BRIC INAIL – CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2024
Settori ERC:
Categoria di finanziamento:
Durata:
Extra-auditory effects of noise in school, university, and hospital environments and control of related injury risks: the general objective of the research activity is to implement the necessary precautions to prevent extra-auditory effects from noise exposure in the workplace. The aim is to further investigate what was already prepared in the INAIL BRiC 2019 ID 14 project, which focused on the school context, by expanding the scope of investigation to other educational spaces, such as universities, and more generally to other workplaces where acoustic quality is crucial, such as hospitals.
Purpose:
Noise in enclosed work and care environments represents a risk factor that is often underestimated, not only for its auditory effects, but above all for the extra-auditory effects that can impact the physiological, psychological, and behavioral health of exposed individuals. The BRIC INAIL ID07 project aims to examine and quantify the extra-auditory effects of noise exposure in school, university, and hospital settings, with particular attention to the impact on:
school and university workers
students
hospital patients
healthcare workers
The project also aims to analyze the correlation between acoustic discomfort and the increased risk of workplace accidents, providing useful knowledge tools for the prevention and management of occupational risks.
Attività / Fasi del progetto:
The project is structured around five main lines of activity:
1) Acoustic characterization and assessment of noise exposure. Acoustic measurements will be carried out in school, university, and hospital environments to characterize the levels of noise exposure and the indoor acoustic climate, with reference to different types of spaces (classrooms, laboratories, offices, hospital wards, common areas).
2) Assessment of non-auditory effects and psychophysical well-being. This phase is dedicated to studying the physiological and psycho-behavioral effects associated with noise exposure, including:
measuring the vocal effort of teaching staff
assessing the perceived acoustic comfort of students and teachers
analyzing the psychophysical well-being of exposed subjects
These activities will be conducted both in secondary schools and university settings
3) Study of the effects of noise in healthcare settings. The project includes a specific study on the effects of noise in hospitals, considering both patients and healthcare workers. Special attention will be given to the study of early cognitive decline and the possible diagnosis of dementia, through collaborations with dedicated research centers and specialized hospital facilities.
4) Correlation between acoustic discomfort and accident risk. This phase will analyze the relationship between acoustic discomfort, reduced cognitive performance, and increased risk of workplace accidents, with reference to the various contexts investigated. The analysis will include scientific and forensic aspects, contributing to the definition of risk indicators useful for prevention.
5) Creation of the database and dissemination of results. The project envisages the creation of a structured database for collecting scientific and experimental evidence on the non-auditory effects of noise in school and hospital environments. The database will be made available on the INAIL Physical Agents Portal. The results will be disseminated through scientific publications, seminars, workshops, and outreach activities aimed at technicians, public decision-makers, and sector professionals.
Risultati attesi:
a) Scientific Impacts
The project will contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the extra-auditory effects of noise, expanding the field of investigation already initiated by the BRIC INAIL 2019 ID14 project, extending it to university and hospital environments. The results will provide new scientific evidence on the links between acoustic exposure, psychophysical health, performance, and safety.
b) Technical Impacts
The project results will support the definition of criteria and operational indicators for assessing noise risk in work and care environments, with direct effects on injury prevention strategies and the improvement of indoor environment quality.
c) Social and Health Impacts
The project will have positive effects on the protection of the health of workers, students, and patients, contributing to the improvement of acoustic comfort, psychological well-being, and safety in places of study, work, and care. Particular importance is given to the prevention of psycho-behavioral discomfort and to support for public health policies.
Notizie / Eventi / In evidenza:
- Presentation of the BRIC INAIL Project ID 07 "Non-auditory effects of noise in school, university, and hospital environments and control of the risk of related accidents," INAIL Auditorium, Rome, October 24, 2025
Coordinatore:
Team:
Scientific Coordinators and Research Units:
Politecnico di Torino – Prof. Arianna Astolfi
CIRIAF – University of Perugia – Prof. Federico Rossi
University for Foreigners of Perugia (UNISTRAPG) – Prof. Francesco Asdrubali, Prof. Marco Filardi
University of Florence (UNIFI) – Prof. Simone Secchi
Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS – Prof. Federica Piras