Occupational noise in hospital laundries, boilers, and central power plants: a bibliometric analysis
Keywords:
ruido ocupacional, lavanderías hospitalarias, calderas de vapor, hipoacusia ocupacional, salud laboral, occupational noise, hospital laundry, steam boilers, occupational hearing loss, labor healthAbstract
Introduction: Noise in industrial areas within the hospital environment represents an occupational risk for workers.
Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications on noise exposure in hospital laundries, boiler rooms, and central utility plants.
Methods: A total of 31 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were consolidated, synthesizing source, year, and authors; descriptive tables and figures were developed.
Results: The sample included 31 studies, with a peak of publications in 2023 (n=9). The most frequent sources were SAGE Journals, PMC, BJAS, and Audiology & Speech Research. Typical sound pressure levels in laundries ranged from LAeq 74–85 dBA; in boiler rooms/CUP, technical reports indicated continuous high noise exposure.
Conclusions: Occupational noise in hospital industrial areas (laundries and boiler/utility plants) is a significant risk with growing scientific evidence between 2015 and 2025. However, gaps remain in direct measurements in boiler rooms and in longitudinal studies.
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