EPA Document Collection

About the EPA document collection held by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse.

Subject Index: A B C E G H I L M O P R S T U W
Title Index: A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U W

Single page lists: authors subjects titles
Most useful EPA documents


Title Index

National Ambient Noise Survey
January 1, 1982
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The objectives, methodology, and results of a national survey of outdoor noise environments in urban residential areas are discussed. The objectives were to determine overall noise levels, source contributions, and patterns of spatial and temporal variation in these areas, along with the effect of three locational factors on these parameters. The survey employed a randomized site selection procedure, a startified sampling strategy, and a multifaceted measurement protocol to meet these objectives. Results of the survey include a simple model which predicts Ldn in these areas, projections of nationwide noise impact, average source contributions and temporal noise level histories and average variations in noise level at different locations around residential units.

Nation's Cities - "A Special Report - How Cities Combat Noise"
May 1, 1978
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Noise - How Much is Too Much?
May 20, 1975
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Henning E. von Gierke contends that enough is known about the effects of noise on people to produce guidelines for maximum noise levels. Adopted by the Environmental Protection Ageny, these guidelines are designed to protect the public with an adequate margin of safety against hearing loss from occupational and environmental noise exposures and against interference with speech or other activities indoors or outdoors in residential areas.

Noise - It Hurts!
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Noise - Reprinted for The Tenth Annual Report of the Council on Environmental Quality
December 1, 1979
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Originally published as Chapter 9 of "Environmental Quality-1979: The Tenth Annual Report of the Council on Environmental Quality", this report explores the effects of noise, discusses how noise problems can be measured and what can be done about them, and describes actions now being taken at various levels of government to abate noise. We hope that it aids public understanding of the noise problem and stimulates support for measures which will improve our communities.

Noise: A Challenge to Cities
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Noise: A Health Problem
August 1, 1978
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Noise and its Measurement
January 1, 1981
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Noise and Urban Pedestrian Areas
November 1, 1980
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This study consists of three reports which treat the subject of noise within the context of urban pedestrian areas. The main concern of the study is noise mitigation, although its contents cover a wide range of topics related to noise in the urban environment. The first report provides a description of existing noise mitigation techniques which have application to pedestrian improvement areas. The second report summarizes the actual application of noise mitigation techniques to pedestrian areas based on the results of a questionnaire sent to pedestrian projects throughout the country. The second report also includes the formulation of noise abatment criteria for the design of Broadway Plaza, a proposed pedestrian project in New York City. The third report analyzes actual noise levels and attitudes by pedestrians toward noise in several public plazas in New York CIty based on actual noise monitoring and attitudinal surveys in the plazas.

Noise Around Our Homes
March 1, 1980
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Noise Control Act of 1972
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The Noise Control Act of 1972 as Amended by The Quiet Communities Act of 1978
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Noise Control Ordinance Development: A Guidebook for Local Officials
May 1, 1982
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The future of America's cities depends on how effectively they can compete as desirable places in which to live and work. Much of their attractiveness is determined by the quality of their environment. Noise is adversely affecting the quality of urban life and is a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of our cities' residents. NLC is committed to assisting communities throughout the United States in resolving their various noise problems through the Community and Airport ECHO Program, by promoting the "Buy Quiet" program, and by preparing this publication to emphasize the important steps that a community should take in developing a noise control ordinance. This publication is a step-by-step guide that local officials can use as they undertake the ordinance development process.

Noise Effects Handbook: A Desk Reference to Health and Welfare Effects of Noise
July 1, 1981
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This desk reference contains thmost up-to-date scientific information on the health effects of noise in a "Question and Answer" format designed for technical ro semi-technical audiences such as State and local Noise Control Officials or the general public.

Noise Emission Measurements for Regulatory Purposes
March 1, 1977
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A review is given of the measurement needs attendant to regulation of the noise generated and emitted by commercial products. The emphasis is primarily on measurement procedures for use in conjunction with point-of-sale regulations as opposed to regulations on the noise which a source actually emits when in operation. The report is divided into three major parts. Part I is a discussion of overall measurement requirements and the type of data and information which are needed in order to promulgate regulations based on appropriate measurement techniques. Part II is designed as a checklist for the evaluation of the suitability of a noise measurement standard for a particular class of products or, in the absence of a suitable standard, as a framework for development of one. The intent is to identify and discuss in some detail those factors which can impact on the accuracy, precision, and applicability of a noise measurement process. Part III consists of a series of flow charts depicting the development appropriate procedures for the measurement of product noise emission.

Noise Facts Digest
June 1, 1972
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This pilot issue of Noise Facts Digest has been prepared in response to a widely expressed need for more and better information on the prevention, abatement, and control of noise.

Noise. From the Tenth Annual Report of the Council on Environmental Quality
December 1, 1979
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Health and welfare effects; noise sources and trends; noise control at the local level; state noise programs; the role of the federal government; continuing problems.

Noise, General Stress Responses and Cardiovascular Disease Processes: Review and Reassessment of Hypothesized Relationships
June 1, 1980
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This report contains a limited survey on the existing literature indicating cardiovascular effects of high noise exposure and places that literature in perspective based on the available knowledge of general cardiovascular effects of stressful stimuli. The authors also discuss conceptual obstacles to progress in cardiovascular disease research, key technical or measurement system obstacle, for research, and findings related to noise and suggestions for further research.

The Noise Guidebook
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The Noise Guidebook has been prepared to serve as the basic reference document for all HUD field aff who are responsible for implementing the Department's noise policy. In brings together in one place all the various reports, informational papers and other items that have been put out by the Department over the past several years. It also contains several new items designed to make your job easier. This Guidebook is designed to serve not only the experienced HUD staff member but also the new employee of the old employee who is new to the noise field. Because of this, the Guidebook contains some fairly basic background material as well as quizzes and other material specifically geared for the "learner".

Noise Hazard Evaluation - Sound Level Data of Noise Sources
January 1, 1975
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This technical guide was developed as an aid simplification of the noise hazard assessment element of the installation hearing conservation program. Part I of the technical guide provides the reader with basic information necessary for the conduct of a routine occupational noise hazard evaluation, while part II provides additional information and guidance concerning typical personnel exposures to military noise sources.

Noise in America: Extent of the Noise Problem
September 1, 1981
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The number of Americans exposed to various levels of occupational and environmental noise is estimated. Estimates are made for 11 categories of noise producers (e.g., traffic, aircraft, construction) using the Ldn or Leq(24) metrics. The assumptions in the models used, including , including demographic projections, are made explicit for all estimates. Estimates for combined exposures to traffic and other community noise sources are also made, as well as indoor noise exposures from home equipment like fans and clothes washers. According to the estimates, 1.5 million people are exposed to outdoor noise levels (from a11 sources) of over 75 Ldn, and over 90 million, to levels over 58 Ldn. Over 9 million people are exposed to occupational noise in excess of 80 dB (Leq(24)).

Noise Pollution
January 1, 1974
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This is the third of a projected six Environmental Resource Packets produced under a grant from the Exxon Education Foundation.

Noise Pollution - Now Hear This!
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Noise Pollution - What's That?
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Noise Source Regulation in State and Local Noise Ordinances
February 1, 1975
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This document has been prepared as a planning and reference guide for public administrators of environmental noise control programs. It presents a summary of noise source regulations encompassed in current state laws and local ordinances. Data have been extracted from only those laws and ordinances stipulating specific decibel levels. For the states, the laws summarized are grouped under the headings: motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, land use, and general. For localities, the headings are: motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, intrusive noise sources, stationary noise sources, construction noise, and miscellaneous noise regulations. Because of the many variations among local jurisdictional regulations, no attempt was made to list the specific noise level requirements for recreational vehicles, construction equipment, or land use.

Noise Violations: Guidance Manual for State and Local Prosecutors
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The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance to prosecutors who choose to take legal action against violators of State or local noise control regulations; its intent is to assist prosecutors preparing for and conducting a trial - from drafting the complaint to submitting jury instructions.

Non-Auditory Effects of Noise
June 1, 1971
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This report is a summary and evaluation of research findings that relate to any effects of noise other than to the ear and related structures. For example, included herein are research efforts concerned with physiological effects of noise, effects on task performance, effects on the cardio-vascular system, and on general health. This report also presents areas and types of research studies that may help to provide full answers to wquestions on the degree of noise control desirable with respect to the non-auditory effects of noise normally present in living and working environments.