Knowledge of the latest results in Low Frequency Noise (LFN) and infrasound research are not being transmitted, either to government whose job it is to legislate on standards of noise and vibration, or to local authority officers whose job it is to look into complaints and enforce standards. The dismissal of complaints is frequently based on inappropriate techniques such as the application of A-weighting, a lack of understanding of vibration transmission including building resonance, and a lack o f basic understanding about the perception of low frequencies by complainants, for instance the lowering of the lower audibility threshold arising from exposure. This paper asks those involved in research to ensure that their relevant findings are more widely disseminated, along with advice to legislators and local authorities on measurement, information on LF and infrasound resonance in buildings, recommendations for appropriate standards to be used in assessing LF and infrasound as a S tatutory Nuisance, and information about the effects of long-term exposure. There is a need for more research in situ into specific effects.
Inadequate standards currently applied by local authorities to determine statutory nuisance from LF and infrasound
Published Online: July 29, 2009