Conforto Acústico: um caminho possível para a Saúde dos Profissionais a exercer em escolas

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Introduction Tree planting reduces noise pollution and consequently improve the quality of life, however, in Brazil there is little research on this topic, mainly related to the quantification and classification of vegetation in the health of workers. It is understood that the correct planning of afforestation at school is essential, as it makes the place attractive, with functional and aesthetic quality, adequate landscaping and favorable acoustic conditions. Thus, acoustic comfort can favor the teaching process, as it minimizes the educator's vocal effort. Given these considerations, this work exposes the need to obtain acoustic comfort in a school located in the central area of a city in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Objective To measure the sound pressure levels in three environments in the school yard of a central school in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil; verify the existence of arboreal masses in the school yard and near the school under study and to find out if the tree mass contributes to the acoustic comfort of the school yard under study. Methodology The measurement of sound pressure levels was carried out in the school yard in October 2019, at 9:30 am within the three established points. The measurement followed ANSI S12.60 recommendations, using Instrutherm DEC-5050 sound meter equipment and compared with NBR 10.151 and NBR 10.152 Standards. At the three determined points, 30 measurements were performed at each point, spaced 10 seconds each, at each point, according to the manual for measurement and calculation of acoustic conditions. Measurements were taken at 1.2 m above ground and 1.5 m from walls. Results The school does not comply with NBR 10152, with sound pressure levels up to 88.9 dB (A), with regard to acoustic comfort, compromising the occupational health and quality of life of educators and the learning process of students. The lack of arboreal mass can significantly contribute to noise pollution and compensatory considerations of mitigating proposals in future studies to solve the acoustic problems that affect the lives of educators and students. Conclusion Environmental noise in the school yard is above acceptable limits, impacting acoustic quality and comfort, which can contribute to a process of auditory effort, which impairs the teaching process and quality of life, interfering with the health of educators and students. Therefore, it is essential to search for solutions to improve the acoustic quality of the environment, with a favorable acoustic landscape. The arboreal mass shows promise for acoustic comfort in the school environment, providing better health conditions for educators and students. Therefore, it is suggested as future studies: Propose the type of material for the architectural space so that the place has less noise; improve the positioning of the afforestation present at the site and Implement afforestation project as needed by the site. Keywords: Acoustic comfort, Trees, Schoolyard, School Health Program, Occupational Health.