Noise Exposure from Rail Line Crossing Alarms and Urban Traffic in Sreemangal, Bangladesh: A Smartphone-Based Case Study

Environmental noises from rail crossing are an under-appreciated public health issue, especially in rural towns in developing nations. This case study examines exposure to noises at a railway line crossing in Sreemangal, Bangladesh, with the NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) app for iPhone 14 Pro Max. From a two-minute sample recorded at 9:00 PM, the equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq) recorded was 93.1 dB and the maximum sound pressure of 108.3 dB. The field observations indicated that every train causes a warning alert about five minutes prior to arrival, followed by 7–8 minutes of intense exposure per occurrence. With as many as 12 occurrences per day, overall exposure is 84–96 minutes of too much noise. Importantly, some rail crossings happen from 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM, and concern is raised for exposure and long-time health impact. The study emphasizes the immediate requirement for systematic screening and mitigation measures in South Asia's semi-urban areas.