The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) recommends noise level limits to prevent
hearing loss in the workplace. This is based on
hearing workday noise over 40 years. The recommended exposure limit is no more
than 85 decibels (dB) for 8 hours a day.1 Above this
level, hearing loss may occur. As the noise level rises, the time you can be
exposed to the noise decreases.
NIOSH recommendations
1
| Example | Noise level | Approximate maximum
exposure |
|---|
|
Heavy traffic, power lawn mower
| 85 dB | 8 hours |
|
Subway, shouted conversation
| 90 dB | 2.5 hours |
| 92 dB | 1.5 hours |
| 95 dB | 47 minutes |
|
Boom box, ATV, motorcycle
| 96 dB | 37 minutes |
| 98 dB | 23 minutes |
| 100 dB | 15 minutes |
|
School dance
| 101 dB | 12 minutes |
| 105 dB | 4 minutes |
|
Chain saw, leaf blower, snowmobile
| 109 dB | 1.5 minutes |
| 115 dB | 28 seconds |
|
Sports crowd, rock concert
| 120 dB | 9 seconds |
|
Stock car races
| 130 dB | Less than 1 second |
People who may be regularly exposed to harmful noise because of their
jobs include:
- Those who work with loud machines, vehicles, or
power tools, such as construction workers, factory workers, farmers, truck
drivers, mechanics, or airport ground crew workers.
- Military
personnel.
- Police officers and
firefighters.
- Musicians.
Citations
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) (1998). Recommendations for a noise standard. In Criteria for a Recommended Standard, Occupations Noise Exposure, Revised Criteria 1998 (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 98-126). Available
online: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/chap1.html.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) (1998). Recommendations for a noise standard. In Criteria for a Recommended Standard, Occupations Noise Exposure, Revised Criteria 1998 (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 98-126). Available
online: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/chap1.html.
