Failures in the System for Dealing with Low Frequency Noise

Abstract

In the UK low frequency noise is a growing problem and complaints from members of the public are rarely resolved. Environmental Health Officers are given inappropriate guidelines and many do not have the necessary training or equipment. As a result technical misconceptions have become institutionalised, exacerbating the problem. Suggestions for dealing with this situation are offered. There is a need for research into the effects upon the brain caused by very low frequency noise (below about 75 Hz), since these are reported to be particularly distressing.