Noise Pollution

Abstract

The potentially dangerous results of infant exposure to high intensity and/or high frequency sound have been well documented.1-3 The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) is the only federal standard establishing noise level limits. OSHA allows 90 decibels on the "A" scale (90 dB(A)) exposure for eight hours for a working adult. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborns has recommended 75 dB(a) as the maximum sound level permitted in the nursery and inside incubators.