Is nonoccupational noise exposure negligible?

Abstract

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's levels document (EPA, 1974), a daily noise exposure that does not exceed an Leq(24), of 70 dB can be considered, with an adequate margin of safety, a “safe exposure.” Furthermore, they suggested that restricting occupational noise exposure to an Leq(8), of 75 dB would be sufficient to protect the public since that would still result in an Leq(24), of 70 dB, provided that nonoccupational noise exposure is negligible? But is nonoccupational exposure negligible? Probably not. In this investigation, the noise exposure of 50 individuals was continuously monitored over seven consecutive days, by means of personal noise dosimeters. And, at least among these individuals, nonoccupational exposure was not negligible. In fact, when sleeping time was accounted for, nonoccupational noise exposure was often more significant than occupational exposure. [Work supported by USAF and EPA.]