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Infrasound refers to very low-frequency sound below the normal human hearing threshold, typically below 20 Hz. It is often not consciously audible, but at higher levels it can be perceived as a sensation of pressure, a hum, vibration, or oscillation. The air-Q air analyzer can detect and visualize infrasound and low-frequency sound events.
✓ measurable with the air-Q Science on request.
Infrasound occurs both naturally and as a result of technical sources.
Natural triggers include wind, storms, thunderstorms, ocean waves, waterfalls, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Sources of low-frequency sound and low-frequency noise include large engines, rotors, generators, compressors, transformers, ventilation systems, heat pumps, industrial equipment, traffic, aircraft, loudspeaker systems, and blasting operations.
Machinery, building services, or poorly isolated systems can also cause humming, oscillations, and vibrations.
Because low frequencies travel long distances and can cause structures to vibrate, infrasound occurs not only outdoors but also indoors, in residential areas, workplaces, and technical facilities.
Unlike many chemical air pollutants, there is no simple, universally applicable threshold value for infrasound.
The assessment is usually frequency-dependent and depends, among other factors, on sound pressure level, frequency spectrum, measurement location, duration of exposure, time of day, and the surrounding environment.
In Germany, low-frequency noise emissions are assessed using standards such as TA Lärm and DIN 45680. These standards consider not only the volume but also the frequency range in which the noise occurs.
Proper sound measurement is therefore particularly important, as traditional dB(A) values often provide only a limited representation of low frequencies, low-frequency noise, infrasound, and potential fluctuations in air pressure.
Based on current knowledge, there is no evidence of any adverse health effects at levels below the threshold of perception.
However, if infrasound or low-frequency sound is perceived, it can be found to be disruptive, stressful, or unpleasant.
Typical sensations include a feeling of pressure, a humming sound, a sensation of vibration, vibrations in the room, or a noise that is difficult to pinpoint.
At noticeable or very high noise levels, problems with concentration, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, discomfort, or stress reactions may occur. At extremely high sound pressure levels, hearing pain or hearing damage may also result.
Measurement is important because infrasound and low-frequency sounds are often not clearly audible, yet can still be perceived as noise pollution.
Sensors such as the air-Q Sensor help measure infrasound and identify sound events, sound level trends, temporal patterns, and potential sources of mechanical noise.
This measurement is particularly helpful when symptoms occur only at certain times or may be related to equipment, traffic, ventilation, heat pumps, or other sources.
This makes it easier to interpret anomalies and compare them with environmental factors such as air quality, air pressure, CO₂, VOCs, temperature, or other measured values.
Infrasound occurs both naturally and as a result of technical sources.
Natural triggers include wind, storms, thunderstorms, ocean waves, waterfalls, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Sources of low-frequency sound and low-frequency noise include large engines, rotors, generators, compressors, transformers, ventilation systems, heat pumps, industrial equipment, traffic, aircraft, loudspeaker systems, and blasting operations.
Machinery, building services, or poorly isolated systems can also cause humming, oscillations, and vibrations.
Because low frequencies travel long distances and can cause structures to vibrate, infrasound occurs not only outdoors but also indoors, in residential areas, workplaces, and technical facilities.
Unlike many chemical air pollutants, there is no simple, universally applicable threshold value for infrasound.
The assessment is usually frequency-dependent and depends, among other factors, on sound pressure level, frequency spectrum, measurement location, duration of exposure, time of day, and the surrounding environment.
In Germany, low-frequency noise emissions are assessed using standards such as TA Lärm and DIN 45680. These standards consider not only the volume but also the frequency range in which the noise occurs.
Proper sound measurement is therefore particularly important, as traditional dB(A) values often provide only a limited representation of low frequencies, low-frequency noise, infrasound, and potential fluctuations in air pressure.
Based on current knowledge, there is no evidence of any adverse health effects at levels below the threshold of perception.
However, if infrasound or low-frequency sound is perceived, it can be found to be disruptive, stressful, or unpleasant.
Typical sensations include a feeling of pressure, a humming sound, a sensation of vibration, vibrations in the room, or a noise that is difficult to pinpoint.
At noticeable or very high noise levels, problems with concentration, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, discomfort, or stress reactions may occur. At extremely high sound pressure levels, hearing pain or hearing damage may also result.
Measurement is important because infrasound and low-frequency sounds are often not clearly audible, yet can still be perceived as noise pollution.
Sensors such as the air-Q Sensor help measure infrasound and identify sound events, sound level trends, temporal patterns, and potential sources of mechanical noise.
This measurement is particularly helpful when symptoms occur only at certain times or may be related to equipment, traffic, ventilation, heat pumps, or other sources.
This makes it easier to interpret anomalies and compare them with environmental factors such as air quality, air pressure, CO₂, VOCs, temperature, or other measured values.
