seasonal effects and the role of human perception through social participation.