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1976 Reassessment of Noise Concerns of Other Nations - Volume I - Summary and Selected topics
Carl Modig; Ghalib Khouri; John Stepanchuk; George Cerny
August 1976
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A review of the noise abatement programs of countries around the world (except the U.S.) including laws, regulations, guidelines, criteria, research, governmental organization, plans, etc., with bibliography and contact addresses to facilitate further inquiry. Also includes international organizations involved in noise control. Both environmental and occupational noise are covered. Topics: Community noise, airport, aircraft, surface transportation, construction noise, occupational noise, noise from factories, noise in buildings. A summary finds that compared to a similar 1971 review, the U.S. has "caught up", information has increased geometrically, many nations now compensate citizens for noise from airports or roads, and noise limits in industry are becoming stricter. Vol. II contains country-by-country reviews.
A Basis for Limiting Noise Exposure for Hearing Conservation
J.C. Guignard
July 1973
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A compilation of data is provided, with references to published work, which represents the present state of knowledge concerning the effects of continuous and impulsive noise on hearing. The danger to the ear of both occupational and non-occupational human exposure to noise is considered. Data are included or cited which enable quantitative predictions to be made of the risk to hearing in the American population due to noise exposure in any working or living context. Recommendations are made concerning the need to obtain more definitive data. Relevant aspects of noise measurement, the physiology of hearing, and theories explaining the effects of noise on the ear are discussed in appendices to the main report. This report deals solely with the effects of noise on hearing; other physiological or psychological effects of noise are not considered in the present document.
Availability of Workplace Noise Control of Technology for Sewlected Machines
R. Bruce; K. Eldred; C. Jokel; R. Potter; D. Melone
September 1982
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This report reviews the noise control technology available to equipment manufacturers and users of the following machines: automatic screw machines, semi-automatic stamping presses, planes, wood saws, metal saws, crawler tractors, molding machines, spinning frames, and twisters. The study also looks at the reasons for the unavailability of certain control technology. The availability of new quiet machines on the market place is also reviewed.
Economic and Social Impact of Occupational Noise Exposure Regulations
Nicholas A. Ashford; Dale Hattis; Eric M. Zolt; Judith I. Katz; George R. Heaton
September 1976
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This report elaborates on the costs and benefits associated with alternative occupational noise exposure regulations. The limitations of cost/benefit analysis for social decision-making are enunciated. The impact of various regulatory alternatives for 85 dBA and 90 dBA criteria are analyzed.
Federal Agency Noise Control Technology - Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects on Industrial Manufacturing, Mining and Construction Equipment During the Fiscal Year 1980
July 1980
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The scope of this report is limited to research, development, and demonstration of technology of industrial manufacturing, mining, and construction equipment to control occupational and environmental noise, and the report consists of descriptions of projects of Federal agencies that fall within this scope. Only projects that were active, recently completed, or impending as of January 1980 and reported by the Federal agencies are described, and only publications that appeared in 1978, 1979, or 1980 are listed in the bibliography.
Noise in America: Extent of the Noise Problem
Miles Simpson; Robert Bruce
September 1981
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The number of Americans exposed to various levels of occupational and environmental noise is estimated. Estimates are made for 11 categories of noise producers (e.g., traffic, aircraft, construction) using the Ldn or Leq(24) metrics. The assumptions in the models used, including , including demographic projections, are made explicit for all estimates. Estimates for combined exposures to traffic and other community noise sources are also made, as well as indoor noise exposures from home equipment like fans and clothes washers. According to the estimates, 1.5 million people are exposed to outdoor noise levels (from a11 sources) of over 75 Ldn, and over 90 million, to levels over 58 Ldn. Over 9 million people are exposed to occupational noise in excess of 80 dB (Leq(24)).
Analysis of Noise-Related Auditory and Associated Health Problems in the U.S. Population (1971-1975) - Volume 2
Judith D. Singer; T.J. Tomberlin; J.M. Smith; A.J. Schrier
March 1982
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The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) was designed to characterize the overall health and nutritional status of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 1-74 years and to permit examination of the prevalence of specific health conditions on a subsample of adults aged 25-74 years. Analyses presented in this report are based on the national probability subsample of 6913 adults aged 25-74 years who were administered an audiometric test as well as detailed questionnaires and physics: examinations dealing with hypertension and a variety of other health conditions. Detailed occupational descriptions were used in the present study to estimate approximate eight-hour noise levels for the sample of 3942 adults aged 25-74 years in the workforce. Among the major findings: 1. Hearing impairment is a widespread health problem in the United States; 2. Occupational noise exposure was identified as a major risk factor associated with the prevalence of hearing impairment among men; 3. Occupational noise exposure was not significantly related to hearing sensitivity among working women; 4. Occupational noise exposure was found to have a weak, but nevertheless significant association with hypertension for both men and women; 5. Among men, occupational noise exposure was associated with overall physical health, whereas among women, it was associated with only overall psychological health; and 6. No conclusive relationships were found between occupational noise exposure and the remaining indicators of specific health conditions.
Seismic Effects of Quarry Blasting
J.R. Thoenen; S.L. Windes
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Analysis of Noise-Related Auditory and Associated Health Problems in the U.S. Population (1971-1975)
Judith D. Singer; T.J. Tomberlin; J.M. Smith; A.J. Schrier
March 1982
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The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) was designed to characterize the overall health and nutritional status of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 1-74 years and to permit examination of the prevalence of specific health conditions on a subsample of adults aged 25-74 years. Analyses presented in this report are based on the national probability subsample of 6913 adults aged 25-74 years who were administered an audiometric test as well as detailed questionnaires and physics: examinations dealing with hypertension and a variety of other health conditions. Detailed occupational descriptions were used in the present study to estimate approximate eight-hour noise levels for the sample of 3942 adults aged 25-74 years in the workforce. Among the major findings: 1. Hearing impairment is a widespread health problem in the United States; 2. Occupational noise exposure was identified as a major risk factor associated with the prevalence of hearing impairment among men; 3. Occupational noise exposure was not significantly related to hearing sensitivity among working women; 4. Occupational noise exposure was found to have a weak, but nevertheless significant association with hypertension for both men and women; 5. Among men, occupational noise exposure was associated with overall physical health, whereas among women, it was associated with only overall psychological health; and 6. No conclusive relationships were found between occupational noise exposure and the remaining indicators of specific health conditions.
Final Regulatory Analysis of the Hearing Conservation Amendment
January 1981
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The effects of occupational noise can be divided into two principal categories: auditory effects and extra-auditory effects. There is a wealth of information on the relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss. Dose-response relationships have been well established. Numerous studies are available which describe the effects of noise on hearing as a function of level and duration. The effects are stated in terms of the audiometric frequencies at which the loss occurs, the degeree of hearing loss, the anatomical changes (in animal experiments), and the differential changes in hearing as variables such as age and sex interact with noise exposure. The extra-auditory effects of noise involve complex physiological reactions, which are much more difficult to document. Although stress-related illnesses have been associated with noise exposure, the multitude of factors which contribute to stress confounds efforts to provide a direct "cause and effect" relationship between noise and such stress-related conditions as hypertension or ulcers. Although precise dose-response relationships are lacking at this time, information on the extra-auditory effects is included in this discussion because the data are highly suggestive or adverse effects, and therefore provide added incentive for protecting noise exposed workers.
Prediction of NIPTS Due to Continuous Noise Exposure
Daniel L. Johnson
July 1973
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In support of the main document, "A Basis for Limiting Noise Exposure for Hearing Conservation," this report compares the relationship of noise exposure to Noise Induced Permanent Threshold Shift (NIPTS) as predicted by the currently available works of Passchier-Vermeer, Robinson, Baughn and Kryter, and the yet unpublished work of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The works of Passchier-Vermeer, Robinson, and Baughn are selected since these are the only works that completely predict the relationship between NIPTS and noise exposure for various audiometric frequencies, sound pressure levels and population percentiles. The predictions of these three methodologies are averaged in order to provide one single relationship between continuous noise exposure and NIPTS. This relationship is presented in various ways so that the effect of noise exposure on hearing can be viewed in more than one way. Discussion concerning the type of frequency weighting, the equal energy rule, and long duration exposures is also provided.
Noise - How Much is Too Much?
Henning E. von Gierke
May 1975
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Henning E. von Gierke contends that enough is known about the effects of noise on people to produce guidelines for maximum noise levels. Adopted by the Environmental Protection Ageny, these guidelines are designed to protect the public with an adequate margin of safety against hearing loss from occupational and environmental noise exposures and against interference with speech or other activities indoors or outdoors in residential areas.
Passenger Noise Environments of Enclosed Transportation Systems
June 1975
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To determine the extent to which noise environments of enclosed transportation systems are deleterious to passenger health, an analysis was made of both information collected by past transportation studies and of new data collected for this project. The analysis consisted of identifying trends among various transportation modes, noting areas of data deficiency, calculating the effect of noise exposure on health under various assumptions of travel duration and workplace noise exposure levels, and assessing measurement methodologies.
Noise Hazard Evaluation - Sound Level Data of Noise Sources
Jeff Goldstein
January 1975
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This technical guide was developed as an aid simplification of the noise hazard assessment element of the installation hearing conservation program. Part I of the technical guide provides the reader with basic information necessary for the conduct of a routine occupational noise hazard evaluation, while part II provides additional information and guidance concerning typical personnel exposures to military noise sources.
Final Environmental Impact Statement
January 1981
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This amendment to the occupational noise standard imposes requirements for hearing conservation programs. It will beneficially impact the workplace environment by reducing hearing loss and other adverse health effects associated with noise exposure. The environment outside the workplace should not be significantly affected as a result of promulgation of the amendment. Minimal increases in capital costs and an increase in operating costs for some industries may occur. OSHA considered other reasonable alternatives in the development of the amendment: (1) revision of the permissible exposure limits for noise, (2) initiation of hearing conservation programs at higher or lower levels, (3) revision of the monitoring, testing, and training provisions, and (4) "no regulatory action." OSHA may conduct future proceedings concerning these and other alternatives.
Impact of Noise on People
May 1977
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Aviation noise significantly impacts approximately six million people in urban areas. In an effort to explain the impact of noise on these citizens, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presents this brochure. Included are aircraft noise indices, information on humna response to noise, and criteria for land use controls. Additionally, hearing damage and occupational health standards for noise are described. FAA presents this information in an effort to enhance public understanding of the impact of noise on people and to answer many questions that typically arise.
Sheet Metal Shop Noise Control Study at the Charleston Naval Shipyard
R. Bruce; P. Jensen; C. Jokel; J. Lehr; E. Wood
September 1981
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This report contains an evaluation of noise conditions in the sheet metal shop at the Charleston Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina (CNSY Shop 17). The study was performed during 1978. The evaluation is based on noise exposure data for full-time workers in Shop 17 and an analysis of noise emissions of the individual machine types used in the shop. Noise emission data are presented for the following equipment types: Band saws, Friction saws, Pneumatic grinders, Electric routers, Square sheers, Nibblers, Belt sanders, Punch presses (manually and numerically controlled), Press brakes, Cutoff saws, Spot welders, Drill presses, Pneumatic drills, and Electric drills.
Occupational Hearing Conservation
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Industrial Machinery Noise Impact Modeling - Vol. 1
C.H. Hansen; B.A. Kugler
July 1981
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This study describes the development of a machinery noise computer model which may be used to assess the effect of occupational noise on the health and welfare of industrial workers. The porpose of the model is to provide EPA with the methodology to evaluate the personnel noise problem, to identify the equipment types responsible for the exposure and to assess the potential benefits of a given noise control action. Due to its flexibility in design and application, the model and supportive computer program can be used by other federal agencies, state governments, labor and industry as an aid in the development of noise abatement programs. The model is developed based on the Level Weighted Population (LWP), and the fractional impact method used by EPA to assess occupational and environmental noise situations. To provide a comparison with the EPA evaluation, a parallel model based on the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) noise regulation administered by DOL has also been developed. The parametric design of the computer model allows the user to assess the noise exposure problem in several plants, an industry or a group of industries. Industry data are organized by Standard Industrial Codes (SIC) and the anlysis can be performed by simply identifying a two-, three- or four-digit code depending on the detail required. Specific procedures for field data acquisition are provided. Additional data can be added to the existing data bank as it becomes available. The end result of the evaluation is a rankordering of the machinery items which most contribute to the noise exposure problem in each industry. Furthermore, the effect of any noise control action on a specific equipment item can be quickly evaluated. The accuracy of the results improves as the number of plants in the sample is increased. As an example of the use of the model two industries were surveyed; the Sawmill Industry and the Iron & Steel Foundry Industry. The sample size was nine plants for the sawmill industry and seven plants for the foundry industry. The accuracy of the results obtained using these limited sample sizes is discussed in the text. Recommendations for the inclusion of an iteration procedure for the determination of minimum noise reduction requirements and the corresponding probable costs are also presented.
State and Municipal Non-Occupational Noise Programs
December 1971
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This document is a report on state and municipal government non-occupational noise abatement and control programs prepared from information obtained in response to a questionnaire disseminated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The questionnaire and a letter of inquiry were part of a study to establish the national need for legislation and research concerning noise abatement and control. They were forwarded by the EPA Administrator to the governors of each state (including Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands) and the mayors of the 153 cities having populations, as of 1970, of 100,000 or more. The questionnaire requested information concerning the level and scope of existing and planned noise abatement and control programs. It furthermore solicited opinions on what additional support programs could be developed by the Federal government. Described herein are the replies of 114 mayors and of 41 governors.
Occupational Hearing Loss - Workers Compensation Under State and Federal Programs
Richard E. Ginnold
August 1979
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This report represents over a year of discussion and research in the compensation laws and practices of 50 states and the federal government. The report documents severe limitations in the adequacy of workers compensation for noise induced hearing loss. The report also shows that the cost of hearing loss compensation to employers and insurers is minute compared to other worker's compensation costs and that major justified improvements can and should be made if hearing loss compensation is to provide any financial incentive for noise control.
Evaluation of Commercial Integrating-Type Noise Exposure Meters
William A. Leasure Jr.; Ronald L. Fisher; Marylin A. Cadoff
December 1973
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As a result of the promulgation of occupational noise exposure regulations by the Federal government, there are a number of commercial noise exposure meters on the market today that provide a measure of noise integrated (with appropriate weighting) over a time interval. This report presents the results of an evaluation of such instruments by the National Bureau of Standards (under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) as to their usefulness in monitoring compliance with occupational noise regulations as well as their applicability as instruments for use in achieving the broader goals of the EPA. Tests were designed and conducted to evaluate microphone and system response to sound of random incidence, frequency response, crest factor capability, accuracy of the exchange rate circuitry, performance of the noise exposure meter as a function of temperature, and the dependence of the device on battery voltage. The rationals of the test procedures utilized to evaluate overall system as well as specific performance attributes, details of the measurement techniques, and results obtained are discussed.