This report is based on a survey of construction noise conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with the assistance and cooperation of the New York State Department of Transportation and New York State Chapter of Associated General Contractors. The survey was conducted during July–September 1973 at locations throughout New York State. The report summarizes the results of over 5000 sound level measurements taken at 60 locations on eight construction sites. The survey sampled the most significant noise–producing operations characteristic of the construction and renovation of highways and buildings. The operations measured included excavation, grading, paving, demolition, pile driving, and support operations. Questionnaires to determine the degree of annoyance and interference with normal activities resulting from the noise exposure were distributed in cases where noise-sensitive areas were near the construction sites (five of the eight sites). Ninety percent of the sound level measurements fell below a curve which passes through an Leq of 88 dBA at 50 ft and decreases 6 dB per doubling of the distance. Respondents in residential areas appeared to be intolerant of sound levels above 70 dBA.
The relationship between immediate activity response and snowmobile noise level was measured for 30 female white mice ranging in age between 90 and 120 days. The mice were divided into three groups: the first was exposed to 85±4 dB (flat); the second to 95±4 dB (flat); and the third was a control group. The sound was a tape recording of several snowmobiles. The predominate tones were at about 500 and 1000 Hz. The mice were exposed for a period of 1 min for approximately three times each day. The experiment lasted for 24 days. Once each day the motion of each mouse was measured in an activity box during the exposure and for 5 min following the exposure. The data does not show a statistically significant difference in immediate activities between the exposed and nonexposed mice. The over-all stress response was measured by adrenal gland weight. At the end of the experiment, the adrenal gland weight was determined for each mouse. There was no statistical difference in adrenal weight per unit body weight between the exposed and control groups.
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