The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutNoise & Decibel Levels· Every Day Noise & Decibel Levels Noise is all around us. Exposure to noise levels above 85 dBA for 8 hours is the Federal threshold for hearing protection. · Levels above 90 dBA can cause permanent hearing loss with relatively short exposure. The following is a list of various sounds, their decibel levels, and the recommended exposure time to each. Sound Decibel Level Time Permitted rustling leaves 20 dB no limit whispering 25 dB no limit library 30 dB no limit refrigerator 45 dB no limit average home 50 dB no limit normal conversation 60 dB no limit clothes dryer 60 dB no limit washing machine 65 dB no limit dishwasher 65 dB no limit car 70 dB no limit vacuum cleaner 70 dB no limit mixer 70 dB no limit electric sewing machine 70 dB no limit busy traffic 75 dB no limit mini-bike 80 dB no limit alarm clock 80 dB no limit noisy restaurant 80 dB no limit office tabulator 80 dB no limit outboard motor 80 dB no limit passing snowmobile 80 dB no limit average factory 85 dB 8 hours electric shaver 85 dB 8 hours screaming child 90 dB 8 hours passing motorcycle 90 dB 8 hours convertible ride 95 dB 4 hours subway train 100 dB 2 hours diesel track 100 dB 2 hours woodworking shop 100 dB 2 hours Every Day Noise & Decibel Levels pneumatic drill 100 dB 2 hours boiler shop 100 dB 2 hours jackhammer 100 dB 2 hours helicopter 105 dB 1 hour power mower 105 dB 1 hour snowmobile drvrs seat 110 dB 30 minutes inboard motorboat 110 dB 30 minutes sandblasfmg I 10 dB 30 minutes live rock music 90-130 dB 8-0.3 hours auto hom 120 dB 7.5 rains propeller aircraft 120 dB 7.5 mlns air raid siren 130 dB 3.75 rains THRESHOLD OF PAIN 140 dB danger level gunshot 140 dB danger level jet engine 140 dB danger level rocket launching 180 dB danger level Decibels are tricky to measure. A 5 dB noise reduction is about 30% quieter and represents a 50% decrease in the risk of hearing loss!