Issue

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The legal criterion used to assess ambient noise levels is the so-called equivalent noise level A (L_Aeq). The equivalent noise level A is the mean value of energies of instantaneous acoustic pressure levels A, and is expressed in dB. At present Hygienic Regulation No. 37 which constitutes an annex to Decree of the Ministry of Public Health of the Czechoslovak Republic No. 13/1977 Coll., on protection of health against adverse effects of noise and vibrations, is still in force in our country. It also stipulates noise and vibration limits. The basic outdoor noise limit is L_Aeq = 50 dB(A) adjusted for the type of buildings and structures and the time of the day. The following derived limits apply to the urban environment:

• new built-up areas: L_Aeq = 55 dB(A) in daytime, L_Aeq = 45 dB(A) in nighttime