Final answer:
The townspeople should be concerned about the noise levels rising by 30 dB due to the introduction of train service to downtown, resulting in levels similar to a jet plane taking off, which can lead to hearing damage over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Should the Townspeople Be Concerned About Noise Levels?
When it comes to assessing noise levels in a community, understanding decibels (dB) is crucial. Currently, the downtown area experiences noise levels at 70 dB, which is comparable to the sound in a noisy restaurant or city traffic. The addition of train service is expected to raise the noise level by 30 dB, resulting in a 100 dB environment, which is as loud as the take-off of a jet plane. This increase is significant because noise levels above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage over prolonged exposure. For perspective, everyday sounds are typically around 10 dB for running fingers through your hair and 50 dB inside a quiet home.
Casino manager Kamran will assess noise levels using an octave band analyzer, which is a helpful tool to measure noise frequencies and intensities in such environments. The townspeople should indeed be concerned as prolonged exposure to noise levels beyond 85 dB can lead to hearing damage. Thus, with the proposed train service, sound intensities may reach a point that could affect the health and quality of life for the downtown residents.