Measurement of Noise Levels inside the Building of the Holy Mosque during Ramadan Season 2007.

Seroji, Abdulaziz R.

The equivalent noise levels (LAeq), were measured during Ramadan of 1428H (2007) at different sites inside the building of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The LAeq readings ranged between 70 and 85 dB. The maximum LAeq values (85 dB) were at the escalators area, while the minimum levels (70 dB) were at the Holy Mosque roof. The LAeq were also measured in the basement and at different sites of the Holy Mosque on 27th night of Ramadan and varied between 73 and 80 dB. The measured octave band frequencies showed the highest noise of 75 dB at the frequency of 630 Hz. However, the Holy Mosque has its temporal and spatial specifications and the main issue here is that noise would not affect hearing (<70 dB/24Hr). An opinion survey of different categories of prayers and employees was conducted as related to health impact of noise exposure at the Holy Mosque. The survey showed the highest percentage (19%) of feeling of ear harms at the Sahen area, the lowest at the basement (0%) and 3% at the roof. Noise sources were discussed. Some of which such as the movements and conversations of Prayers, related to the inherent factors of the Holy Mosque, are out of control. It was suggested that applying engineering controls of escalators and building central airconditioning system for the Holy Mosque would diminish noise levels.

NOISE pollution; NOISE measurement; RAMADAN; MOSQUES; ENVIRONMENTAL sciences

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Meteorology, Environment & Arid Land Agriculture Sciences, 2011, Vol 22, Issue 1, p370

1319-1039

Academic Journal

10.4197/Met.22-1.15