Noise Pollution Calculator - Maximal Exposure Time

dB
Enter noise level in decibels (e.g., 85, 95.5)
hours
Enter current exposure time in hours (e.g., 8, 4.5)
Select the occupational safety standard to apply
dB
Noise level increase that halves safe exposure time

How It Works

This calculator determines the maximum safe exposure time to noise based on occupational safety standards.

The calculation uses the exchange rate principle: for every increase in noise level by the exchange rate (typically 3 or 5 dB), the safe exposure time is halved.

Formula: Maximum Exposure Time (hours) = 8 / 2^((Noise Level - Reference Level) / Exchange Rate)

Where:

  • Reference Level: 85 dB for NIOSH, 90 dB for OSHA
  • Exchange Rate: 3 dB for NIOSH, 5 dB for OSHA (can be customized)
  • 8 hours: Standard workday duration

For example, at 95 dB with a 5 dB exchange rate and 90 dB reference level:

Max Exposure = 8 / 2^((95 - 90) / 5) = 8 / 2^(5/5) = 8 / 2^1 = 8 / 2 = 4 hours

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