The Effects on Human Health from Long-Term Exposures to Noise.

Evidence from available research reports is suggestive, but it does not provide definitive answers to the question of health effects, other than to the auditory system, of long-term exposure to noise. It seems prudent, therefore, in the absence of adequate knowledge as to whether or not noise can produce effects upon health other than damage to the auditory system, either directly or mediated through stress, that insofar as feasible, an attempt should be made to obtain more critical evidence. For this reason, guidance is provided as to the kinds of studies that would be helpful in answering this question. Author