By the Numbers: Noise Pollution

1

The World Health Organization identified noise-induced hearing impairment as the most prevalent irreversible occupational hazard.

7

The number of categories of adverse health effects of noise pollution identified by the World Health Organization. They include hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disturbances, mental health disturbances, impaired task performance, negative social behavior and annoyance reactions.

60

Decibel level of normal conversation.

65

Percentage of population in the European Common Market that is exposed to unhealthy levels of transportation noise.

75

Percentage of farm workers who have some kind of hearing problem from long-term exposure to loud equipment.

88-94

Decibel level of a power lawnmower.

95-105

Decibel level of a leaf blower.

95-110

Decibel level of a motorcycle.

100-110

Maximum decibel output of a stereo.

105

Decibel level of a snowblower.

110

Decibel level of a crying baby.

120

Decibel level of a nearby thunderclap.

140

The decibel level regarded as the threshold for pain. Continuous noise in excess of 30 decibels disturbs sleep.

150

Decibel level of a firecracker and a jet engine on takeoff.

166

Decibel level of a handgun.

1971

The year a World Health Organization working group concluded that noise is a major threat to human well being.

1972

The year Congress passed the Noise Control Act, which declared “…it is the policy of the United States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes health and welfare.”

1982

The year the government pulled federal funding for the Office of Noise Abatement and Control. The lack of funds for the federal program threw the responsibility for noise control on states, which have had a generally poor record of noise abatement.

12 million

Number of Americans who suffer from tinnitus.

Sources: Southern Medical Journal, nonoise.org, National Institutes of Health,