Effects of Sonic Boom on People: St. Louis, Missouri, 1961–1962

Abstract

The vicinity of St. Louis, Missouri, was exposed to approximately 150 sonic booms during a 10-month period from July 1961 to April 1962. Ground overpressures, ranging up to about 3 lb/sq ft. were carefully measured for a series of 17 of the supersonic flights. Data obtained from over 2300 direct interviews, analyses of complaints, and engineering evaluations of alleged damage were related to information on aircraft operations and sonic-boom overpressure measurements. Most residents interviewed indicated some interference with routine living activities, yet less than 1% filed formal complaints. Alleged building damage was superficial in nature and consisted mostly of cracks in brittle surfaces. There were no reports of direct adverse physiological effects.