Industrial noise

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Industrial noise refers to any sound that is harmful to the human body, unnecessary for the body, and causes annoyance. Noise damages hearing, causing deafness, triggering various diseases, reducing work productivity, and affecting people’s normal work and life. Sources of noise include industrial noise, traffic noise, and household noise. Industrial noise, also known as occupational noise, is the type of noise with the widest range of impacts and the most severe effects on workers; it has now become one of the major sources of pollution. I. Classification of industrial noise 1. Mechanical noise: Noise generated due to mechanical impacts, friction, vibrations, and rotations of solids, such as the sounds produced when textile machines, ball mills, chainsaws, machine tools, and crushers are started up. 2. Aerodynamic noise: This is noise generated by air vibrations, such as the sounds produced by ventilators, air compressors, injectors, steam whistles, and boiler exhaust vents. 3. Electromagnetic noise: Noise generated due to the interaction of alternating forces within the motor. Such as the sounds emitted by generators, transformers, etc. Industrial noise is quite widespread, with sound levels (A) mostly exceeding 90 dB. If sound insulation and noise reduction measures are not taken to reduce the noise level at the work site below the health standard of 90 dB, hearing protection devices should be worn to safeguard hearing and prevent the development of occupational deafness. II. The impact of noise on humans 1. Noise with an intensity of 130 dB or less, when present for a short period of time, mainly disrupts people’s work, rest, and verbal communication. 2. Noise above 130 dB can cause ear pain and damage to the eardrum, among other issues ； 3. Intense noise above 165 dB can cause perforation of the eardrum, as well as other damages to the body. 4. Prolonged occupational exposure to noise levels of 85–90 dB or higher can cause speech hearing impairment in workers. Furthermore, it can also cause autonomic nervous system disorders such as poor sleep, headaches and tinnitus, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction. 5. Even brief exposure to noise above 110 dB can sometimes cause permanent hearing damage in some people. China’s industrial noise standards, established in 1979, stipulate that noise levels in newly built factories should not exceed 85 dB, while those in existing factories should not exceed 90 dB, which is roughly on par with international standards. If the noise level in the workplace exceeds **the standard, earplugs, earmuffs, or noise-canceling helmets should be worn to protect hearing from damage caused by noise.