Sound pressure level in a municipal preschool

Abstract

Summary Aim: To evaluate the sound pressure level to which preschool students are exposed. Method: This was a prospective, quantitative, nonexperimental, and descriptive study. To achieve the aim of the study we used an audio dosimeter. The sound pressure level (SPL) measurements were obtained for 2 age based classrooms. Preschool I and II. The measurements were obtained over 4 days in 8-hour sessions, totaling 1920 minutes. Results: Compared with established standards, the SPL measured ranged from 40.6 dB (A) to 105.8 dB (A). The frequency spectrum of the SPL was concentrated in the frequency range between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz. The older children produced higher SPLs than the younger ones, and the levels varied according to the activity performed. Painting and writing were the quietest activities, while free activities period and games were the noisiest. Conclusion: The SPLs measured at the preschool were higher and exceeded the maximum permitted level according to the reference standards. Therefore, the implementation of actions that aim to minimize the negative impact of noise in this environment is essential.

Noise Exposure of Teachers in Nursery Schools—Evaluation of Measures for Noise Reduction When Dropping DUPLO Toy Bricks into Storage Cases by Sound Analyses

“…Interviews with teachers concerning negative working conditions and stress factors showed that noise (73%) is the third strongest occupational risk [ 10 ]. Some objective noise measurements in nursery schools showed maximum equivalent sound pressure levels over 8 h (L eq8h ) of up to 90 dB (A) in particular for the supervision of children in playing sections [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. The average L eq8h in nursery schools is in the range of medium intensity of 60–85 dB [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 14 , 15 ], which can typically trigger extra-auditory effects.…”