Share thisNoise control and noise abatement are tasks that we all should work hard at accomplishing in our animal facilities. Vibration in the air disturbs the surrounding air, creating variation in normal atmospheric pressure. This "wave" propagates until it reaches our eardrum causing "sound."
* Occupational Health and Safety In The Care and Use of Research Animals, National Academy Press, Washington, DC 1997. This publication discusses the exposure to intense chronic noises and the resulting hearing loss. In addition, the publication describes the resolutions that can be found in engineering designs, facility designs that separate high noise areas, and installation of sound abatement materials in problem areas.* CRC Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science, Vol. II focuses on the studies in humans and animals that document the profound effect that noise stress can have on a number of biological parameters and how that noise is inherent in all animal facilities. The publication stresses the importance of minimizing noise stress for both employees and animals. Furthermore, it specifically addresses the need to reduce facility noise in cagewash rooms and animal rooms. Additionally, public relations problems, including residential area concern, can cause facilities further headache. The control of these noises can be incorporated into new design measures and facility (SOP) Standard Operating Procedures changes.