Incidents involving the use of horns and their relationship with the L10 noise descriptor at Naranjal station, Independencia, Peru

Ignacio Córdova M.A.; Cayllahui Soca M.A.; Champin Luy G.M.; Peña Vivanco J.A. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.1722

Resumen

Noise pollution has become an increasingly serious public health problem, primarily related to the growing number of vehicles on the roads and traffic congestion [1][2]. In Peru, this situation is reflected in high traffic levels and in reports from the Urban Transport Authority (ATU), which identify Metropolitano stations as areas with high noise levels due to the high concentration of people and vehicles, exceeding Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) [3]. This problem is exacerbated by driver behavior, particularly the frequent use of horns. In this context, the Naranjal station has been identified as a noise hotspot, where the highest sound pressure levels are recorded during the day (7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) due to intense vehicular and commercial activity [1]. The objective of this study is to determine the sound pressure levels attributable to the use of car horns and quantify their contribution to environmental noise. The results show that car horns generate an average increase of 9,3 dB in sound pressure levels, confirming their significant impact on the acoustic environment. Consequently, the need to implement noise control and prevention strategies aimed at regulating their use and reducing the population's exposure to their effects is highlighted.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas