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
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.
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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.