40 dB is too low

Even though noise from BH's speakers should be controlled, personally I feel that the current permissible sound level 40 dB (specified by the guideline) is considered difficult to achieve.

According to WHO's recommendation, the standard for the residential area should be 55db during the day, 45db during the night.

In order to justify my argument, I substantiate herewith some info related to this matter.


Q : What does a decibel measure?
A : The decibel is a measure of sound intensity as a function of power ratio, with the difference in decibels between two sounds being given by dB=10 log 10 (P 1 /P 2 ), where P 1 and P 2 are the power levels of the two sounds.
Q : What is the decibel level of normal sound?
A : The level of normal conversation is about 50 to 60 dB.

www.encyclopedia.com




the Montgomery County Noise Control Ordinance makes it illegal to:
• Operate, or allow to be operated, a radio, television, or other electronic sound-producing device on public or private property if the sound exceeds 55 decibels at the receiving property line.

www.montgomerycountymd.gov


Sound that the human ear can perceive is measured in decibels, or dB(A), with a device known as a decibel meter. Good quality sound measuring equipment can easily exceed $10,000, and takes a trained technician to operate and interpret documented test results. This is not equipment that you can obtain from the local rental company.

People often compare various sound situations for their own perspective. The average background noise in a house is about 50 dB(A), while a car driving down a street will be measured at 60 dB(A) at a distance of 300 feet. A “quiet” vacuum cleaner will emanate sound at 70 dB(A), about the same noise level that is attributed to an expressway when standing 100 feet away from it. Nearby trees on a breezy day will measure about 55 to 60 dB(A) on a decibel meter.

The human ear can only distinguish sound differences of about 3 dB(A) or greater. This means that a sound source must be at least 3 dB(A) louder than ambient, or background environmental, sound before there is a noticeable difference between a given sound and other background noises.

www.awea.org/faq/sagrillo/ms_noise_0404.html



Sound pressure levels in the dining room ranged from 70dB(A) to 85dB(A), with peak noise levels as loud as 100 dB(A). Typical residential sound levels in a noisy home are in the 50 to 60 db range. Levels in the 80-85dB range are more consistent with factories and shop floors.

www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/Publications/ArchitecturalBarriers.htm


Therefore, acceptable noise level for residential area should be 55 dB.