Schriftenreihe des Vereins für Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene
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Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg · Jan 1993
ReviewSpecific features of military low-altitude flight noise: criteria for risk of damage and physiological effects.
The impact of sound from military low-altitude flying (75 m) is characterized by high maximum levels of up to 125 dB, a rapid rise in sound pressure level (steepest 10-dB slope up to 111 dB/s, mean value 36 dB/s), and occasional (30%) follow-up oscillations of up to around 100 dB. The energy within this broadband sound is very often concentrated primarily in the 0.8 to 4 kHz range. ⋯ We can also draw on findings from animal experiments revealing damage to the extremely sensitive stereocilia of the hair cells in the inner ear to derive a risk assessment which shows that slight impairment to hearing is possible in low-altitude flight zones given either the recorded mean frequency of 17 direct overflights a day (with maximum levels over 100 dB) or else a few extreme isolated events. In laboratory experiments involving exposure to this type of highly dynamic low-altitude flight noise, short-term increases in heart rate (up to 21 beats/min) were found to be much greater than those provoked by other forms of environmental noise with comparable maximum levels (pile driving, gunfire).
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Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg · Jan 1993
The influence of nocturnal aircraft noise on sleep and on catecholamine secretion.
The influence of noise from night flying on electro-biological reactions and on the secretion of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) was studied in eight healthy adults whose place of residence exposes them to day-time aircraft noise. The interrelationships were then analysed, with daytime noise exposure, personality traits and general day-to-day condition reflected in control variables. The subjects were each observed during five nights without noise exposure (Leq < 32 dB(A)) and five nights with noise exposure (Leq = 36 to 56 dB(A)), when the following factors were varied: number of flights (16, 32, 64 overflights with a constant maximum indoor sound level of 75 dB(A)); and sound level (64 overflights at a maximum indoor sound level of 55, 65 and 75 dB(A)). ⋯ In the case of adrenaline, the original data already showed a significant increase with noise exposure. Furthermore, catecholamine concentration increases with sound level. The analysis confirms a close link between the volume of adrenaline in the urine collected and electro-biological reactions, with consideration given to personality traits and day-time alcohol consumption.
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Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg · Jan 1993
ReviewReview: extraaural health effects of chronic noise exposure in humans.
Thirty-one epidemiologic studies published in the English literature since 1980 were reviewed to integrate the findings on effects of chronic industrial and traffic noise exposure on circulatory and cardiovascular diseases. Methodologic issues relevant to quantifying noise-induced risk are discussed. Although there has been some improvement over the decade, the quality of the research remains low. ⋯ No consistent pattern of findings on cardiovascular effects other than blood pressure has been reported. It is concluded that the quality of the research remains inadequate or inadequately reported for quantifying noise-induced risk. Prospective studies whose design accounts for potential confounding variables and effect modifiers are required before useful inferences may be drawn.
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Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg · Jan 1993
ReviewReview: extraaural health effects of aircraft noise.
The number of aircraft movements in our society is increasing at a rapid rate. As a consequence the airspace is becoming more crowded, in particular in the vicinity of airports. As a consequence pollution (both air pollution and noise) near the airports increases. ⋯ Reading ability is hampered by noise. For the vegetative aspects, no clear and stable exposure-response relations are known at this moment. Hopefully this conference will fill in the gap.