How many decibels should one be exposed to?

How many decibels should one be exposed to?

Noise is an invisible factor that can have a major impact on our health, well-being and productivity – both at work, at home and in public spaces. But how much noise is actually too much? And how do you know if you are in the danger zone? The short answer is: It depends on where you are and what you are doing. In this article, we delve into the current rules and recommendations for noise levels in Denmark, and we look at how you can ensure a healthy sound environment – ​​both for yourself and those you are responsible for.

What is decibel and why does it matter?

Decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement for loudness. It is a logarithmic scale, meaning that an increase of 10 dB corresponds to a doubling of the perceived loudness. A conversation in a normal voice is typically around 60 dB, while a chainsaw can reach 110 dB. So it’s not just a technical detail – it’s about how our bodies and minds react to sound.

Long-term exposure to high sound levels can lead to hearing loss, stress, difficulty concentrating and, in the worst case, chronic health problems. That's why it's important to know where the limits are – and how to stay below them.

Noise in the workplace: Clear rules and requirements

In Danish workplaces, there are clear rules for how much noise one may be exposed to. According to the Danish Working Environment Authority , the noise may not exceed an average value of 80 dB (A-weighted) over a normal 8-hour working day (L _EX,8h = 80 dB). If the limit is exceeded, the employer is obliged to take action:

• Technical or organizational measures must be implemented to reduce noise.
• Employees must be offered hearing protection and informed about noise risks.
• Noise exposure must be monitored and the efforts documented.

This is particularly relevant for industries, construction sites, schools and institutions, where machinery, ventilation or many people gathered in one place can create high sound levels. But office environments can also be noisy – especially in open office environments, where conversations, telephones and keyboard clicks can quickly exceed the comfortable level.

At ÅBN, we work to visualize and document indoor climate – including noise – so that workplaces can act on data instead of feelings. Our solutions make it possible to see when sound levels exceed recommended limits – and where in the building the problem occurs.

Noise in the home and leisure time: Municipalities set the framework

While there are fixed rules for noise in the workplace, there is no nationwide limit on how much noise one can be exposed to at home or during leisure time. Here, it is the municipalities that are responsible for regulating noise through local plans and environmental approvals.

A good example is the Municipality of Silkeborg , which has set specific noise limits for shooting ranges near residential areas. The limits typically vary between 45 and 60 dB(A) during the day and lower at night, depending on the noise source and distance to residences.

This means that a garden party with loud music or a neighbor with a noisy lawnmower may not necessarily break any national laws – but it can still be a nuisance. Therefore, it is always recommended to check your municipality's guidelines if you experience noise nuisance in your local area.

Festivals and concerts: Exceptions with care

Special rules apply to larger events such as festivals, city parties and concerts. Here, municipalities can allow higher noise levels for shorter periods, typically between 70 and 95 dB(A), depending on the time and distance to the nearest residence.

For example, Odense Municipality has recently discussed raising the decibel limit for events in public spaces. This shows that noise limits in public spaces are dynamic and adapt to local conditions and the needs of citizens.

It is a balancing act between creating life in the city and ensuring peace and security for residents. Therefore, each application is assessed individually, and organizers often have to document how they will limit noise nuisance – for example, by placing loudspeakers away from homes or shielding sound sources.

How do you measure noise – and what can you do?

Noise is measured in decibels with a sound meter, and it is important to take into account both the strength and duration of the sound. It is not only the loud bangs, but also the constant background noise that can negatively affect us over time.

At ÅBN, we have developed intuitive sensors that record sound levels in real time and present them in an easy-to-understand way. This way, noise becomes not just a feeling – but a concrete factor that can be acted upon. Our dashboard gives leaders, facility managers and parents the opportunity to follow up and make informed decisions.

For example, if you work in a school or daycare, you can use the data to identify noise zones and plan changes in layout or behavior. In office environments, noise data can be used to create quieter zones for contemplation and collaboration.

Noise and health: More than just ears

Noise is not just about hearing damage. According to the WHO, prolonged exposure to noise can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, sleep disorders, stress and reduced cognitive function – especially in children. This means that noise is not only a work environment problem, but also a health problem.

For parents and educators, it is especially important to be aware of children's sound environment. Children are more sensitive to noise, and noise in school can affect both learning and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to create sound environments where children can concentrate, play and develop - without constant background noise.

With ÅBN's solutions, it becomes possible to document and improve the sound environment in children's environments, so that both children and adults thrive better in everyday life. You can read more about our approach to behavior change and documentation here .

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Decibel Limits