[Measurement and analysis of environmental noise]

In the assessment of community noise, it is important to determine the noise conditions responsible for the disturbance. This can be done with knowledge of the operating conditions and with help of the time history of the noise over an extended period. This information must be gathered in consideration of the appropriate standards and regulations. The spectral distribution of the noise as well as its time history are measured. For noise with impulsive character or containing pure tone components, a factor is added. Psychological factors must be considered. As noise criterion, the corresponding immission limits are applied. The problems of establishing such limits and the most important noise abatements measures are discussed.