Sources, Effects, and Control of Noise in Indoor/Outdoor Living Environments

Abstract

Objective:To study the sources of indoor noise, its effects on human health, noise assessment and regulation through the use of standards, and techniques used to reduce noise.BR Background: Noise significantly affects the living environment, and there are an increasing number of reports of its impacts on human health.BR Method: We reviewed domestic and foreign data regarding environmental noise, and examined its effects and the standards used to regulate noise levels.BR Results: We describe the major sources of indoor noise and suggest possible legal standards, as well as recommended criteria for the control of noise.BR Conclusion: South Korea has higher legal standards of environmental noise than international standards in terms of threshold values. People in Korea are exposed to various sources of noise, and therefore the reduction of noise is urgently required.BR Application: Depending on the features of indoor spaces, an appropriate degree of indoor noise can be determined and techniques to reduce excess noise are required.