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Progress and recommendations of developing occupational exposure limits for noise-A systematic review
Anke Zeng1, Yuwen Huang2, Jiarui Xin1
1National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Heliyon
|September 26, 2024
Summary
Occupational noise exposure limits (OELs) are crucial for preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This review analyzed global standards, finding variations in definitions and recommendations for revised OELs considering noise type and co-exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational hazard.
- Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are essential for mitigating NIHL risks.
- Current OELs for workplace noise vary globally and require updates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress and recommendations for developing occupational exposure limits (OELs) for workplace noise.
- To analyze international noise exposure standards and guidelines.
- To identify key factors for revising existing noise exposure standards.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review methodology was employed.
- Analysis of noise exposure standards from 38 national/international organizations.
- Inclusion of laws, regulations, guidelines, and recommendations for OEL revision (2000-2023).
Main Results:
- Significant global variation exists in defining noise types and 8-h OELs (80-90 dB(A)).
- OELs increasingly incorporate metrics like Lmax, Lpeak, and noise dose.
- Noise risk management strategies utilize OELs, action levels (ALs), and risk classification.
- Concerns include co-exposure to noise and ototoxic substances and effects on susceptible populations.
Conclusions:
- OELs should integrate indicators such as Lmax, noise dose, Lpeak, and action levels.
- Future noise OEL development must address co-exposures, hearing protection device (HPD) attenuation, susceptible groups, and noise temporal structure.
- Revising standards based on noise kurtosis and effective noise levels is recommended.
