Permissible noise standards, or how many decibels are in ...? Impact of noise on human health

According to the researchers,<шумовое загрязнение>, characteristic of large cities, reduces the life expectancy of their inhabitants by 10-12 years. The negative impact on a person from the noise of a metropolis is 36% more significant than from tobacco smoking, which shortens life by an average of 6-8 years.

Noise - chaotic fluctuations of various physical nature, characterized by the falsity of the temporal and spectral structure. From a physiological point of view, noise can be called any unwanted sound (simple or complex) that interferes with the perception of useful sounds (human speech, signals, etc.) that break the silence and have a harmful effect on a person.

Noise exposure

Noise adversely affects the human body: it increases energy consumption with the same physical load, significantly weakens attention, increases the number of errors during work, slows down the rate of mental reactions, resulting in reduced labor productivity and poor quality of work. Noise makes it difficult to react in a timely manner, for example, those working in factories or construction sites, which contributes to the occurrence of accidents.

Noise has a harmful effect on the physical condition of a person: it depresses the central nervous system; causes a change in the rate of breathing and heart rate; contributes to metabolic disorders, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension; can lead to occupational diseases.

Recent studies have established that under the influence of noise, changes occur in the human organ of vision (the stability of clear vision and visual acuity decrease, sensitivity to various colors changes, etc.) and the vestibular apparatus; the functions of the gastrointestinal tract are disturbed; increased intracranial pressure; disturbances occur in the metabolic processes of the body, etc.

Noise, especially intermittent, impulsive, worsens the accuracy of work operations, makes it difficult to receive and perceive information. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents note that the most sensitive to noise are operations such as tracking, information gathering and thinking.

Noise with a sound pressure level of 30 ... 35 dB is familiar to a person and does not bother him. Increasing the sound pressure level to 40 ... 70 dB creates a significant load on the nervous system, causing a deterioration in health, a decrease in mental productivity, and with prolonged action it can cause neurosis, peptic ulcer and hypertension.

Prolonged exposure to noise above 75 dB can lead to severe hearing loss - hearing loss or occupational deafness. However, earlier disturbances are observed in the nervous and cardiovascular systems and other internal organs.

Zones with sound levels above 85 dB must be marked with safety signs. Workers in these areas are required to wear personal hearing protection. Even a short stay in areas with octave sound pressure levels above 135 dB in any octave band is prohibited.

Permissible noise levels for the population.

To protect people from the harmful effects of urban noise, it is necessary to regulate its intensity, spectral composition, duration and other parameters. In hygienic standardization, a noise level is set as acceptable, the influence of which for a long time does not cause changes in the entire complex of physiological indicators, reflecting the reactions of the body systems that are most sensitive to noise.

The hygienically permissible noise levels for the population are based on fundamental physiological studies to determine the actual and threshold noise levels. Currently, noise for urban development conditions is standardized in accordance with the Sanitary Norms for Permissible Noise in the Premises of Residential and Public Buildings and on the Territory of Residential Development (No. 3077-84) and Construction Norms and Rules II.12-77 "Noise Protection". Sanitary standards are obligatory for all ministries, departments and organizations that design, build and operate housing and public buildings, develop projects for the planning and development of cities, microdistricts, residential buildings, quarters, communications, etc., as well as for organizations that design, manufacture and operating vehicles, technological and engineering equipment of buildings and household appliances. These organizations are required to provide and implement the necessary measures to reduce noise to levels established by the regulations.

One of the areas of noise control is the development of state standards for vehicles, engineering equipment, household appliances, which are based on hygienic requirements to ensure acoustic comfort.

GOST 19358-85 “External and internal noise of motor vehicles. Permissible Levels and Measurement Methods” establishes noise characteristics, methods for their measurement and permissible noise levels for cars (motorcycles) of all samples accepted for state, interdepartmental, departmental and periodic control tests. The main characteristic of external noise is the sound level, which should not exceed 85-92 dB for cars and buses, and 80-86 dB for motorcycles. For internal noise, approximate values ​​​​of permissible sound pressure levels in octave frequency bands are given: sound levels are 80 dB for cars, cabs or workplaces of truck drivers, buses - 85 dB, passenger premises of buses - 75-80 dB.

Sanitary norms of permissible noise necessitate the development of technical, architectural, planning and administrative measures aimed at creating a noise regime that meets hygienic requirements, both in urban areas and in buildings for various purposes, and allow maintaining the health and working capacity of the population.

Allocate noise pollution, which is estimated as one of the most harmful to humans. All people have long lived surrounded by sounds, there is no silence in nature, although loud sounds are also very rare. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds and the rustle of the wind cannot be called noise. These sounds are useful for humans. And with the development of technological progress, the problem of noise has become urgent, which brings many problems to people and even leads to illness.

Although sounds do not damage the environment and affect only living organisms, it can be said that noise pollution has become an environmental problem in recent years.

What is sound

The human hearing aid is very complex. Sound is a wave vibration transmitted through air and other components of the atmosphere. These vibrations are first perceived by the tympanic membrane of the human ear, then transmitted to the middle ear. Sounds travel through 25,000 cells before they are perceived. They are processed in the brain, so if they are very loud, they can lead to big health problems. The human ear is capable of perceiving sounds ranging from 15 to 20,000 vibrations per second. The lower frequency is called infrasound, and the higher frequency is called ultrasound.

What is noise

There are few loud sounds in nature, they are mostly quiet, favorably perceived by humans. Noise pollution occurs when sounds merge and exceed acceptable limits in intensity. The strength of sound is measured in decibels, and noise over 120-130 dB already leads to serious disorders of the human psyche and affects the state of health. Noise is of anthropogenic origin and increases with the development of technological progress. Now even in country houses and in the country it is difficult to hide from him. Natural natural noise does not exceed 35 dB, and in the city a person is faced with constant sounds of 80-100 dB.

Background noise above 110 dB is considered unacceptable and very harmful to health. But more and more often it can be encountered on the street, in the store and even at home.

Sources of noise pollution

Sounds have the most harmful effect on a person in But even in suburban villages, one can suffer from noise pollution caused by the working technical devices of neighbors: a lawn mower, a lathe or a music center. Noise from them can exceed the maximum allowable standards of 110 dB. And yet the main noise pollution occurs in the city. The source of it in most cases are vehicles. The greatest intensity of sounds comes from highways, subways and trams. Noise in these cases can reach 90 dB.

The maximum permissible sound levels are observed during takeoff or landing of an aircraft. Therefore, with improper planning of settlements, when the airport is close to residential buildings, noise pollution around it can lead to problems for people. In addition to traffic noise, a person is disturbed by the sounds of construction, operating climate control systems and radio advertising. Moreover, a modern person can no longer hide from the noise even in an apartment. Permanently switched on household appliances, TV and radio exceed the permissible sound level.

How does sound affect a person?

Susceptibility to noise depends on a person's age, state of health, temperament and even gender. It is noticed that women are more sensitive to sounds. In addition to the general noise background, modern man is influenced by both inaudible and ultrasound. Even short-term exposure can cause headaches, sleep disturbances and mental disorders. The influence of noise on a person has been studied for a long time, even in ancient cities restrictions on sounds at night were introduced. And in the Middle Ages, there was an execution "under the bell", when a person died under the influence of constant loud sounds. Now in many countries there is a noise law that protects citizens at night from acoustic pollution. But the complete absence of sounds also has a depressing effect on people. A person loses his ability to work and experiences severe stress in a soundproof room. And noises of a certain frequency, on the contrary, can stimulate the process of thinking and improve mood.

Harm of noise for humans


Noise impact on the environment

  • Constant loud noises destroy plant cells. Plants in the city quickly wither and die, trees live less.
  • Bees with intense noise lose their ability to navigate.
  • Dolphins and whales are washed ashore because of the strong sounds of the working sonars.
  • Noise pollution of cities leads to the gradual destruction of structures and mechanisms.

How to protect yourself from noise

A feature of acoustic effects on people is their ability to accumulate, and a person is not protected from noise. The nervous system is especially affected by this. Therefore, the percentage of mental disorders is higher among people working in noisy industries. In young boys and girls who constantly listen to loud music, hearing after a while decreases to the level of 80-year-olds. But despite this, most people are unaware of the dangers of noise. How can you protect yourself? It is recommended to use personal protective equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs. Soundproof windows and wall panels have become widespread. You should try to use as few household appliances as possible at home. The worst thing is when the noise prevents a person from getting a good night's sleep. In this case, the state must protect him.

Noise Law

Every fifth inhabitant of a large city suffers from diseases associated with noise pollution. In houses located near major highways, it is exceeded by 20-30 dB. People complain about loud noises made by construction sites, ventilation, factories, road works. Outside the city, residents are annoyed by discos and noisy companies relaxing in nature.

In order to protect people and let them sleep, in recent years, more and more regional regulations have been adopted regulating the time at which loud sounds cannot be made. During this period, as a rule, from 22 pm to 6 am, and on weekends - from 23 to 9 am. Violators are subject to administrative penalties and heavy fines.

Noise pollution of the environment in recent decades has become the most urgent problem of megacities. Of concern is hearing loss in adolescents and an increase in mental illness in people working in noise-prone industries.

Noise is a combination of sounds of varying intensity and frequency that adversely affect the human body, interfering with its work and rest. The new edition of the Code of Administrative Offenses contains a special article providing for liability for breaking silence in public places. The Law on Militia clarifies that the duties of the militia include ensuring the implementation of decisions of village, settlement, city councils on issues of maintaining silence in public places. The Law on Ensuring the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population defines measures that are required to be carried out by executive authorities, local governments, organizations, enterprises, and citizens to protect the population from vibration, noise, etc.

Scientists have proven that noise can be not only debilitating and disturbing people's peace of mind, but also pose a danger to their health. Every year, the number of people suffering from insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, caused by noise, is increasing. In recent years, scientists and doctors have found that constant exposure to a noisy environment is often the cause of phobias and aggressiveness, since a loud sound tires a person and it is impossible to get used to it. According to recent studies, high intensity sound causes pain.

Maximum permissible noise levels for humans

A person should live in a calm environment, because. constant noise is harmful to health. Background noise should not exceed 55 dB (A) during the day and 45 dB (A) at night (normal conversation). However, the intensity of the noise constantly surrounding us is much greater. Only on a construction site or a street with heavy traffic, the noise level often reaches 80-90 dB(A).

Constant noise is especially dangerous at work and for people living near airports, shooting ranges, train stations, etc. If a person constantly works or lives in a noisy environment, even a small amount of noise can harm him. In particularly sensitive people, the ticking of the clock can even cause insomnia. The maximum permissible noise level of 85 dB (A) is the limit beyond which there is a possibility of damage to hearing receptors. Irreversible hearing damage can occur in discos and rock concerts, because here the sound intensity can reach 130 dB, even causing pain.

Noise intensity vs.

  • 0 dB (A) - the border of hearing, the movement of the wings of a butterfly.
  • 10-20 - “silence”, sounds are almost inaudible.
  • 20-30 - the ticking of the clock in the room.
  • 30-40 - whisper.
  • 40-60 - normal communication, quiet music.
  • 55-65 - radio or TV heard in the room.
  • 70-90 - the volume of cars on the street.
  • 90-110 - jackhammer, disco music.
  • 110-140 - jet aircraft volume.

Noise reduction

  • The employer is obliged to provide each worker with personal hearing protection at a noise level of 85 dB, which the worker must wear if the sound level exceeds 90 dB.
  • Don't make the music too loud, it disturbs the neighbors.
  • Do not spoil relations with neighbors. If you warn them in advance about planned repairs or house holidays, they will be more forgiving.
  • A quiet, calm environment is necessary for sleep, as extraneous sounds have a negative effect on sleep phases. Night noise for a long time can cause various health disorders and neuroses.

It is necessary to try to deliver as little inconvenience to others as possible. The volume of the radio should be such that it can be heard only in one room, and not in the whole house. Loud and noisy music lovers are advised to purchase headphones. All repair work in the apartment should be carried out exclusively in the daytime.

Our life is filled with a variety of sounds, and absolute silence is something unusual. We do not even perceive our life without sounds. However, the constant noise is tiring.

The dangers of noise have been known for a long time, but not much research has been done in this area. However, some studies have shown that loud noise is a great danger, especially when combined with dust and vibration. At the same time, silence is not the most useful state for a person.

Scientists have long noticed that the noise of nature has a calming effect on humans. Today there are even sanatoriums in which treatment carried out with the help of birdsong, the sound of the surf or rain. It has been noticed that such therapy successfully copes with headaches, insomnia, and tones the body. Japanese inventors even came up with a pillow that imitates the sounds of rain.

Thus, noise has a double effect: it is necessary and harmful at the same time, it all depends on the source of the noise.

Scientists have found that when a person is engaged in mental work, he reacts more strongly to noise. At the same time, young people are less sensitive to noise. But for young children, noise has a particularly harmful effect, it can make them capricious, irritable, shy, their sleep is disturbed and their appetite worsens. Evaluating the noise in schools, it was found that even a noise of 65 dB significantly reduces the attention of children and leads to a large number of errors.

Human hearing is designed in such a way that it is very vulnerable to the effects of noise. The maximum sensitivity level of our ear is 130 dB. Most of all, the human ear is sensitive to high tones, and with age, susceptibility decreases. It is worse when hearing is reduced not due to age-related changes, but due to the influence of negative factors. There are millions of hearing impaired people on Earth, and noise is to blame.

Observations of workers in noisy industries have shown that prolonged and severe exposure to noise causes frequent headaches, increased irritability, decreased performance, dizziness and gradual hearing loss. In young people, the love of loud music, especially "heavy metal", causes partial or complete hearing loss over time. By the way, they even develop something similar to a drug addiction to loud music, they develop a need to constantly be surrounded by loud music, normal volume already seems insufficient to them.

And although our hearing organ is able to get used to any noise, adapt, this does not mean that such a process will protect us from hearing loss in the future. Of course, a person can get used to the constant noise of trains, the roar of planes, loud music, but, in the end, this will lead to hearing loss, and the nervous system will also suffer. Prolonged exposure to noise causes disorders of the nervous system, since sound waves act not only on the hearing organs, but also on the entire body as a whole.

Every adult, at least at the subconscious level, understands that constant loud noise is harmful. However, not everyone knows what harm constant noise actually brings. From it, a headache can begin, aggressiveness can increase, and even cardiovascular diseases can develop. And this is more.

However, it is worth installing the most airtight doors. It is worth paying attention to the glass inserts. They transmit sound very strongly. Doors with such inserts should never be placed in a nursery. Otherwise, the child will be disturbed.

Also, for the door to the nursery, it is worth choosing doors without latches. After all, situations when parents come to their child when he is sleeping are quite frequent. And if the doors are with a latch, you can accidentally slam the doors and scare the child a lot. It can even become a mental trauma. In apartments, it is necessary to install soundproof panels on all walls. So evil neighbors will not interfere with our lives.

It is also worth taking a very responsible attitude to. A running washing machine or vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise.

Blenders and food processors are not far behind. Be sure to buy all household appliances with the expectation of their noise level. Modern blenders and vacuum cleaners come with noise-absorbing elements, which reduces their noise level. But what about the washing machine? Everything is also simple here. There are special stands for it, which, respectively, noise. A closed bathroom door will complete the job.

Listen to these albums on your equipment.

The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble - Mr. Machine (2011)

Sonar Kollektiv Orchester 2008 Guaranteed Niceness

For any questions please email me. mail: [email protected] or VKhttp://vk.com/id104002989 or http://ok.ru/aleksandr.levchuk2

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