The ultrasonic "Mosquito," a device targeted specifically at frequencies heard by the young, has made it to the United States, reports the New York Post.
*
Sean Mann, property manager of the 78-unit building at 114-05 170th St., said he was desperate to curtail chronic loitering, vandalism and even drug use in the building's lobby. *
*"I look at this as an active deterrent . . . I'm skeptical - because I can't hear it," he said. *
*But, he added, "over the past few days, we haven't seen any kids hanging out there. They're moving to different floors to avoid the sound. *
*"But now that we know it works, we'll keep installing more." *
*The Post put the gadget to the test in Washington Square Park and Midtown. *
*"It's obnoxious, high-pitched and painful," said 19-year-old Kristin Hankins with a wince. *
*"It's just awful," cried Jackie Lewis, 19, covering her ears. "I was wondering what that was. It's so annoying!" *
*But Jesus Parra, 46, was mystified. "Am I going deaf? I don't hear nothing," he said. *
*Dr. Pamela Roehm, assistant professor of otolaryngology at NYU, warns that more studies should be done before people install these devices. *
"Eighty-five decibels is a little extreme," she said. "There is the possibility that long periods of exposure to this sound could cause damage."
Could it cause sound damage? I'm not sure, but I looked up some other sound levels for comparison to the 85 dB of the Mosquito: :Jet takeoff (200 ft): 120; Rock Concert, Discotheque: 110; Firecrackers, Subway Train: 100; Heavy Truck (15 Meter), City Traffic 90 Alarm Clock (1 Meter), Hair Dryer: 80."
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