Diagnosis of the noise emission in a plastic recycling plant located in the municipality of Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Background: With industrial development, many production processes emit high levels of noise, presenting problems for society. This emission causes an environmental impact on employees and also on the surrounding environment. Materials and Methods: The present study was performed with the objective of analyzing the noise emission in a plastic recycling plant in the municipality of Caçador, Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil, with the perspective of the environmental suitability with the regulatory environmental agencies. Results: According to the relevant legislation, the plant had significant noise emission levels, reaching 98 A-weighted decibels [dB (A)], since NBR 10151/2000has permitted the emission of 70 dB (A) for industrial areas. Conclusions: Thus, the plant under study needs to seek for ways to reduce its noise emission in its production process; this issue can be attributed to the isolation of the washing process, as the centrifuges in this process are responsible for generation of main part of the noise. Regarding the occupational hygiene process, the plant needs the distribution of ear protectors due to the emission of noise, seeking the best quality of work for its employees.