Noise Peak Level (Lp_max)
Can be measured with:
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air-Qs with a sensor for Noise Peak Level
Description:
The air vibration produced by sound is measurable and is referred to as sound pressure level. The human ear can perceive sound pressure in a range between 20 µPa and 200 Pa. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels (dB).
The main cause of noise in Europe is traffic noise caused by road, air and rail traffic. Around 40 % of people in European countries are exposed to road traffic noise of over 55 dB (decibels).
The noise peak value indicates the maximum sound level within a 2-minute period. If there is a loud bang (e.g. from a slamming door), it will be visible in the historical data of the noise (peak value). Whereas in the normal noise reading this very brief loud sound tends to get lost, since live data only shows it briefly and it is otherwise averaged over a 2-minute period.
Limit values for noise:
The Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm sets maximum limits for indoor spaces (25 dB at night, 35 dB during the day). Outdoors, different limit values apply for different types of areas. In spa and recreational areas, 45 dB (day) and 35 dB (night) apply; in purely residential areas, 50 dB (day) and 35 dB (night); in mixed-use areas, 60 dB (day) and 45 dB (night); in commercial areas, 65 dB (day) and 50 dB (night).
To prevent health impairment, the WHO issues partly stricter recommendations for maximum loudness levels of certain noise sources. Accordingly, for longer-term noise levels the limit is 40 dB (night) and 65 dB (day). For traffic noise, the recommendation is a maximum of 53 dB (day) or 45 dB (night); for rail traffic, 54 dB (day) and 44 dB (night); for air traffic, a maximum of 45 dB (day) or 40 dB (night). According to the WHO, noise levels caused by wind turbines should be less than 45 dB during the day. In general, at the same sound pressure, noise is perceived as more or less burdensome depending on its source — rail noise, for example, is perceived as the least sleep-disturbing, aircraft noise as the most disturbing.
The Noise and Vibration Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (LärmVibrationsArb SchV) applies to protect against noise exposure in the workplace. Depending on the type of activity, duration and specific location of the noise exposure, or the loudness of briefly occurring noise, it sets various limit values.
| Designation | Noise limit values |
| Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Indoor | Daytime 35 dB Night 25 dB |
| Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Spa areas | Daytime 45 dB Night 35 dB |
| Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Purely residential areas | Daytime 50 dB Night 35 dB |
| Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Mixed-use areas | Daytime 60 dB Night 45 dB |
| WHO recommendation for wind turbines near residential areas | Daytime 45 dB |
Effects of excessive noise:
High sound peaks and sustained noise put a strain on hearing. The hair cells in the inner ear are permanently damaged by noise, which impairs acoustic perception. Since these hair cells do not regrow, noise-related damage is irreparable and ultimately leads to hearing loss. In addition, temporary or even chronic tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can occur.
As a psychosocial stress factor, noise exposure can also significantly limit well-being and thus quality of life. When sounds are perceived as a disturbance or nuisance, dissatisfaction and irritability result. Since communication and attention suffer, performance declines. Sleep disturbances can occur, especially at night. Noise can also trigger mental illness.
Physical stress reactions to noise affect the entire organism, the nervous system and the hormonal system. Among other things, this leads to changes in blood pressure and heart rate and affects blood lipids, blood sugar and blood clotting. Impairment of circulatory and metabolic regulation can lead to cardiovascular disease or arteriosclerosis.
Sources of noise:
Within living and working spaces, air conditioning units, ventilation systems and various machines and devices are frequent causes of noise. External factors include, besides traffic noise, construction sites and other public works, as well as sporting and cultural events. Schools, kindergartens, public squares, animals and food service establishments also contribute to the generation of noise.
The point at which sound is perceived as noise depends on a wide range of factors (so-called moderators). These include, among others, the distance and visibility of the sound source, the time of day, and how much weight the noise issue carries in public perception. Subjective aspects also play a role here, such as individual noise sensitivity, age, the type of activity, or the location itself.
Sensor used:
Noise is measured in the air-Q using an RMS converter. A microphone transmits the vibrations to an RMS converter, which generates a voltage level from the incoming signal that can be converted into a decibel value. The advantage of our sensor is that there are no audio recordings — only the sound pressure itself is actually measured. This makes the noise sensor considerably more accurate than various smartphone apps that only simulate this level of accuracy. Unlike the normal noise value, the noise peak value always reflects the maximum value over two minutes. This means that even brief noise events can be tracked down in the historical data.
The small fan of the particulate matter sensor built into the air-Q itself generates a low noise level, which is filtered out and is no longer measurable in the air-Q's night mode (fan deactivated).
Measuring noise, noise level and loudness:
Measure noise, noise level and loudness as well as pollutants in the indoor air of your office or home in real time - with the air-Q air analyzer, which can be ordered here.
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