The influence of atmospheric absorption on loudness and the A-weighted sound-pressure level

Criteria based on Zwicker’s model of loudness and the A-weighted sound-pressure level are used to find the source–receiver distance at which atmospheric absorption becomes significant. The problem is studied for a wide range of temperature and relative humidity variations. It is found that both criteria are nearly equivalent. For the majority of environmental noise sources, including motor vehicles and trains, air absorption cannot be neglected at distances beyond a few hundred meters.