What is Noise

UKAS ACCREDITED (4159) FOR SOUND INSULATION TESTING

Noise is transient; once the pollution stops, the environment is free of it. This is not the case for chemicals, sewage, and other pollutants introduced into the air, soil, or water. The definition of noise itself is highly subjective. To some people the roar of an engine is satisfying or thrilling; to others it is an annoyance. Loud music may be enjoyable or a torment, depending on the listener and the circumstances. Broadly speaking, any form of unwelcome sound is noise pollution, whether it is the roar of a jet plane overhead or the sound of a barking dog a block away.

One measure of pollution is the danger it poses to health. Noise causes stress, and stress is a leading cause of illness. Therefore any form of noise can be considered pollution if it causes annoyance, sleeplessness, fright, or any other stress reaction.

Measurement of Noise (dB type of noise):

0dB Threshold of Audibility - Rustle of leaves
30dB Quiet conversation or in a quiet location in the country
45dB Typical office space. Ambience in the city at night
50dB Background noise in an office
60dB The sound of an average radio
70dB The sound of a car passing on the street
80dB An intercity train from a station platform/loud music in a home
90dB Pneumatic drill at 3 metes / sound of a truck passing on the street
100dB Jet plane taking off at 50 metes /sound of a rock band
115dB Limit of sound permitted in industry / Screaming baby
120dB Deafening
140dB Threshold of pain

60-130dB Dog Barking

What is dB:

Decibel. A unit for measuring the relative strength of a signal. Usually expressed as the logarithmic ratio of the strength of a transmitted signal to the strength of the original signal. A decibel is one tenth of a "bel".

How does Sound Travel:

Sound travels in different ways depending on the medium. The medium is the material the sound is using to travel. Air is the most common. When sound travels through the air it normally originates from somewhere in space, like a speaker or a person's voice, the waves travel in spherical ripples, this is similar to water waves; those travel in circular ripples because the surface of water is flat.

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