Require FAA to re-examine its 65 Decibel (dBA) noise safety level and consider 55 dBA as a new standard for human health

Currently, airports use the DNL contour of 65 dBA as their maximum safe level of noise exposure for humans. There is good evidence that the use of the 65 DNL is outdated and significant health impacts can be found at exposures above 55dBA. To protect public welfare, the EPA, the WHO, and numerous recent studies recommend communal noise should not exceed 55dB. Exposure to 65dBA can cause cardiac, mental health, and learning problems, among other serious conditions. The adoption of the 65 DNL base reflected a compromise between what was environmentally desirable and what was technologically and economically feasible in the 70s and 80s. We ask that the FAA’s standards be revisited in light of recent research and modern technological breakthroughs to protect communities surrounding airports.