< Previous |
Contents |
Next
>
Sound Advice on Noise
Introduction
What is noise?
Noise is unwelcome sound. It could be too loud,
intrusive, or just occurring at the wrong time, especially
at night. For example, no one likes being kept awake by a
neighbour's stereo.
Excessive noise can reduce our quality of life, and
damage our health and the environment. Sound is measured in
decibels (dB), but volume is not the only thing that can
affect our attitude or response to sound. Unexpected sound,
repetitive bass beats, screeches or whines can be just as
annoying. Below, we have illustrated some examples of sound
levels.
120dB Discotheque - 1m in
front of loudspeaker | 
|
| 100dB Pneumatic drill at
5m |
90dB Heavy goods vehicle
from pavement or a powered lawnmower at
operator's ear | 
|
| 70dB Vacuum cleaner at 3m
or a telephone ringing at 2m |
60dB Normal
conversation | 
|
| 50dB Boiling kettle at
0.5m |
40dB Refrigerator humming
at 2m | 
|
| 30dB Bedroom at night |
0dB Threshold of
hearing | 
|
< Previous |
Contents |
Next
>