Contents

Overview of EU policy: Noise

Journal:
Manual of European Environmental Policy
ISSN:
1467-0445
E-ISSN:
1740-3529
Publisher:
Earthscan, London, UK
DOI:
10.3763/meep.2010.0145
Author:
Institute for European Environmental Policy
Information last updated:
December 2011
Publication date:
December 2011

For a long time, Community legislation on noise focused on limiting noise from products, rather than on setting standards for ambient background noise. In this respect, legislation to combat noise from transport has set noise standards for vehicles, such as cars, buses, lorries and trains (including tyres); motorcycles; tractors; and aircraft. Similarly, there is Community legislation addressing noise from other products, including construction equipment; lawnmowers; and household appliances. Community action on noise was originally intended to avoid technical barriers to trade caused by differing standards applied in the Member States for noisy products and equipment. The only early example of a Directive not specifically related to product standards was Directive 86/188/EEC, which sought to limit noise in the workplace. This was a ‘daughter’ Directive of Directive 80/1107/EEC on the protection of workers from various risks at work.

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