America needs a new national noise policy

The significant events preceding and following the passage of the Noise Control Act of 1972 by the U.S. Congress are reviewed in some detail to provide guidance for future policymakers. The current status of Federal noise policies is summarized, as is the program of the Study Team on National Noise Policy of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the U.S.A. It is concluded that a new National Noise Policy is urgently needed, one leading to an environment for all Americans that minimizes the adverse effects of exposure to noise, and assures that the noise levels of the products of American manufacturers are competitive in world markets. The steps required to develop such a policy are outlined. (C) 2003 Institute of Noise Control Engineering.