Occupational and recreational noise exposures at stock car racing circuits

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2006-11, Vol.120 (5_Supplement), p.3280-3280
• Main Authors: Kardous, Chucri A., Morata, Thais, Van Campen, Luann E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0001-4966; 1520-8524
• DOI: 10.1121/1.4777355

Noise in stock car racing is accepted as a normal occurrence but the exposure levels associated with the sport have not been adequately characterized. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an exploratory assessment of noise exposures to drivers, pit crew, team staff, and spectators at three stock car racing events. Area measurements were made during race preparation, practice, qualification, and competition. Personal dosimetry measurements were conducted on drivers, crew members, infield staff, and spectators. Findings showed time-weighted averages (TWA) that ranged from 94 decibels A-weighted (dBA) for spectators to 114 dBA for car drivers. Peak sound-pressure levels exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 140 decibels (dB) during race competitions. Personal exposure measurements exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 dBA as an 8-h TWA in less than a minute for one driver during practice, within 2 min for pit crew and infield staff, and 7 to 10 min for spectators during the race. Hearing protection use was variable and intermittent among crew, staff, and spectators. Among drivers and crew, there was greater concern for communication performance than for hearing protection.