Noise generated by dispensing machines in the hospital pharmacy was measured and analyzed by the 1/ 3 octave band in order to examined its effect on workers in the pharmacy. The results obtained were as follows: 1) When all the machines in the pharmacy were in operation, loudness of the noise in the center of the room was 72-73 dB (C), while that near the source of noise was 80-83 dB (C). 2) The noise, as measured by the 1/ 3 octave band, had a peak of 63 dB at 160 Hz in the center of the room, and under 60 dB on the average in the room. 3) In the area near the source of noise, the peak of noise was 71 dB at 2, 000 Hz when one packing machine was operated, and 72 dB when two packing machines were in operation. The loudness was decreased to 63 dB at 250 Hz when no packing machine was operated.
When all the machines, not only packing machines but air conditioners and cleaners, were in full operation, a loud noise of ca. 75 dB was generated at 2, 000 Hz, and over 70 dB at 50, 125, 500, and 1, 600-2, 500 Hz. These are close to the permissible noise exposure standard for acoustic protection recommended by the Japanese Society for Industrial Hygiene, and the measurements for reduction of noise in the pharmacy should be taken.