ABNT NBR 10151 – Evaluation of Noise in Inhabited Areas, Aiming at Community Comfort is the Brazilian technical standard that establishes the criteria for assessing noise levels in urban and rural environments. This standard applies to all inhabited areas, regardless of whether noise complaints have been formally registered, and serves as a key reference in environmental and urban planning regulations.
The methodology outlined in ABNT NBR 10151 defines the procedures for measuring noise levels both inside and outside buildings. In external environments, it specifies permissible noise limits for daytime and nighttime periods, considering the urban zoning classification of the location. By establishing these thresholds, the standard enables a structured evaluation of noise impact and helps determine whether the levels exceed the allowable limits for a given area.
In Brazil, excessive noise pollution can be classified as an environmental crime, and its potential harm to public health must be substantiated through objective measurement and analysis. The presentation of a Technical Report is essential in legal and administrative contexts to assess compliance with regulatory limits and to determine whether noise exposure poses risks to human well-being.
Compliance with ABNT NBR 10151 is critical for urban planning, regulatory enforcement, and noise mitigation strategies. The application of this standard supports evidence-based decision-making in environmental assessments, urban zoning regulations, and public health policies related to noise pollution.
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