Tractor Noise Pollution on the Farm Problems and Recommendations

Studies over the past few years have clearly shown that noise levels are rela tively high on tractors, and other farm machinery, and that farmers as a group suffer from noise induced hearing loss (3, 5, 6). Evidence is increasing that noise may also affect man's non-auditory systems and his psychological state (4), but much less research work has been done on this subject, especially at the farm level (18). Industry has already re cognized the noise hazard for its workers, and standards have been developed to guide the protection of hearing by either reducing noise level, reducing exposure time, or supplying ear protection (2, 9). Noise standards need to be established for farm workers as well, to guide manufac turers in designing their product, and supply a basis for hearing protection. Unfortunately, industrial noise standards are not necessarily directly applicable to the farm situation because exposure times and exposure intervals during the work day and during the entire year are not strictly comparable. This factor, along with some discrepancies in the industrial noise standards, explains the slight varia tions in safe levels now being assumed in studies that attempt to reduce the noise hazard for farmers. Both industry and users have made some effort to combat the problem with good progress in many