EPA Protective Noise Levels

The noise level should not exceed values protecting public health and welfare.

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According the the Environmental Protection Agency - EPA - the Day-Night Sound Levels - L_dn - and the Equivalent Sound Level - L_eq - should not exceed certain limits to protect public health and welfare.

Values that should not be exceeded can be found from the table below:

Effect	Level	Area
Hearing	L_eq(24) < 70 dBA	All areas at the ear
Outdoor activity interference and annoyance	L_dn < 55 dBA	Outdoors in residential areas and farms where people spend varying amounts of time in which quiet is a basis for use
Outdoor activity interference and annoyance	L_eq(24) < 55 dBA	Outdoor areas where people spend limited time such as school yards playgrounds, etc.
Indoor activity interference and annoyance	L_dn < 45 dBA	Indoor residential areas
Indoor activity interference and annoyance	L_eq(24) < 45 dBA	Indoor areas with human activities such as schools, etc.

Outdoor yearly L_dn levels protect public health and welfare if they do not exceed 55 dB in sensitive areas as residences, schools, hospitals, etc.
Inside buildings yearly L_dn levels protect public health and welfare if they do not exceed 45 dB.

Note! To protect against hearing damage, one's 24-hour noise exposure at the ear should not exceed 70 dB.

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