EXPOSURE TO OCCUPATIONAL NOISE AND INFRASOUND ATA UNIVERSITY SPORTS STADIUM
Synopsis
The prevention and control of noise pollution, aimed at safeguarding human health and the well-being of the population, constitutes a fundamental duty of the State, according to the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and the Basic Environmental Law. Exposure to noise can cause various hearing disorders. Shortterm exposure and extremely high sound pressure can cause immediate hearing damage. It is important to note that sound levels are not equally harmful at different frequencies and that individual susceptibility can have very different effects. The Infrasounds with frequencies equal to or lower than 20 Hz, are measured below the threshold of human hearing. They have very specific characteristics and can cause discomfort and long-term consequences, including the spectrum of vibroacoustic diseases. In this context, we aim to understand the exposure to occupational noise and infrasound of workers and users of the University Stadium, as well as their potential for causing hearing damage and vibroacoustic diseases. To assess occupational noise, we used the CESVA DC112 dosimeter, and to assess infrasound noise, we used the CESVA SC420 sound level meter. In addition to collecting sound pressure levels, a questionnaire was administered to the exposed population about their perception of noise exposure. The results indicate that the lower action level for occupational noise is exceeded for a workplace, and in the contexts evaluated for infrasound, the limits recommended by Russian legislation were exceeded at frequencies of 8 and 16 Hz inside buildings (pavilions). This study supports the urgent need to define a national legal framework to protect and safeguard the well-being of workers and users in all contexts, including work and recreation.
