Editing Noise (section)

=== United States ===
In 1972, the [[Noise Control Act]] was passed to promote a healthy living environment for all Americans, where noise does not pose a threat to human health. This policy's main objectives were: (1) establish coordination of research in the area of [[noise control]], (2) establish federal standards on noise emission for commercial products, and (3) promote public awareness about noise emission and reduction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-noise-control-act|title=Summary of the Noise Control Act |website=Environmental Protection Agency |language=en|access-date=2016-06-16|date=2013-02-22}}</ref><ref>Noise Control Act of 1972, P.L. 92-574, 86 Stat. 1234, {{Usc|42|4901}} – {{Usc|42|4918}}.</ref>

The [[Quiet Communities Act of 1978]] promotes noise control programs at the state and local level and developed a research program on noise control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/95/s3083/text|title=Text of S. 3083 (95th): Quiet Communities Act (Passed Congress/Enrolled Bill version) – GovTrack.us|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=2016-06-16}}</ref> Both laws authorized the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] to study the effects of noise and evaluate regulations regarding noise control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/title-iv-noise-pollution|title=Title IV – Noise Pollution |website=Environmental Protection Agency |language=en|access-date=2016-06-16|date=2015-06-03}}</ref>

The [[National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]] (NIOSH) provides recommendation on noise exposure in the workplace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/stats.html|title=CDC – Facts and Statistics: Noise – NIOSH Workplace Safety & Health|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/02/08/noise/|title=CDC – NIOSH Science Blog – Understanding Noise Exposure Limits: Occupational vs. General Environmental Noise|website=blogs.cdc.gov|date=8 February 2016 |access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref> In 1972 (revised in 1998), NIOSH published a document outlining recommended standards relating to the occupational exposure to noise, with the purpose of reducing the risk of developing permanent hearing loss related to exposure at work.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/1970/73-11001.html|title=CDC – NIOSH Publications and Products – Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Noise (73-11001)|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=2016-06-15|doi=10.26616/NIOSHPUB76128|year=1975|doi-access=free}}</ref> This publication set the recommended exposure limit (REL) of noise in an occupation setting to 85 dBA for 8 hours using a 3-dB exchange rate (every 3-dB increase in level, duration of exposure should be cut in half, i.e., 88 dBA for 4 hours, 91 dBA for 2 hours, 94 dBA for 1 hour, etc.). However, in 1973 the [[Occupational Safety and Health Administration]] (OSHA) maintained the requirement of an 8-hour average of 90 dBA. The following year, OSHA required employers to provide a [[hearing conservation program]] to workers exposed to 85 dBA average 8-hour workdays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/new_noise/index.html#effectsofexcessive|title=OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) {{!}} Section III: Chapter 5 – Noise|website=www.osha.gov|access-date=2016-06-15}}</ref>