AUTHOR=Zhang Meibian , Hu Yong , Qiu Wei , Gao Xiangjing , Zeng Anke , Shi Zhihao , Xin Jiarui , Bai Shixing , Sun Xin 

TITLE=Developing a guideline for measuring workplace non-Gaussian noise exposure based on kurtosis adjustment of noise level in China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1003203

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1003203

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objective</title><p>There is no unified standard for measuring workplace non-Gaussian noise (known as complex noise) exposure. This study aimed to develop a draft guideline for measuring workplace non-Gaussian complex noise exposure based on noise temporal structure adjustment.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Noise exposure level, e.g., the A-weighted sound pressure level normalized to a nominal 8-h working day (L<sub>EX,8h</sub>), was adjusted using the temporal structure (expressed by kurtosis) of noise. Noise waveform analysis or the instrument's direct reading was used.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The framework of the draft guideline included measurement metrics, the protocol using kurtosis to adjust L<sub>EX,8h</sub>, technical requirements for measuring instruments, measurement steps, data analysis, and measurement recording.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The draft guideline could provide a basis for accurately measuring workers' exposure to non-Gaussian noise.</p></sec>