Noise

Every day, Canadians come in contact with noise in both their living and work environments. Sources of noise include aircraft, road vehicles, rail cars, construction and landscaping equipment, home and car stereo systems, household appliances, and power tools.

Noise can be defined as any unwanted sound. It may be unwanted because, depending on the sound level and the exposure duration, it can cause any of the following adverse effects on physical, mental or social well-being

• annoyance
• interference with communication
• disturbance of rest, sleep, and concentration
• hearing damage

Some research suggests that the adverse effects described above may also cause sufficient stress on the body to increase the risk of developing stress-related illnesses.

Health Canada's role:

Health Canada

• conducts research concerning the potential health effects of recreational, community, work-related, and aircraft noise
• provides information, guidelines, voluntary standards, regulations and compliance programs for the protection of the general public and workers
• tracks and reviews scientific papers by other experts in this field
• advises government departments and agencies, industry, and the general public of any health-related issues

What Information is Available?

In this section, you will find information concerning

• Notice to Stakeholders - Health Canada Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study
• Noise from Machinery Intended for the Workplace
• the potential noise-induced health effects from aircraft, recreational noise, and community noise and how to minimize your risk
• advice and guidelines for protection against environmental noise