Characteristics of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on family farms of mixed-production profile

Abstract

The objective of the study was the recognition and evaluation of annual exposure to noise among private farmers on farms engaged in mixed (plant-animal) production. The study covered 16 family farms using land of the size 13-30 ha (20.4 ha on average). The farms were equipped with agricultural tractors (2.4 tractors on average), selected workshop machinery, saws for logging and machines for the production of fodder. The following basic parameters were applied for the hygienic evaluation of noise: total monthly exposure and mean equivalent daily exposure expressed in Pa2 h. The study indicated that the highest values for total monthly exposure to noise were observed in 5 months, i.e. September, October, August, November and April. High total exposure values obtained in the summer-autumn months (August-November) are associated with the performance of such work activities as: harvesting of cereals and root plants, and cultivation of soil (characterised by the emission of sounds of high levels), with prolonged exposure to this factor and a large number of workdays in these months. In April, however, the occurrence of high total exposure values was due to intensive field activities (ploughing, harrowing, sowing), and prolonged exposure to this factor. In the seasons of the year analysed, high equivalent exposure values were observed within the range: 5.53-6.61 Pa2 h. Mean value for this parameter for the whole year reached the value of 4.27 Pa(2) h (standard exceeded 4.3 times). This value is equivalent to a mean exposure level equal to 91.3 dB. The results of studies of annual exposure to noise obtained by some other authors are close to the data presented in this report, and confirm that the degree of noise load clearly depends on the type of agricultural production and type of machines applied.