What noise levels are considered harmful to health?

The WHO recommends that average daytime noise (Lden) stays below 53 dB and night-time noise (Lnight) below 45 dB to prevent significant health effects. At 55 dB Lden and above, there is strong evidence linking road traffic noise to increased risk of ischaemic heart disease. At night-time levels above 40 dB, measurable sleep disruption begins, including reduced deep sleep and elevated stress hormones.

What is the difference between LAeq and Lden?

LAeq is the equivalent continuous sound level — the steady level containing the same acoustic energy as the measured fluctuating noise over a stated period. Lden extends this by applying penalties for evening (+5 dB) and night (+10 dB) periods, reflecting the greater disturbance caused during these times. LAeq is used in BS 5228-1 construction noise assessments, whilst Lden is the primary metric for strategic noise mapping under the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006.

How long should a noise monitoring survey last?

It depends on the purpose. BS 4142 industrial noise assessments typically require sufficient data to characterise the specific sound and background level — often a minimum of 15-minute samples over several representative periods. Construction noise under BS 5228-1 should be monitored continuously throughout the works. For planning purposes, a minimum of one week of continuous data captures weekday/weekend variations. For enforcement, ongoing continuous monitoring provides the most defensible evidence.

Can one sensor monitor both noise and air quality simultaneously?

Yes. The Sensorbee platform combines a sound level meter module with air quality sensors (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, VOC) and a vibration sensor in a single solar-powered unit. This is particularly efficient for construction sites where BS 5228 (noise), dust management plans, and BS 7385 (vibration) requirements all apply, and for urban monitoring where multiple environmental stressors coincide at the same location.

Urban Noise Monitoring: Smart Sensors UK

Publicerat av Oscar Sjöberg den 24 June 2025 · 9 min läsning

WHO-data kopplar buller över 55 dB Lden till hjärt-kärlsjukdom och sömnstörningar. Lär dig hur kontinuerliga decibelnätverk bekämpar stadsbuller.

Övervakning av stadsbuller med smarta sensorer

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Vanliga frågor

Vilka bullernivåer anses skadliga för hälsan?

Vad är skillnaden mellan LAeq och Lden?

Kan en enda sensor övervaka både buller och luftkvalitet samtidigt?

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