After a successful service, a group of church leaders gather and say, “We love to praise the Lord when we gather to worship. We welcome anyone and everyone who wish to join us, especially those who are musically inclined.” The neighbors, on the other hand, meet with the leaders and say, “I work long hours during the weekdays, up and out the door before 6 a.m. to fight the traffic during my long commute. The weekend is my only chance to sleep-in and the local church across the street plays loud music. I can’t sleep through the noise!”
The above scenario is not uncommon for Adventist leaders and the communities they worship in. Who would have ever thought that in our sincere efforts to worship, we could be contributors to the second-largest environmental cause of health problems? With air pollution being the first, noise pollution poses significant health risks to communities and churches are not immune to these concerns.The Health Impact of Noise Pollution
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), sounds can be harmful when they are too loud, even for a brief period, or when they are both loud and long-lasting. These sounds can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).1 However, NIHL is preventable with the proper precautions.Three key factors put individuals at risk for NIHL:
- How loud the noise is
- How close you are to the noise source
- How long you are exposed to the noise
- Fatigue
- Mood disturbances (irritability, crankiness)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Upset stomach
- Sleep disturbances, even after the noise stops
- Developmental issues in unborn babies
Understanding Safe and Dangerous Noise Levels
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) outlines safe and dangerous noise levels, measured in decibels (dBA). Sounds at 70-dBA or lower are considered safe for prolonged exposure, while sounds at 85-dBA or higher can cause hearing loss with long-term exposure. For example, exposure to 91-dBA for more than two hours is potentially harmful.The following noise chart illustrates the average decibels of everyday sound levels you may be exposed to:2
dBA
|
Description |
Sound Level Exposure |
| 30 dBA | Whisper, quiet library | Faint - Safe listening for any period |
| 40 dBA | Quiet room | Moderate - Safe listening for any period |
| 50 dBA | Moderate rainfall | Moderate - Safe listening for any period |
| 60 dBA | Typical conversation, dishwasher, clothes dryer | Safe for most individuals |
| 70 dBA | Group conversation, vacuum cleaner, alarm clock | Safe for short-term exposure |
| 91 dBA | Subway, passing motorcycle, gas mower | Very loud - Dangerous for extended periods |
| 94 dBA | Hair dryer, kitchen blender, food processor | Extremely loud - Hearing protection advised |
| 100 dBA | Tractor, earphones at max volume | Hazardous without ear protection |
| 106 dBA | Gas leaf blower, snow blower | Risk of immediate hearing damage |
| 112 dBA | MP3 maximum output, rock concert, chainsaw | Dangerously loud - Not safe without earplugs |
| 120 dBA | Jet plane taking off, siren, pneumatic drill | Painful steady noise - Immediate risk |
| 130 dBA | Jackhammer | Painful - Immediate risk to hearing |
| 140 dBP | Firearms | Painful impulse noise - Immediate risk |
| 150 dBP | Fireworks at 3 feet, shotgun | Painful impulse noise - Immediate risk |
(Impulse noise measured in dB peak pressure, or dBP)
Noise Concerns in Churches
Local studies have shown that some church services may exceed recommended noise exposure limits. While there are no specific U.S. studies on noise exposure in places of worship, amplified music, large gatherings, and certain acoustic environments can contribute to high noise levels, particularly in modern or larger church facilities.Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)3, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provide general guidelines for safe noise levels in workplaces, but these guidelines can also be applied in worship settings.
Addressing Noise Complaints
Churches, especially those near residential areas, may face noise complaints from neighbors. Larger churches often implement soundproofing measures, such as noise barriers or acoustic panels, to mitigate noise. Spacious parking lots away from residential areas can also help limit community disturbances.Smaller or older churches, especially those located in residential areas, may struggle with noise management. In some cases, insufficient ventilation may require windows and doors to remain open during services, allowing loud music and voices to escape into the surrounding area.
To avoid disturbing neighbors, it is important for churches to understand local noise ordinances, which may include:
- Decibel limits: Municipalities often set specific noise limits, which can vary by time of day.
- Prohibited times: Noise restrictions during certain hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, are common.
- Special event permits: Churches hosting events with amplified sound may require permits, particularly for outdoor gatherings.
