Infrasound exposure and health effects among seafarers

Abstract

Seas and oceans are some of the most powerful natural sources of infrasound oscillations and the study literature suggests that transport is also a powerful anthropogenic source of infrasound. Noise in ships has a very wide frequency range - from infrasonic to ultrasonic. A literature review has been made using the available data on infrasound sources when working at sea and the risk factors for the health and safety of the crew. Historical and documentary methods were used to process the collected information, analyze and summarize data. Regarding the pathogenesis of infrasound effects, many researchers adhere to the so-called resonance theory. A number of studies have shown a link between low-frequency noise and various physiological and psychological reactions such as irritation, change in hearing perception, concentration problems, sleep depression, mood effects, and the so-called vibroacoustic disease (VAD). Adverse health effects from occupational exposure are observed in memory, anxiety and effectiveness. Evidence of vascular and respiratory effects exists but is inconclusive. VAD has a whole body pathology that develops in people who are exposed to infrasound. The mutagenic potential of infrasound exposures is also discussed in humans and animal experiments. The frequency-specific effects are not yet known, valid dose-response relationships are difficult to identify and there are still no large-scale epidemiological studies. Infrasound and very low frequency sounds are a widespread pollutant in the work and communal environment. Their combined biological exposure action and generic vibration on board of vessels is a specific risk factor for the health and safety of seafarers. Maritime occupational medicine doctors need to know the specific pathology and carefully look for the early manifestations of the preclinical stages of cardiovascular, central-nervous, respiratory and auditory-vestibular function abnormalities.