The Connecticut legislature is considering a bill that would prevent movie theaters from showing movies or previews that exceed 85 decibels.
Proponents say it would protect workers from hearing loss. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health say noise should be kept below 85 decibels for eight hours. But it doesn’t necessarily say anything about peak noise levels.
Dr. Robert Dobie of the University of Texas said the 85 decibel limit prolonged exposure to high levels of noise, like at construction sites. “The exposure is so brief and intermittent that no one with any expertise would ever say that they have any real risk of hazard or harm.”
But the problem with loud movies and trailers is a peak-levels issue, not a prolonged exposure issue. William Young, a Stamford, Connecticut resident says that standard doesn’t work in this case, because it measures the average of trailers. A colleague of his says their tests of previews found bursts of noise as high as 110 decibels.
According to Purdue University, 110 decibels is the ‘average human pain threshold’. It’s about the level of a riveting machine or a car horn from three feet away. Decibels levels can be tricky, for example 80 decibels is twice as loud as 70 decibels. 80 decibels is where possible damage could occur over an 8 hour exposure. 110 decibels is 16 times as loud as 70 decibels.
The Motion Picture Association of America does not agree though. Vans Stevenson, a senior vice president with the MPAA says its unnecessary because companies and theaters have voluntarily adopted standards on sound levels. Stevenson said the standards were developed because theater owners said audience members were complaining the trailers were too loud.
The MPAA says the bill violates the First Amendment and is discriminatory because it doesn’t apply to other events like a sports game or concerts. The MPAA may have a point, but you’ll find few senior citizens or young children redeeming their discounts at a metal concert.
As of now, the bill is being reviewed by the Connecticut General Assembly Public Safety and Security Committee. Sen. Carlo Leone, Stamford (D), who helped bring the bill to the committee says a public hearing will guide the procedure forward. “I support the concept moving forward. If there are other corrective measures without legislation and it takes care of the problem, that would be the better choice.”
Connecticut Bill Would Limit Noise Levels In Movie Theaters
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