Which of the following represents an acceptable noise level in a lab environment to ensure animal comfort?

In a laboratory environment where comfort and welfare of animals are paramount, maintaining an acceptable noise level is crucial. The correct answer indicates that 80 dB is generally considered too high for animals. This level of noise can induce stress and fear in the animals, affecting their overall health and research outcomes.

A compatible noise level for animal comfort is typically around 50 to 60 dB, which is similar to a normal conversation or background music. Levels above 70 dB can be disruptive, leading to anxiety, altered behavior, and physiological responses that can negatively impact the validity of research findings.

Thus, the acceptable range for noise levels in a laboratory setting is around or below 70 dB, ideally staying closer to the lower end of this spectrum for optimal animal welfare.