Støjen

Støjen, or støj in Danish, refers to sound that is perceived as unwanted or disruptive. The term støjen is the definite form used when speaking of the noise in a specific context or location, for example støjen i byens gader. While støj is the general concept of noise, lyd is the broader term for any sound, including desired or neutral sounds. In regulatory and urban planning discussions, støjen is often treated as a nuisance or health concern rather than a positive sound.

Measuring støjen relies on decibels (dB). For human hearing, A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) are used to reflect annoyance and potential harm. Noise levels in urban environments commonly range from about 50-60 dB during daytime and 40-50 dB at night, with peaks from traffic, construction, or events. Prolonged exposure to high levels, such as around 85 dB or more, increases the risk of hearing damage and sleep disturbance.

Health and social impacts of støjen include sleep disturbance, annoyance, reduced concentration, and stress. With long-term exposure, there may be cardiovascular effects. Children and the elderly can be particularly affected by nocturnal noise. Public health and urban livability considerations drive efforts to reduce støjen in residential areas.

Regulatory frameworks address støjen through noise assessment and mitigation. The European Union's Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) requires member states to map and manage environmental noise in key areas. In Denmark, local authorities set limits for traffic and industry and implement measures such as barriers, speed reductions, and building shielding. Urban planning seeks to minimize støjen and designate quiet zones.

Common sources of støjen are road and rail traffic, aircraft, industry, construction, and nightlife. Efforts concentrate on reducing exposure while balancing mobility, economy, and soundscape quality.