6 minute read
Hearing loss and tinnitus are just two potential hazards of noise pollution
By Natalie Pless, Special to California Asphalt
Asphalt facilities and road • Heavy-duty bulldozer – TWA construction sites are known 99 dBs – Range 91 – 107 dBs for the noise pollution they seem to create; however, both work • Vibrating road roller – TWA sites are necessary for the production 97 dBs – Range 91–104 dBs and maintenance of roads we drive on. Both asphalt facilities and road • Light-duty bulldozer – TWA construction sites can produce noise 96 dBs – Range 93–101 dBs pollution from the many different tasks and machinery associated with • Asphalt road roller – TWA 95 them; however, if the equipment is dBs – Range 85–103 dBs utilized properly and is continuously maintained, some of the noise may • Wheel loader – TWA 94 dBs – be eliminated. The Environmental Range 87–100 dBs Pollution Center defines noise pollution as “regular exposure to elevated • Asphalt spreader – TWA 91 sound levels that may lead to adverse dBs – Range 87–97 dBs effects in humans or other living organisms.” High noise levels can • Light-duty grader – TWA 89 affect both workers and the dBs – Range 88–91 dBs community, so it is crucial to understand what noise pollution is, • Laborers – TWA 90 dBs – where is comes from, how it effects Range 78–107 dBs people, as well as preventative measures to protect one’s health. Some of the tasks associated
Asphalt facilities have many different with the equipment listed above are moving parts that can cause high not preformed constantly but may levels of noise such as constant still be above regulated levels. Noise conveyor usage, dryer, blower, exhaust pollution begins with being exposed fan, drag slat, mobile equipment, etc. to 85 decibels (dBs) of noise for an However, if each of these components 8-hour period. Once noise reaches are maintained and proper controls 90dBs, even for a short duration, are in place, noise levels should be personal protection equipment (PPE) below harmful levels. Controls such such as hearing protection is required. as containment walls to create a This can be from working in or next sound barrier, replacing faulty to a noisy area, or living within equipment with upgrades to reduce proximity of a noisy worksite. In noise, or insulation can aid in reduction order to ensure noise levels are not of noise levels. Paving Construction creating noise pollution or health tasks involve multiple pieces of concerns, companies should utilize equipment creating noise levels that professionals to examine and evaluate have proven to be harmful to the the noise. Professionals evaluating persons around it. Below is a list an area for noise pollution will use a from the American Industrial Hygiene sound level meter or dosimeters to Association (AIHA) Journal that see if the level of noise are exceeds contains different machinery utilized the Occupational Safety and Health and the time weighted average Association’s (OSHA) regulations. (TWA) in decibels (dBs) relating to the Sound is a valuable part of equipment associated with paving: everyday life, but once sound increases and becomes hazardous noise, it can negatively affect a person’s health. According to OSHA, exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct certain types of hearing loss. Short term exposure to loud noise can also cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems may go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noisy area. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Hearing impairment isn’t the only health concern noise pollution can create; below are illnesses and impairments high noise levels may cause as listed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
Speech Communication — Noise interference with speech comprehension results in many personal disabilities, handicaps, and behavioral changes. Resulting problems may include difficulty maintaining concentration, fatigue, uncertainty and lack of self-confidence, irritation, misunderstandings, decreased working capacity, issues in human relations, and several stress reactions.
Sleep Disturbances — The primary sleep disturbance effects are: difficulty in falling asleep; awakenings; alterations of sleep stages or depth, especially a reduction in the proportion of REM-sleep; increased blood pressure; increased heart rate; increased finger pulse amplitude; vasoconstriction; changes in respiration; cardiac arrhythmia;
Cardiovascular and physiological — Acute noise exposures activate the autonomic changes in mood; increase in
and hormonal systems, leading to temporary changes such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and vasoconstriction. After prolonged in the general population may develop permanent effects, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease associated with exposures to high sound pressure levels.
Mental Health/Stress -- noise is not believed to be a direct cause of mental illness, but it is assumed that it accelerates and intensifies the development of latent mental disorder including anxiety; emotional stress; nervous complaints; nausea; headaches; instability; argumentativeness;
exposure, susceptible individuals social conflicts, as well as general psychiatric disorders such as neurosis and psychosis.
Performance — In workers exposed to occupational noise, that noise adversely affects cognitive task performance.
Considering the health risks noise pollution can potentially create, it is imperative to participate in utilizing preventative measures to ensure personal safety.
The most common noise control utilized is hearing protection, this As we continue to navigate through this pandemic, we want you to know all of us at the PRS family of companies continue our commitment to supporting a safe work and home environment focused on the health and safety of our employee owners, customers and partners. We continue to take aggressive action to protect against the spread of the coronavirus and comply with all government directives to stop the spread of the pandemic, while focusing on servicing the needs of our customers throughout this challenging time with the same dedication to quality and customer service you have come to expect from us.
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type PPE comes in two forms: ear plugs and earmuffs. If used correctly, these products can reduce the likelihood of hearing loss. Communities such as office buildings or neighborhoods in close proximity to asphalt plants can reduce noise levels by increasing the surrounding vegetation. Vegetation creates a natural barrier in the reduction of noise. Utilizing preventative measures can help prevent negative health concerns by reducing noise exposure.
Asphalt plants and road paving construction are necessities we need for everyday life. Recognizing what noise pollution is, where is comes from, health concerns associated with it and preventative measures in need of our attention is important to maintain a safe environment. Three important things to always remember when dealing with noise pollution include: noise exposure frequency, duration, and intensity; From this, we can find sustainable ways to manage and reduce the potential hazard. CA
Article by Natalie Pless of Westward Environmental, Inc. An environmental and engineering consulting firm. Reprinted with permission. The Westward Environmental, Inc. Website is: www.westwardenv.com
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