Music concert volume capped

State Secretary of Health, Martin van Rijn, made agreements, Friday, with music halls, and organizers of dance parties, festivals, and concerts to cap the volume at 103 decibel in the Netherlands. 'Now, music may be so loud, the only way to safely enjoy it is to wear construction grade earplugs,' says Van Rijn in a statement.

'Some concerts produce sounds over 110 decibel. There will be four times less sound if the volume is capped at 103,' according to a spokesperson for Van Rijn. Van Rijn also wants major music events to make earplugs available to the public. They don't have to be free and people will not be obliged to wear them. 'The earplugs block about 17 decibel, bringing the volume down to 86 decibel, just beneath the level of risk for hearing loss,' said Van Rijn. The State Secretary chose for agreements with event organizers rather than new legislation, but stresses he will consider 'legal measures' if agreements are not honored. Vlaanderen has already taken such measures. Starting January 1st, 2013, music in cafés is capped at 85 decibel, music at festivals at 100 decibel, and music at parties at 95 decibel.