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RE: [ST] earplugs



I always thought that was an absurd law.  Not all of us can afford or want
custom plugs.  The following is from the OSHA site:


In addition to hearing loss, current evidence links exposure to high decibel
ranges with other added health effects. Studies have shown that where
consistent exposure to 95 decibels occurs, there exists a serious threat to
the cardiovascular system, more specifically an elevation in systolic blood
pressure (hypertension), digestive, respiratory, allergenic and
musculo-skeletal disorders, as well as disorientation and reduction of eye
focus, potentially leading to the increase of accidents and injuries. The
negative effects associated with long term hearing loss include decreased
ability or inability to communicate, irritability, tinnitus (ringing in the
ears), and frustration with personal/familial relationships. Documentation
of these health-related associations and more information about the causal
link between noise and health effects are discussed in the preambles to the
standard. If you have access to the internet, all of this information is
available to you at http://www.osha.gov.

MCN also did a study on noise levels inside helmets.  IIRC, the average
decibel level inside a high quality full face helmet was around 102dB.  In
the workplace, this would require hearing protection.