Non-auditory effects of noise in industry. VII. Evaluation, conclusions and recommendations.

The results of epidemiological studies on non-auditory effects of noise in industry are commented upon. The present state of the art does not permit any definite conclusion to be drawn about the risk of hypertension. Annoyance by noise is widespread; it has many different aspects and it has been studied in detail in this project. Combinations of working conditions should be studied that produce interaction effects overloading psychological or physiological systems. Some examples are given. Standards and guidelines for industrial exposure to noise should also prevent wellknown, non-auditory effects, such as communication problems, which result in social isolation.