Mexico: proposed standard to regulate noise generated by the operation of motor vehicles on Mexican highways

The World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recommended maximal noise values that take into account environment, time and human activity. These are expressed as Leq dB(A), the equivalent of continuous sonorous pressure levels for a period of 8 hours in decibels with a weighting of A. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) takes into account the economic implications of policies against traffic noise. Tables are presented of WHO and OECD recommended maximum noise values. Considering both recommendations, an initial maximum permissible level of 70 dB(A) would be desirable. There is no regulation for noise pollution on highways in Mexico. A study was conducted to determine the noise traffic levels generated by vehicles on 29 Mexican highways. These included concrete pavements and bituminous pavements. Almost all of the measured noise levels exceeded current international norms, with values in some cases greater than 80 dB(A).