REFERENCES 353 5.4.7 Exposure Limits ‘he link between the experience of disturbance and the dBA) level, which has been analyzed in various studies, indicates that 40 dB(A) would be equivalent toa degree of disturbance immediately below “somewhat disturbing.” This re- sult indicates chat the ventilation noise in offices should lie beneath this level When assessing noise, however, it is necessary to take into account the fact that y noise characteristics other than the noise level, and also by working environment factors other than the noise environment. The tolerance to noise is also reduced when working on particularly challenging tasks. Under conditions of exposure and working sit- uations of this kind, the noise level should not exceed 35 dB(A}. Concerning the dB(A) weighting of the ventilation noise, it should be pointed our that this alternative can exhibit a very poor correlation to the experience of disturbance by the noise in question.! Previous analyses indicate, however, that the correla tion of the A-weighting procedure is no poorer than that of other weightings, for example dB(B), dB(C), or dB(D).* The most reliable conclusions with re spect to the negative influence of ventilation noise on exposure are obtained from an analysis of the actual symptoms of inconvenience. References Kingsbury, HL (1991) le Handbook of Noise Control, C. M. Hae (Ed). MeGesw Hi New Yarle 2. Landstrom, U., Kjellbeng, A. and Séderberg L (1991) Spectral character, expose vc aed adverse efecs of venilation noise ofces. J Low Fregueney Nosse and Vibration 10:3), Pakleanen, (1988), Low frequency nosse and complaints about indoor climate, Prosedings ot Nordic Avousial Meeting, 15-17 June, Tampere. 4. Landstrom, U,, Soderberg, Ly Nordstrom, 8. and Kjllbeg, A. (1994). Measures against ven tlation noise—-Which tone feguencies are least and most annoying. J. Low Frequency Nowe and Vibration 133), 5. Lapdstrom, U, Holmberg, K., Kelberg, A. Soderberg, Land Tear, M. (1996), Exposure sine avd in nluence a noise anoyance a work. J. Low Frequency Nosie and Vibrato 144. 6. Holmberg, K., Landstrom, U., and Kiliberg, A. (1993). fects of ventilation nose due mf ‘quency characteristics and sound level J. Low Frequency Noise and Vibration 124), Landstoe, UL. Kjellberg, L., Soderberg, Land Nordstom, B. (1991). The elects of broad- hand, coal and masked venation avse on performance, waketules and annoyance j. Low Fragnency Noise and Vibration 104) [ands U. (1995). Exposure paramsters involved in low frequency noise snnoyance. Pr seoding “Assesing and Controlling Comarunity Noie with Taw Frequeney Camnnent ‘Copsahagen, December Sharlandy 1.1972). Woods Practical Guide to Noise Control, Woods of Colchester La