NOISE AND HEALTH

INTRODUCTION

•Noise – wrong sound in the wrong place in the wrong time

•Daily exposure up to 85 dB is tolerable level

•Worldwide, noise-induced hearing impairment is the most prevalent irreversible occupational hazard

Acceptable noise levels(dB)

•Education : class – 30-40 library – 35-40

•Hospitals : wards – 20-35

•Residential : bed room – 25 living room – 40

•Commercial : office – 35-45 restaurant – 40-60

• Industry : workshop – 40-60 lab – 40-50

EFFECTS OF NOISE Auditory effects

•Auditory fatigue – 90 dB, 4000Hz

•Deafness - temporary - permanent - occupational HL Permanent deafness – repeated exposure to

noise of 100dB / sudden exposure to 160dB or more

Non auditory effects• Interference with speech - 300 - 500hz Speech sound level should exceed SIL by

12dB

•Annoyance

•Efficiency

•Physiological changes

•Economic losses

CONTROL OF NOISE

•Careful planning of cities

•Control of vehicles

•Industries and railways

•Acoustic insulation of buildings •Protection of exposed persons

•Legislation - The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000

•Education

Ear plugs

Ear muff

Thank

you