The FAA’s 65 dBA DNL is not a safe noise exposure level for the American public

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) 65 A-weighted decibel (dBA) day-night average sound level (DNL) is not a safe noise exposure level for the American public. In response to the 1976 Aviation Noise Abatement Policy, using annoyance as the measure of aviation noise effects on the public, the FAA adopted 65 dBA as the threshold of significant noise exposure, below which residential land uses are compatible. The Environmental Protection Agency, however, calculated that the safe noise levels for the public are DNL =<55dB to prevent outdoor activity interference and annoyance and =<45 dB to prevent indoor activity interference and annoyance. Noise has both auditory and non-auditory health effects. Commercial and general aviation noise exposure have not been shown to cause auditory disorders in the public, but do have non-auditory health effects. Noise exposure is stressful and nighttime noise disrupts sleep. The associations between aviation noise exposure and its adverse health effects are well documented, with likely mechanisms by which the effects occur proposed based on human and animal research. For population health and safety, aviation noise must be reduced.