90 decibels (dBA) is around the level of lawn mowers, vacuums and power tools, according to NIOSH (CDC). NIOSH recommends no more than 2 h 31 min a day at 90 dBA; OSHA permits 8 h for US workplaces.
Sounds around 90 dBA
| Level | Sound | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 74–104 dBA | Movie theater | NIDCD (NIH) |
| 80–110 dBA | Motorcycles and dirt bikes | NIDCD (NIH) |
| 85–90 dBA | Printing presses, lawn mowers, vacuums and power tools | NIOSH (CDC) |
Only examples published by US health agencies (NIDCD and NIOSH) are listed. Real sounds vary with distance and the source, so measure yours with the decibel meter.
Is 90 decibels safe?
- Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. (NIDCD (NIH))
- 90 dBA for 8 hours is OSHA's permissible exposure limit for US workplaces (Table G-16). (OSHA)
How much of your daily limit does 90 dBA use?
| Time at 90 dBA | NIOSH dose | OSHA dose |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 9.9% | 3.1% |
| 30 minutes | 20% | 6.2% |
| 1 hour | 40% | 12% |
| 2 hours | 79% | 25% |
| 4 hours | 159% | 50% |
| 8 hours | 317% | 100% |
100% is the full daily limit. NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours, halved for every 3 dBA. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95: 90 dBA for 8 hours, halved for every 5 dBA. Add other noise in your day with the noise exposure calculator.
90 dBA on the decibel scale
90 dBA carries 3 times the sound energy of 85 dBA. Every 3 dB doubles the sound energy and every 10 dB multiplies it by ten, which is why the safe time falls so quickly as the level rises. See what is a decibel.
← 85 decibels · All levels · 100 decibels →
Common questions
Is 90 decibels safe?
For a limited time. NIOSH recommends no more than 2 h 31 min a day at 90 dBA, and OSHA permits 8 h at work.
How long can you listen to 90 decibels?
NIOSH: 2 h 31 min a day. OSHA: 8 h.
What is 90 decibels like?
Around the level of lawn mowers, vacuums and power tools, according to NIOSH (CDC).
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.