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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut could become the first state to curb loud movies under proposed legislation that's drawing opposition from the Motion Picture Association of America.
A proponent of the measure says the industry's decision to use voluntary efforts to keep the sound down doesn't work. But a hearing loss expert says movies are not harmful.
The legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee is considering the bill, which would prevent theaters from showing a film or preview that exceeds 85 decibels. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends noise should be kept below 85 decibels for workers for eight hours to minimize hearing loss.
An industry representative and a legislative researcher say they believe Connecticut would be the first to regulate the maximum decibel level at movies.
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