Languages:

Noise

Similar term(s): leisure noise, occupational noise, industrial noise, environmental noise.

Definition:

In a narrow sense, noise can be considered as unwanted sound and refers to cases where the potentially affected person is not intentionally listening.

People who choose to listen to music or use personal music players can be exposed to loud sounds, which they do not consider as noise. An involuntary bystander may nevertheless be distracted and annoyed and may rightfully, call noise what is sound in his neighbour’s ears.

In a broader sense, noise is often used as a synonym for sound.

Source: GreenFacts, based on SCENIHR  "Potential health risks of exposure to noise from personal music players"

More:

Leisure noise: sounds heard during leisure activities (both wanted and unwanted).

Occupational noise: sounds workers are exposed to at the workplace.

Source: GreenFacts

Environmental noise shall mean unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic, and from sites of industrial activity such as those defined in Annex I to Council directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control.

Industrial noise is noise produced by industrial plants activities.

Source: EEA Glossary 

Related words:

Decibel - Frequency (in the context of sound) - Sound

Translation(s):

Deutsch: Lärm
Español: Ruido
Français: Bruit

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