At what dBA level should sound be considered unsafe for workers over prolonged exposure?

In occupational health, sound levels are measured in decibels (dBA) and specific thresholds indicate when noise becomes a concern for hearing safety. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established guidelines for permissible noise exposure levels.

A sound level of 85 dBA is the generally accepted threshold for an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure, where prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss or damage. When noise levels exceed 85 dBA, the risk of hearing damage increases significantly, making it crucial for employers to implement hearing conservation programs at this level.

Options indicating sound levels lower than 85 dBA, such as 80 dBA or even 90 dBA, do not represent the minimum threshold where action is mandated. While exposure to higher levels, such as 90 dBA, is concerning and requires additional protective measures to prevent hearing loss, the true benchmark for initiating protective actions and monitoring is indeed at 85 dBA.

Therefore, the assertion that sound at 90 dBA represents an unsafe level for prolonged exposure aligns with regulated standards, though it is important to highlight that prevention strategies should already be in place once levels reach 85 dBA. This makes