eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Public Health Research 2327-6703 2017-12-07 5 6 170 173 10.12691/ajphr-5-6-1 AJPHR2017561 article Salame Castro AG 1 López Martínez TC 1 Sánchez Martínez DV 1 Reynoso Vázquez J 2 Ruvalcaba Ledezma JC dcspjcalos@gmail.com 2 Master in Public Health, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico Department of Public Health [ICSa-UAEH], Institute of Health Sciences-Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico The WHO identifies noise, an undesired sound, as an environmental problem for humans. Sound is a change of air pressure entering the ear canal and then transmitted to the eardrum, which, in turn, will produce movement of the middle ear bones. The latter amplify the sound reaching the nervous system, where the generated impulses become auditory signal in the brain. Noise is an inarticulate and bothering auditory sensation for the ear that causes health alterations. Measured in decibels (dB), it is legislated at labor and environmental levels. This article explores the application of these legislations, together with a critical analysis. It is essential to take appropriate actions to limit and control exposure to noise, regardless of whether it be on environmental or labor grounds, through the appropriate support of a scientific evaluation. http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/5/6/1/ajphr-5-6-1.pdf noise sound legislations labor and environmental health disorders