Noise is part of everyday life. We hear it at work, in traffic, and even in nature. But too much noise can be a problem and affect our health.
Noise monitoring helps us understand where noise comes from, how loud it is, and how to control it. In this blog, we’ll examine the health effects of noise pollution and the relevant regulations regarding noise in Ireland.
Table of Contents
Measuring Noise
Sound level meters measure noise in units called decibels, or dB for short. The higher the dB reading, the louder the noise.
Here are some common noises and their dB reading:
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
We all know noise can damage your ears. But, not all noise is harmful. Gentle everyday sounds, like rustling leaves, measures around 30 dB and is harmless. So, how loud is too loud and how long can you be exposed?
Having to raise your voice to be heard by someone at arm’s length away (e.g. near loud machinery) means the noise is around 85 dB. This noise level can damage your hearing after repeated exposures lasting 8 hours or more.
For every 3 dB sound increase, the safe time for exposure is cut in half. This means hearing loss can occur at:
- 88 dB after 4 hours
- 91 dB after 2 hours
Having to shout to be heard by someone arm’s length away (e.g. at a nightclub) means the noise has reached ~95 dB. This level of noise can damage your hearing in less than one hour. Just one quick exposure to 120 dB can cause instant hearing loss if you’re close enough.
Other Health Effects of Noise
The WHO identifies noise as the 2nd most significant environmental cause of ill health (the 1st being air pollution). Despite this, the short-term health effects of noise often go unnoticed or are blamed on other things.
Aside from hearing damage, loud noise is associated with:
➜ Sleep disturbance: Across Europe, 6.5 million suffer from sleep disturbance due to loud noise.
➜ Stress: Consistent exposure to loud road traffic noise is associated with up to a 12% increased rate of anxiety.
➜ High Cholesterol: A study found that roughly 10% of high cholesterol cases among workers could be linked to loud noise on the job.
➜ High Blood Pressure: The same study as above reported 14% of high blood pressure cases could also be linked to excessive noise.
➜ Heart attacks: Exposure to 50 dB + at night can increase the risk of heart attacks by elevating the production of stress hormone (cortisol).
➜ Premature death: Environmental noise causes at least 12,000 cases of premature death in Europe each year.
Important of Noise Monitoring & Regulations
Due to the negative health effects of noise, monitoring dB is often important. There are two main types of noise monitoring: occupational and environmental. Both are often required for construction sites, railways, airports, music venues, factories, etc.
There are two main regulations for noise in workplaces:
➤ Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
➤ General Application Regulations 2007 – Control of Noise at Work
These regulations cover noise monitoring, training workers, and providing hearing protection if needed. According to these regulations, an employer must examine the risk once workers are exposed to noise levels of 80 dB or more.
If noise is above a certain level, action must be taken (e.g. using quieter machines, installing sound barriers, or supplying PPE).
When it comes to noise outside of work, several important standards and guidelines exist. These help decide when noise is a problem for the public and how to measure it properly.
Some of the key guidelines are:
➤ ISO 1996 – Standard explaining how to measure and report environmental noise.
➤ BS 4142 – Used to assess noise from the likes of factories or warehouses, especially near homes.
➤ EPA NG4 (Guidance Note for Noise) – Used in Ireland when applying for certain licences or permits. It includes advice for performing noise surveys and reports.
Conclusion: Protection vs Noise Pollution
Noise monitoring is a key part of keeping Ireland a safe and healthy place to live and work. Whether in a busy factory or a quiet neighbourhood near a construction site, noise can be a serious issue.
Monitoring helps us find out where the noise is coming from, how loud it is, and what can be done to reduce it. If you need help with noise monitoring, Southern Scientific is here to support you.
We offer easy-to-understand reports, useful advice, and nationwide service. Whether you’re trying to protect workers or reduce community noise, we make the process simple and stress-free.
