550/9.74-002
SOVIK I
NOISE RESEARCH LITERATURE
From the F.F. Erisman
Scientific Research Institute for Hygiene
Moscow, USSR
APIIL1I74
U.S. I NVIRONMKNTAi;PROTi;(TK)N ACil N< Y
Washington, IXC. 20460
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Document is available in limited quantities through the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise
Abatement and Control, Room 1128, Crystal Mall //2, 1Q21
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 20460.
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550/9-74-002
SOVIET NOISE RESEARCH LITERATURE
From the F.F. Erisman
Scientific Research Institute for Hygiene
Moscow, USSR
APRIL 1974
Prepared For:
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
Under Contract No. 68-01-2229
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PREFACE
The following are six reports translated from the original
Russian and German. These reports were provided by Dr. I. L.
Karagodina, of the F.F. Erisman Research Institute of Hygiene,
Moscow, USSR, through the good offices of Paul N. Borsky,
Director of Noise Research at Columbia University.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Preface 1
REPORT
A. Effectiveness of Noise Reduction Measures for 2
Pneumatic Looms ... L.. I. Maksim ova, I. T.
Anreyev. A. Ye. ZapsepLn, and R. J. Suhkova.
1968
B. Hygienic Importance of the Problem of Noiee 8
Abatement in The Cities . . . I. L. Karagodina,
1971
C. Several Procedural Questions in the Study of 12
the Effect of Noise on the Human and Animal
Organisms . . . L.I. Maksimova. Ye. A.
Geltishcheua, and I. L. Kargedina
D. Effect of Industrial Noise With Different Parameters 20
on the Auditory Analyzer and the Central Nervous
System of Working Juveniles . . . Ye. A. Galtisheva.
1973
E. Data for a Hygienic Evaluation of Urban Noise . . . 27
S. A. Soldatkina, Yu. V. Novikov. and T. V.
Yudina, 1973
F. Standard Requirements Concerning Aviation Noise in 30
the Community ... I. L. Karagodina, A. Putlinia. -and
S. A. Soldatkina, 1973
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Effectiveness of Noise Reduction Measures For Jet Air Rapier -Looms
Li. I. Maksimova, I. T. Andreyev, A. Ye. Zatsepin, and R. I. Suchkova
The high noise levels inweaving shops, which are produced
by modern looms, demand the use of individual protective measures,
in addition to a search for means of combatting noise at its source.
The Special Bureau for Weaving Equipment and the Ail-Union Scientific
Research Institute of Textile Machine Construction have worked our
measures for reducing the noise of jet air rapier looms.
A comprehensive health-noise evaluation was conducted in
weaving shops equipped with jet air rapier looms; automatic, P-105,
non-shuttle looms; and AT-100-5M shuttle looms. The physical
character of the noise was established for a single jet air rapier loom
before and after implementing noise reduction measures. In particular,
an evaluation of sound absorption level is presented for a metal pro-
tective housing, lined with Porolon. The sound absorption effectiveness
of seven types of muffling material was studied - AKS, ENIMS,
TsNIIMAShDETAL,1, rubber, felting (35 and 55 mm thick), and felt-
rubber. The physical noise characteristics were determined for a jet
air rapier loom in which the metal idler gears were replaced by
composition ones (Textelite) and the steel blades were replaced by
aluminum ones.
Gigiona i Sanitariya, 12, 1965, pp. 87-89.
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The noise Levels were measured three times using Sh-63
IRPA sound level meter. In view of the steady character of loom noise,
an ASh-ZM analyzer was used for the noise analysis. During the
operation of single looms, all the measurements were made in four
places: in front, to the left, behind, and to the right of the loom,
at the level of the operator's head, la shops, the noise levels -were
measured at several points, equally spaced not more than 20 m apart.
As has been established, the over-all noise level in a
weaving shop equipped with 1226 AT-100-5M looms was equal to
105-106 dB and was almost identical in all areas. High-frequency
spectral components (SPL,) predominate. In the 4000 and 8000 Hz
octave bands, they reached 98-101 dB. In the mid- and -low frequency
ranges, a gradual decrease in SPL is noted, to 90-95 dB, with a more
pronounced decrease to 76 dB in the octave centered at 63 Hz. In the
high frequency range the levels exceed permissable levels by 10 to 33 dB.
Over-all noise level in a shop equipped with 168 non-shuttle,
automatic P-105 looms is 98 dB. The predominant SPL in the noise
spectrum occurs in the octaves centered at 125 and 2000 Hz and are
equal to 92-95 dB. In the remaining areas, SPL is somewhat lower,
84-88 dB.
Consequently, during the operation of non-shuttle, automatic,
P-105 looms, over-all noise level is 7-8 dB less. The most pronounced
difference in SPL, 13 - 18 dB, is in the 4000 Hz octave band. However,
SPL in high-frequency octave bands exceed permissible levels by 5-15 dB.
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In view of the fact that one of the weaving shops was equipped
with nine jet air rapier looms, it is only possible to compare roughly
its sound levels with those in shops with more than 100 looms. During
the operation of the nine looms, SPL in certain octave bands exceed
by 9 - 10 dB the SPL during the operation of 168 P-105 looms. It is
well known that during the operation of 100 looms with identical noise
levels, the overall level in the shop increases 20 dB in comparison
with noise occurring during the operation of a single loom. Practically
speaking, as was observed in the'weaving shop equipped with AT-100-5M
shuttle looms, the over all level may increase only 10 dB, since the
noise levels of the separate looms differ and their joint operation does
not yield an increase over the noise level of a single loom which is equal
to 20 dB. But under these conditions also, the noise levels in the shop
equipped with jet air rapier looms will significantly exceed the
permissible levels.
The data obtained are the basis for proposing measures for
reducing the noise of jet air rapier looms. In particular, in an
experimental model of a loom, metal idler gears were replaced with
Testolite ones, steel gears were replaced by aluminum, and the
housing was covered with Porolon. The effectiveness of measures
for noise reduction of jet air rapier looms was evaluated in a
relatively quiet room in a weaving shop, in an area 150 sq m in
size (10 x 15). The measurements and noise analyses were made
during the operation of one loom.
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During the operation of a jet air rapier loom before the
application of soundproofing material, noise of 94-96 dB occurs,
with the level at 8000 Hz predominating (90-92 dB). At 63 Hz, the
noise level is equal to 75-77 dB, i. e. 15 dB lower than at 8000 Hz.
At other frequencies, the difference is less by 3-10 ctB. Noise
levels range between 78 and 90 dB. In the high frequency region,
they exceed permissible limits by 5-15 dB. High SPL at 8000 Hz
occurs because of the operation of the blade drive gear, evidently,
partially due to the movement of the blades themselves as well as
measurement data from the operation of the jet air rapier loom,
without the blade drive gear, and the blades and heddle movements
in operation. According to this, the noise level is lower at 8000 Hz
Lining the protective metal housing with Porolon secures
the lowering of the SPL, in the 8000-Hz octave band by 3-6 dB. During
the operation of the jet air rapier loom in which the steel gears were
replaced by composition, ones and the steel blades by aluminum. SPL
at 8000 Hz are lower by 5-9 dB. Overall noise levels behind and to the
right of the loom are 1-2 dB lower. The protective metal housing
without the lining of sound-absorbent materials does not affect the SPL.
With the use of AKS muffling material, SPL at 8000 Hz
increase 4-9 dB and the overall level is decreased by 1 dB.
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The application of ENIMS muffling material leads to a
decrease in levels in the 63-hZ octave band by 3-7 dB, while Lowering
the overall levels by 1-2 dB. Using different types of muffling, an
insignificant (1-2 dB) decrease is also attained for overall noise level,
while decreasing levels at 63 Hz by 2-6 dB. With the use of felt-
rubber muffling, an increase in SPL is noted at 8000 Hz by 4-10 dB.
Thus, the majority of soundproofing methods did not yield
satisfactory results. Noise absorption of about 6 dB in the 8000 Hz
octave band is not sufficient. Noise absorption in the 63-Hz octave
band, which is observed with the application1 of muffling material, is
unsuitable, since in this range the noise inweaving shops already
usually conforms to permissible levels. It is necessary to note that
the use of muffling can lead to an increase in SPL in the 8000-Hz
octave band.
CONCLUSIONS
1. During the operation of jet air rapier looms in shops, noise
is produced which exceeds the permissible levels established
for industrial establishments. Noise in the operation of such
looms is due, in the 8000-Hz octave band, mainly to the
blade drive gear and the heddie movement.
2. The lining of the loom's protective metal housing with a
layer of Porolon 1 cm thick provides insignificant noise
absorption. The replacement of steel loom gears by
composition (Textolite) provided a noticeable reduction
in SPL in the 800-Hz octave band. The use of muffling
causes an insignificant loom noise reduction.
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SO
Spectral Oharacterlstlca of Noise In
Heaving Shops.
Shuttle looms AT-100-5M
Air jet rapier looms
Shuttlalesa automatic looms P-105
Maximum permissible noise (per
Temporary Sanitary Norms for
Industrial Noise 205-56)
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Translation From the German
Seventh International Congress on Acoustics, Budapest, 1971
•Hygienic Importance of the Problem Noise Abatement in the Cities
I. L. Karagodina, F. F. Erisman Research Institute of Hygiene,
Moscow, USSR
During the last decade the task of noise reduction gained
increased social and economic importance. The rapid growth of
cities, industry, and traffic causes a steady increase of background
noise in residential areas. The major sources of urban noise are
traffic vehicles such as heavy trucks,, trains, and airplanes. The
noise proportion contributed to the urban noise level by street traffic
is on the order of 80 percent. A direct relationship was found between
increase of noise level and increasing traffic density and the efficiency
of vehicle motors and speed of traffic. During the last few years
these factors only caused a noise level increase in.cities of 12 - 14
dB, i. e. , 1 dB per year. At present the urban traffic noise level
is on the order of 100 dBA. High noise levels are prevalent in working
places in industrial plants, offices, apartment and hospital buildings.
on the streets and in the parks; people are under the influence of
noise for a lifetime.
Urban noise is studied by experts in various research
institutes: e.g., by physicians, acoustical engineers, architects,
etc.
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Noise maps were developed'for several large cities in
Russia that serve as a basis for the set-up of perspective traffic
plans and for the development of possibilities for noise reduction
in urban planning. Studies have shown that one-third of the residential
areas with small housing complexes are subject to high noise levels.
Large-scale population surveys documented that 50 - 100
'percent of apartment residents living in apartment buildings 100
'meters off highways reported their living quarters to be very noisy.
During the day and with the windows open the noise level in these
apartments reached up to 60 - 80 dBA.
In order to investigate the character of urban noise
physiologic and hygienic studies were conducted both under natural
conditions (in apartments, in residential areas, on streets, in
hospitals), and in the laboratory (in soundproof chambers). Samples
of all population groups were studied (housewives, retirees, students,
intellectuals, workers, healthy and sick persons, and children). In
addition the mechanism of noise effects was studied on reaearch
animals (white rats). Modern electrophysiologic, biochemical,
and histologic research methods were employed.
Studied were the objective characteristics of the organism's
conditions, the subjective counter-reactions to noise, and the frequency
of disease among population groups subjected to various noise levels
present in their area of residence (i. e. , urban traffic noise of varying
intensity, and airport noise).
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Traffic noise causes a steady strain on hearing which leads
to an. increase of the sound perception threshold by 10 - 25 dB. Noise
levels over 70 dBA interfere with speech perception. In the brain
noise has inhibitory effects that lead to changes in continued reflexes.
Effects on the cardiovascular system are decreased of Lhe systolic
and increase of diastolic blood pressure. The arterial pressure
variation may be 20 and 30 mm Hg.
Shifts of the electrocardiogram have been found to be due to
an increase in heart cycle and decrease in pulse rate due to noise.
Decrease of the pulse frequency amplitude may be due to arterio-
cdnstriction.
Study of the sleep pattern among inhabitants of apartments
adjacent to major traffic arteries in Moscow showed that the time
required to go to sleep was increased by as much as l-l| hours at
noise levels of 50-60 dBA. Depth of sleep decreased by 60 percent.
After awakening the people felt tried, had heart palpitations and
headaches. Sleeping criteria are normal if the noise levels do not
exceed 30-35 dBA. Under these conduians the average time spead
going to sleep in 15-20 minutes and stage-of-sleep level criterion
is 85 percent.
Lack of normal recovery time after a working day and
sleeping disturbance led to chronic fatigue, which in turn causes a
variety of diseases, e. g. , central nervous system, cardiovascular,
(hypertension.), and hearing disorders. Studies proved a relation-
ship between increase of total disease frequency on one hand and
traffic and airplane noise, and residence in a noisy environment on the
other hand.
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Physiologic and hygienic research determined the threshold
of harmful influences to lie between 30-35 dBA and Led to the
establishment of standards for urban noise limits. The Department
of Health in the USSR has ratified "Sanitary Standards for Permitted
Noise Levels in Apartment Buildings, Public Buildings, and Zones
of Residential Areas" (No. 87Z-70) that are obligatory for urban
planners and construction organizations.
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Several Procedural Questions in the Study of the Effect of Noise on the
Human and Animal Organisms
L. I. Maksimova, Ye. A. Gel'tishcheva. and I. L. Karagodina
F. F. Erisman Scientific Research Institute of Hygiene, Moscow
The authors consider a number of factors in the study of
noise effects on human beings and animals, using procedural approaches
which differed from those of previous studies. The effect of noise on
the organism was investigated in the areas of occupational health.
the health of children and adolescents, and community hygiene.
The study of the effects of noise pursue various aims.
Most common are studies pertaining to the human organism, in
which the responded reaction is analyzed in relation to the character
and duration of the noise, individual and age features, state oi health,
etc. These have significance in working out health standards for
different groups of the general and working populations (adults,
adolescents), and for residences, public buildings, and areas of
industrial and residential construction. Studies are conducted as a
basis for developing measures for limiting noise impact.
Gigiena i Sanitariya, 7. 1973, pp. 30-34.
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The subjects are chosen for a study in relation to the
problem to be investigated. In industrial establishments and in
physiological studies on the effect of industrial noise, a group of
persons is selected, who have no chronic illness, and, in addition.
age, sex, length of time worked, and profession are taken into account.
It is therefore necessary to consider an age group classification
scheme, with boys 13-16 years of age and girls 12-15 corresponding
to the age of adolescence and young men 17-21 and young women 16-
20 corresponding to the age of youth. Subjects of this age must be
divided from adults in separate groupings. In addition, in order to
work out recommendations on rational organization of labor and a
basis for contraindications to work, the effect of noise on functional
reactivity of the organism in healthy and ill persons must be studied.
Studies in the area of community health are conducted with
different groups of the population - healthy and ill persons, including
children, adolescents, youth, grownups, and old people. People in
mental and physical types of occupations are represented, as well as
housewives and retired persons.
In physiological studies under industrial conditions, it is
expedient to choose a group of eight to ten people of the same sex,
age, and occupation, and to make observation for a minimum of three
,to five days. It is necessary to try for a greater number of persons
tobserved for a shorter length of time, rather than a smaller number
of people observed for a longer time. This permits the consideration
of different individual features which are leveled out in statistical analysis.
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Under industrial conditions, physiological studies are con-
ducted prior to the start of work, during work, .and after the working
day. Simultaneously, methods are used which are directed toward
revealing the effect of the work process Ltself on functional state,
as in the muscle system. Under the laboratory experimental conditions,
a group of subjects is chosen who are identical in sex and age and who
are not exposed to the effect of harmful external factors. The number,,
of persons can be limited to five to ten for an observation of no les^
than five to ten days. At the beginning of the physiological studies,
the baseline indices decrease in the course of several days, and
training is conducted according to each method of study until stable
indices are obtained. Under real-life conditions in a health expert-:
ment, observations are carried out in industry, schools, residences,
and other noise impact areas during the work and school day, sleep
and rest, various types of'day, week, month, year, and over several
years.
Control studies are obligatory for noise-effect studies.
/
Under lab conditions the controls may be persons observed in a
room not affected by noise and under various other, conditions. In this
case, background noise in the rooms must be no higher than 30 dBA.
Control studies on animals are conducted on independent groups under
identical conditions with no noise exposure. Under industrial conditions,
the control may be a group of workers with similar character and
working conditions, but with significantly lower noise levels, or the
same group of workers using individual means of noise protection.
In the area of community studies, the control can be groups of the
population which are not subject to the action of intrusive noise (industrial,
i
urban, aviation, railroad, etc.) i.e. , groups of people who live in
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relatively quiet conditions.
In the laboratory experiment, orientation studies are
conducted with single or repeated exposure from 3 to 30 minutes.
The studies have indicated that optimal exposure is one hour. A
very sharp increase in auditory threshold is observed toward the
end of a one-hour noise impact. With longer exposure to noise.
an insignificant decrease in hearing sensitivity is noted. The
functional state of other organs and systems may worsen with longer
exposure, even without exposure to noise. In studies of urban noise
at relatively low levels, real-life conditions must be used. Therefore
the duration of the experiment may be increased up to eight hours,
as in sleep studies.
The exposure of animals to noise may last from five
minutes to eight hours a day of even round-the-clock in the course
of several months. It is expedient to continue observations in the
recovery period, especially in experimental studies.
The effect of noise on workers and the general population
ought to be studied by an assortment of different objective and subjective
methods which characterize the functional state of the separate organs
and systems, as well as the organism as a whole. Subjective methods
include surveys using specially prepared questionnaires and analyses
of annoyance. They are widely used in the USSR and abroad to analyze
/
the effect of industrial and urban noise on a large group of people in
the same social conditions. The questionnaires contain questions on
social hygiene, and are analyzed by age, sex, and occupational indices,
by professional experience, as well as the length of exposure to noise.
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The number of people questioned is determined by statistical require-
ments.
In using objective methods of study, special attention is
given to the state of the auditory analyzer, the central nervous
system and cardiovascular system.
Hearing, as the principal function of the auditory analyzer,
is studied from different points of view. In relation to hygiene,
hearing studies are conducted as indicators of the harmful effect of
noise. The method of dynamic tone and speech audiometry and auditory
adaptation is used for this purpose. Speech audiometry is indicative
for certain groups for which speech and hearing are occupational
functions and noise masks signal reception. Noise enters various
parts of the brain through transmission paths in the auditory analyzer,
changing the normal interdependent processes of higher nervous activity.
Intense noise disrupts the balance of stimulation and inhibition processes.
The reflex reactions are altered, pathological phase status are evoked,
and vegetative reactions are disrupted. Long-term action of noise
activates structures of the reticular formation as a result of which
persistent disruptions occur in the activities of a number of systems
in the organism, in particular, the circulatory system. Changes are
noted in electrical brain activity. Therefore during studies of functional
state in the central nervous system, it is expedient to use electro-
encephalographic, nystagmographic, oculographic, and chrono reflex-
ometric studies, and to determine conditioned reflex activity.
Numerous studies give evidence of changes in EKGs. arterial
pressure and vascular tonus. especially in capillaries. For low-level
(urban) noise, a decrease in systolic and an increase in diastolic blood
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pressure are recorded. Plethysmography has revealed substantial
changes in vascular tonus during high-frequency noise. The study
of the functional state in the cardiovascular system is conducted by
recording EKG, blood pressure, pulse, plethysmograms, and
sphygmograms. The study of blood flow in separate areas and organs
can be done by rheography.
The long-term effect of industrial and transportation noise
lessens the capacity for mental work, and lowers work productivity
due to the longer time needed to complete tasks, a decrease in the
work tempo, distraction, and an increase in the number of errors.
Studies are widespread on mental work capacity, attention, and memory
using various psycho-physiological tests. The effect of noise on the
visual and vestibular analyzers, and on the respiratory and muscle
systems, has been studied. Functional changes in the analyzer systems
are noted under the influence of noise. In particular, electrical and
light sensitivity in the visual analyzer change during the process of
dark adaptation, the stability of clear vision decreases, and dilation
of the pupils occurs, lending to a reduction in visual activity.
Shifts are observed given urban noise of 50-60 dB, and, these
increase with noise level. Noise changes the functional state of
the endocrine system and exchange processes. Therefore indicators
for industrial noise are biochemical studies which reflect the
functional state of the adrenal cortex, the sympathetic adrenal systems,
in particular the content of 17-deto steroids and catecholamines
(adrenalin and noradrenalin) in the blood and their removal from the
urine (in people), as well as oxidation - reduction processes (content of
sugar, pyruvic and ascorbic acids, and vitamins in the blood and
tissues of animals).
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To determine the compensation potential of the organism
in the study of various organs and systems, it is expedient to use
corresponding functional samples (the multivariate sample of Masters,
the orthoclinical statistical sample, etc.).
It is necessary in noise-effect studies to use methods
reflecting the functional state of no fewer than three systems (central
nervous and cardiovascular, auditory analyzer or central nervous
and sympathetic adrenal systems, oxidation-reduction processes,
etc.) The number of methods is limited by the time of the study,
which must be within five to seven minutes. First are conducted
the functional studies, which are characterized by rapid recovery
(auditory, cardiovascular, higher nervous activity). It is advantageous
to use electrophysiological methods of study which permit recording
indices of a great many functions and observing the dynamics of their
changes. Multichannel recorders, electrocardiographs, electro-
encephalographs, etc. can be used for this.
The statistical and physiological criteria for evaluating
functional state are different and are determined by the problems and
methods of the study, and by age, and social grouping. However it
is necessary to consider the direction, frequency, and degree of shifts,
the complex evaluation of all the physiological functions studied, their
character evaluation of all the physiological functions studied, their
character and occurrence, and their restoration. In evaluating the
effect of noise on the organism, one must proceed from the physiological
nature and statistical reliability of the shift and the necessity of
exceeding the inherent error in the measurement instruments. Thus,
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in studying the auditory threshold using tone audiometry using equipment
consisting of a sound generator, dynamic telephones, and a lamp
voltmeter, in measuring the accuracy of the apparatus, + or - 1 dB
from the reaction shift may be taken for a 3-5 dB change in hearing,
and 10 dB or more as a significant shift. In determining the auditory
threshold with audiometers, the accuracy of which is + of - 5 dB, a
lOdB threshold shift is a significant shift, and more than 10 dB is a
substantial shift.
Even small shifts is one or more physiological systems must
i
be considered undesirable, since they disrupt the organisms functional
balance and the normal interrelationship with the environment. A
longer recovery time for the specific functions in association with
small shifts may be evaluated as negative indicators during long term
exposure of relatively low noise levels. They are evidence of the
stress of protective-adaptive mechanisms of the human organism
and of the development of inhibition in the brain cortex, which subject-
ively is manifested by fatigue.
noise levels may increase the functional activity of
certain systems during short-term exposure. In the absence of reaction
to noise, it is still not possible to say it is not harmful to man.
Habituation is characterized by removal of strong subjective and
objective sumptoms for some time, at the end of which pathological
phenomena may be revealed on the part of the various organs and systems.
We presume that the recommendations set forth here will
facilitate studies on the effects of noise and the choice of approaches to
solve various methodological problems.
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Effect of Industrial Noise With Different Parameters on the Auditory
Analyzer & the Central Nervous System of Working Juveniles
Ye. A. Gel'tischeva
F. F. Erisman Institute of Hygiene, Moscow
There are no studies which throw light on the effect on
working juveniles of high-frequency industrial noise with parameters
permissible for adults (PS-80) and higher than permissible parameters
(PS-85). Information is also lacking on the effect of industrial noise
with parameters permissible for juveniles (PS-65) . (PS-80 = ISO
Curve N. 80, or about 85 dBA. )
In this article data are presented from studies of the effect
of industrial noise of maximum permissible level on the functional
state of the auditory analyzer and the central nervous system of working
juveniles aged 16-19 years during the work day, in order to work out
prophylactic measures directed toward protecting the labor force.
The studies were conducted in a machine-construction factory. The
Gigiona Truda: Professionally ye Zabolevaniya, 7, 1973, pp. 5-8.
Sanitary Standards and Regulations for Limiting Noise in the Territories
and at Industrial Sites, No. 785-69.
Procedural Rules for the Prophylaxis of the Harmful Effect of
Industrial Noise on the Juvenile Organism, No. 765-687.
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frequency characteristics of the noise were measured by Chief
Engineer G.N. Botiniy, using a sound level meter and RET (East
German) analyzer at all the work sites of juveniles.
Analysis of the frequency range of the industrial noise
and a comparison of the results obtained with the present standard
SN-785-69 permitted the separation of the juvenile work sites into
three groups: 1) industrial noise meets the standard for adults
(PS-80); 2) higher-than-standard noise for adults (PS-85); and 3)
industrial noise meets the standard for juveniles (PS-65). At the
last levels, juveniles worked temporarily on the research days. On
the remaining days they may have been subjected to the effect of
noise of higher intensity. 56 juveniles who had worked up to two
years were under observation (turners, millers, slicers and drillers.
electricians). They worked on the first shift from 7:20 a. m. lo 3-4
p. m. with a lunch break of 40 minutes. All the youths under-went a
preliminary medical check-up.
The physiological studies were conducted in health stations
before work, before the lunch break (about 3-3j hours later), and
immediately after work. Each juvenile was observed from one to five
days. First, before the examination, questions were asked about the
state of health, sleep at night, activities the preceding evening, etc.
Juveniles with good health were chosen for the studies.
Our observations indicate that some juveniles in the first
and second groups suffered from ringing in the ears, headache, increased
fatigue, and poor tolerance of industrial noise. Auditory thresholds
were determined two minutes after leaving the shop, using a semi-
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automatic audiometer at seven fixed frequencies: 125, 250. 1000,
2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz. Temporary threshold shift was determined,
based on the difference between indices taken before the noise exposure
(before work), before lunch, and at the end of work.
An analysis of individual data showed that generally a change
in hearing sensitivity is determined by parameters of the noise and by
its duration, and is also greatly determined by individual peculiarities.
A clear dependence of threshold shift for the same noise parameters on
age was not indicated. All this made necessary the statistical evaluation
of auditory threshold indices in relation to the industrial noise para-
meters studied. About 200 audiometric examinations were conducted.
The greatest changes in auditory threshold were noted at
high frequencies, especially at 4000 and 8000 Hz, at the end of the
work day for noise parameters equal to PS-80 and PS-85. This is
evidence of the manifest fatigue of the auditory analyzer and the
absence of adaptation to the noise parameters indicated. Analogous
data were obtained for a significantly high sound pressure level (95-
105 dB) of high-frequency industrial noise in juveniles undergoing
industrial training in the factory. Less obvious were changes after
noise exposure not exceeding the standard for juveniles, PS-65.
Auditory threshold shift is detected by the frequency character of the
noise and agrees with data obtained by various other authors.
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The results of the studies of auditory threshold in juveniles
in the first and second groups attest to the potential danger of hearing
loss. Threshold shift at the high frequencies sometimes reaches high
amounts (Z5-30 dB). The auditory threshold indices sometimes do not
recover after 16 hours of rest or even after two days off. This is
evidence of the manifest cumulative effect of industrial noise corresponding
to the limits of PS-80 and PS-85. After one year of (and in certain noise
sensitive youths, after 2-4 months), a threshold shift was observed
with no recovery after two to four weeks of rest. All this shows the
disruption of auditory analyzer reaction and, in the presence of a
permanent threshold shift, in all probability, an earlier organic injury
to the organ of Corti, in the period of auditory analyzer formation of
a young age.
As a result of the industrial noise (PS-80 and PS-85), a
decrease occurs in auditory analyzer excitability by virtue of the
development of the process of inhibition in the central nervous system,
which is confirmed by the results of chrono-reflexometric investigations.
The latent reaction time was determined for light and sound stimuli
for reflex motor reactions with spoken instruction beforehand.
An analysis of the investigations indicated high values of
latent reaction time to light and sound stimuli even before work, in
.comparison with the results obtained for middle-school students in the
upper classes. The average time was obtained before work and
.during the work day was greater for sound stimuli than for light stimuli,
which is proof of the disruption of inter-central relationships.
-------
Toward the end of a work day in noise at PS-80 and PS-85
levels, the number of persons (13 percent) increased with disrupted
intercentral relationships, especially in the second group. More
obvious shifts in simple reaction indices to light and sound were
noted for PS-80 and PS-85 noise than for PS-65. The number of
adolescents who made mistakes in differentiation increased. Especially
clear was the number of errors in PS-80 and PS-85 noise for a sound
stimulus. An analysis of individual data showed that 16 hours of rest
or even two consecutive days were almost insufficient to revice the
functional state of the central nervous system-
Industrial noise equal to the permissible standard (PS-80)
or above the standard (PS-85), acting on working adolescents daily,
five days a week, leads to a sharp decrease in the excitability of the
central nervous system, a weakening of the strength of internal
inhibition, and a disruption of intercentral relationships between
analyzers, as manifested by the development of fatigue and overwork.
Thus, industrial noise permissible for adults (PS-80) or of higher
level (PS-85) is a strong stimulus for adolescents. It leads to
extensive changes in functional state, as evidenced by the disruption
of the possibility of compensation and by the manifest additive effect
of industrial noise. Noise just meeting the standard for juveniles
(PS-6S) evokes less obvious changes, indicating the development of
inhibition in the auditory analyzer and central nervous system.
Z4
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The disruption of intercent^al relationships in juveniles
working in noise corresponding to PS 165 is evidently explained by noise
exposures on preceding days, when th^y worked under higher intensity
noise. On the basis of the data obtained, recommendations were worked
out to improve working conditions and to introduce means of individual
protection.
25
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Table 1
Group
/f:.
1
o
3
T)me tf- JQ
-------
Data for a Hygienic Evaluation of Urban Noise
S.A. Soldatkina, Yu. V. Novikov, and T. V. Yudina
F. F. Erisman Scientific Research Institute of Hygiene. Moscow
Health questions concerning the effect of urban noise on the
organism are very real. Studies of animals have indicated not only
the dynamics of biological changes but the character of the unpleasant
effects of noise as well. However, there are only a few experimental
studies on the effect of transportation noise on animals.
In our studies, the effect of 80 dBA noise on animals was
determined by physiological and biochemical methods. 130 male
white rats were used in the experiment. The functional state of the
central nervous system was evaluated based on the value of latent
reaction time to an electrical skin stimulus; functional state of the
cardiovascular system was based on arterial pressure reaction. The
animals (the control and experimental groups) were subjected for two
to three weeks to conditions in which noise level did not exceed 40 dBA.
During this time, baseline indices of the physiological functions were
taken in the animals. Then the experimental group was subjected to
the effect of 80 dBA low-frequency transportation noise for a period
of one month, for six hours a day. During this time the studies were
repeated every day. In each series of observations, the indices of
physiological functions in the experimental group were compared with
the baseline and the control group.
Gigiena i Sanitariya, 3, 1973, pp. 16-20
27
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The biochemical studies included the determination of
ascorbic acid content in the tissues, a study of sorption capacity of
cells, and a determination of histamine in the brain. The studies
were conducted on the 15th and the 30th days of noise exposure and
for 15 days after its cessation. A study of the permeability of histo-
hematic barriers using tagged atoms was conducted on the 30th day
of noise exposure. The data obtained from the experimental animals
were compared with the controls. The results of the studies are
'presented as the group average and were treated statistically.
The first indication of noise impact on the experimental
animals was motor agitation in the first hours of its action. Toward
the end of the first day, all the rats collected together in a corner of
the cage away from the noise source and went to sleep. In the course
of several days they remained restrained; in the final stage their
behavior did not differ from that of the control group. Noise had no
effect on growth or weight of the animals.
In the study of the long-term, effect of noise on animals,
the method used was that of determining latent reaction time to an
electrical skin stimulus as an index of the functional state of the central
nervous system. Toward the end of the first day. the effect of
80 dBA noise which was noted was a somewhat lengthened Latent
reaction time. From the second week until the end of the experiment,
the noise increased the background indices significantly, although
the behavior of the experimental animals did not differ from that of the
controls. Arterial pressure under noise sharply increased (by 20 mm)
and remained so to the end of exposure. Thus, a noise level of 80 dBA
harmfully affected the animals unconditional reflex activity and cardio-
vascular system.
-------
Disruption of nervous system function was associated most
closely with shifts in the exchange of substances. The quantity of
bio-chemical studies which throw light on this question are very
limited. They revolve mainly on separate aspects of the exchange.
The important role in substance exchange was played by ascorbic
acid. Based on its content in the adrenal glands, we determined the
functional state of the endocrine system. A decrease in ascorbic acid
content in the adrenal glands, as well as their weight increase, under
'the influence of noise is believed to indicate the occurrence of protective
reactions of the general adaptation syndrome type. Chronic noise
exposure leads to a deficiency in the tissues (brain, liver, skin,
muscles) of ascorbic acid as a result of its passage with urine; so that
in rats it may be considered a result of reduction in the synthesizing
function.
Ascorbic acid was determined by the colorimetric method in
the adrenal glands, brain, liver, kidneys, spleen and testicles.
In the adrenal glands, a 12 percent decrease in ascorbic
acid content was noted at first with 80 dBA noise, then a 28 percent
increase, and in the recovery period somewhat of a decrease again
(seven percent). In the other organs (brain, liver, spleen, kidneys,
testicles), the changes bore an analogous phasic character. In the
first half of the exposure period (up to the 15th day), the quantity of
ascorbic acid decreased 10-33 percent. Toward the end of the noise
exposure (on the 30th day) it increased 8-32 percent, and two weeks
after the conclusion of noise exposure, it decreased 6-11 percent.
29
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To determine the functional state of the central nervous and
endocrine systems, the method of vital staining was used, which
allowed for determining the state of active cells. Changes in the
quantity of associated stained cells occur even in very slight noise
exposure. Therefore such a procedure has found application in
studies of the biological effect of ultrasound. As the studies indicated,
'the greatest amount of staining occured in the adrenal glands, then
the pituitary body, and somewhat less in the brain. Lease cell
activity was noted in the testicles.
With 80 dBA noise during the first half of the exposure time,
the sorption capacity of brain cells increased 25-36 percent, but it
hardly changed (one to three percent) in the pituitary and adrenal
glands. Toward the end of exposure (the 30th day), a decrease of
33-38 percent was recorded for sorption of cells in the organs studied.
In the recovery period, sorption activity of cells differs only insigni-
ficantly from the control group (10-15 percent). The effect of noise
was observed on the adrenal and pituitary glands and the brain, while
in the parietal region of the brain, the process of sorption proceeded
more actively than in the temporal region.
i
The quantity of histamine in brain tissue of rats subjected
to 80 dBA noise increased 87% over the control group up to the 15th
day of exposure. By the 30th day, this difference was reduced
significantly (8. 7 percent).
Barrier mechanisms serve ae an indicator of the state of the
organs and physiological systems which maintain the constancy of the
internal organs and tissues. The importance of the state of the histo-
30
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hematic barriers for the living organism points up the necessity for
studying the effect of noise on their permeability. Studies have been
conducted on the effect of 100 dBA noise on such barriers in the
brain, especially in the temporal region.
(See attached for Table 1)
An analysis of the data presented in the table above
indicated that 80 dBA noise causes an increase in the permeability
of the histo-hematic barriers in the kidneys (P less than 0. 05).
The barrier permeability for the other organs did not change compared
lo the control group.
Conclusions
The animal studies indicated that the long-term effect of
transportation noise causes physiological and biochemical changes
which are evidence of the development of a general, non-specific
reaction to noise.
31
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Table 1. Effect of 80 dBA Noise on the Permeability of Histo-Hematic Barriers in the Organs
tv
of White Rats
Organ
Brain
Pituitary
Thyroid
Adrenal
Spleen
Kidneys
Liver
M*
Control
Group
29.2 t 3.0
134.1 t 1.0
320.0 -67.4
491.3 - 42. 1
362.8 - 28. 8
609.5 - 59. 3
891.7 -68.8
Exper.
Group
29.9 -2.7
116.6 - 12.5
341.7 - 53.5
499. 7-49.0
409.9 - 80.2
889.7 +70.5
1042.3 - 126.5
Reliability
Coeff.
0.1
1.0
0.2
0. 1
0.5
3.0
1.0
LeVel of Confidence
P
over 0.05
over 0. 05
over 0. 05
over 0. 05
over 0. 05
under 0. 05
over 0. 05
M = (radioactivity of tieaue)
(radioactivity of blood)
x 100
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STANDARD REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING AVIATION NOISE IN THE
COMMUNITY
At; 3rd National Conference Against Noise. Varna, Bulgaria, Oct.
27-29, 1973
I. Li. Karagodina, A. Putlinia, andS.A. Soldatkina, F. F. Erisman
Scientific Research Institute, Moscow
The stormy development of aviation transportation in recent
years has involved an increase in the number of powerful, fast air-
craft, which has led to a sharp increase in noise radiation into the
external medium and a worsening of the acoustic regime in residential
areas. The construction and expansion of airports is becoming all the
more a perceptible barrier to the planned development of a number of
cities.
Standards are being used at the present time to limit aviation
noise in residential areas to levels of 110-112 PNdB (perceived noise
level in decibels), or 100 dBA by day, and to 100-102 PNdB (88-90 dBA)
at night, levels which are excessively high and cannot be considered
acceptable from the point of view of health.
The F. F. Erisman Scientific Research Institute of Hygiene
has been conducting a study for a number of years on noise propagation
from different classes of airports and its effect on the state of health
of the populace, with the aim of formulating guidelines for airport
distribution in city planning.
33
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The effect of aviation noise on the human organism is
determined to a significant degree by the maximum level, duration,
flight density and distribution during a 24-hour period, time of the
year, etc. , which are all considered in the equivalent sound level
in dBA. This level is taken at the present time to evaluate non-
continuous noise in residential areas which is produced by various
modes of transportation.
Physiological and health studies under laboratory conditions
of healthy subjects have indicated that noise levels of 70-80 dB from
aircraft in flight evoke changes in the bioelectrical activity of the
brain and a significant increase in latent reflex reaction time to
light and sound stimuli, in addition to which work decreases and
attention strays. In the cardiovascular system, arrhythmia and
reduction in systole are noted, as well as an increase in arterial
pressure and peripheral vascular tonus.
Observations of young school-age children at dispensaries
in small villages situated near airports revealed functional changes
in the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as distrubance
of hearing. Noise evokes increased fatigue and headache, and it
decreases success in school children.
A study of general morbidity, in the adult population living
at distances up to ten kilometers from airports, indicated an increase
by two to four times in the frequency of disease in the auditory organ,
the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and the gastrointestinal tract.
The increase in morbidity which was noted affects persons of young
and middle age.
34
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An interview survey of 4000 persons, in a population living
at 33 settled areas at a distance of 5-10 km from airports, was con-
ducted on the annoyance of aviation noise, using a specially formulated
questionnaire. The survey indicated that the major complaints
Involved loss of sleep and rest (30-51%), and the remaining forms of
disturbance in daily activities (disturbance of conversation, mental
activity, and physical work, startle, fear, etc.) made up 10-2Z
percent of the complaints.
In round-the-clock airport operation, the annoyance due to
noise is sharply increased. The intensive movement of aircraft during
the entire 24 hour period creates, for the populace living adjacent to
such areas, extremely unbearable levels to which 81 percent of the
complaints were evidence.
The general number of complaints occur in direct proportion
to the value of the equivalent level in the area of the population
points: with an increase in equivalent sound level, the number of
complaints and the sharpness of the populace's reaction increase.
Thus, for L = 58.4 dBA, 49 percent of those questioned complained
eq
of noise. For L = 60.8 dBA, 50 percent complained, for L, = 62. 3
eq eq
dBA = 56 percent, and for L, = 77 dBA, 81 percent.
eq
Aviation noise, like no other, causes anrioyance and fear due
to its unexpected occurrence in a quiet interior background, especially
at night and to children. The populace notes that aviation noise fatigues,
annoys, disrupts sleep and rest, and does not permit the possibility of
concentrating at work.
35
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The effect of maximum levels for single aircraft flights
were evaluated under laboratory conditions based on subjective
evaluation data, using the method of "mass observations". Aviation
noise was used as the annoyance factor and had been recorded on
magnetic tape in the form of a noise scenario during the take-off
of a TU-104 turbojet aircraft. Levels from 70 to 100 dBA were
studied. Noise was evaluated on a five-point scale; no annoyance,
tolerable, disturbing, annoying, unbearable. 79-dBA noise was
evaluated as "tolerable" in 32 percent of the cases. With an increase
in noise intensity, the answers "disturbing" and "annoying" increase
and. correspondingly, the number of "no annoyance" evaluations
decrease. For aviation noise levels of 85 dBA, 59 percent of the
answers were negative, and 90-dBA noise "annoyed" in 61 percent
of the cases. 100-dBA noise in subjectively unacceptable, according
to 88 percent of the answers received.
Thus, the results of studies conducted under actual and
laboratory conditions indicated that aviation noise levels of 70-85
dBA are acceptable for people's daily activities, L, = 90 dBA
is the limit of tolerability, and L, = levels of 95 dBA and higher exert
an unpleasant influence on the populace and cannot be permitted in a
residential area.
36
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On the basis of these data, the Erisman Institute, together
with the State Scientific Research Institute of Civil Aviation and the
State Scientific Research Institute of Building Physics, State Depart-
ment of Construction, have worked out standards, in accordance with
which equivalent noise levels of L. = 65 dBA (day) and 55 dBA (night) in
residential areas, corresponding to 75 and 85 dBA. Three land use
zones were also established in the neighborhood of airports.
37
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