Noise Abatement : Germany

Noise, especially from traffic, has become a serious threat to health in densely populated areas. Noise abatement measures are therefore urgent. In the Federal Republic, the planning and construction of residential areas, traffic networks and industrial installations are subject to legal provisions mandating measures to protect the public from unreasonably loud noise. Residential streets are also being redesigned as reduced-traffic zones, noise levels for cars are being lowered, and incentives are being created for the operation of quieter aircraft. More and more streets are being surfaced with noise-absorbing paving materials. Efforts are also being made in industry and in the building trade to reduce noise levels. The “Blue Angel” environmental label draws consumers’ attention to low-noise products, machines and appliances.