Quiet areas in Europe : the environment unaffected by noise pollution

This report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) presents a first spatial assessment of those areas in Europe that are potentially unaffected by noise pollution brought about by human activity. The basis for the report are data reported to the EEA by its member and cooperating countries. These data relate mainly to noise sources and exposure information as prescribed by European Union (EU) Directive 2002/49/EC (EU, 2002) relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, more commonly referred to as the Environmental Noise Directive (END). In addition, information reported to the EEA regarding industrial activity, urban areas, land use and areas specially protected for the benefit of nature has been used in this assessment. Collectively, the analysis provides a picture of not only the extent of the noise impact in Europe, but also where noise pollution has not yet made an impact and, therefore, which areas might be considered for protection, especially those quiet areas in open country.