Analysis of the environmental impact caused by the activation of the train’s audible warning signal at level crossings in urban areas

Abstract

Objective - Analyze environmental impacts (1st and 2nd order) caused by train horn activation at urban level crossings, particularly its effects on inhabitants' health and quality of life in areas near and distant from tracks. Methodology - Online questionnaire with results processed in Excel spreadsheet, residential address geocoding, and preparation of environmental impact maps from horn activation. Originality/relevance - Addresses noise pollution from urbanization and railway operations (especially nighttime horn sounding), contributing to scientific understanding of source-transmission-receiver dynamics in urban clinical studies. Results - Identified 1st and 2nd order environmental impacts in anthropic environment from train passage discomfort, eliminating subjective value judgments through clear spatial mapping near and away from tracks. Theoretical/methodological contributions - Validates source-path-receiver noise problem framework, demonstrating objective impact assessment eliminates inherent subjectivities in environmental studies. Social and environmental contributions - Provides evidence base for urban railway noise mitigation policies, highlighting health consequences of nighttime operations on urban populations.