New Who Guidelines for Community Noise

Abstract

This important document replaces the 1980 Environmental Health Criteria No.12 – Noise. It is destined to become widely used and quoted in relation to environmental noise problems. All who have even a passing involvement in this area must become familiar with it and with its recommended levels. The Report considers noise sources and their measurement, adverse effects on health and noise management, whilst introducing a new set of recommendations and guideline values to take account of changes in knowledge and expectations over the past 20 years. Attention is drawn to inadequacies of equivalent level for intermittent noises, to the need to consider effects of low frequency noise and to the rights of vulnerable sub-groups. The Guide can be viewed in full on the World Health Organisation website – www.who.org