Farts can be embarrassing, smelly, and loud. But just how loud can they get? Believe it or not, there are some record-breaking farts out there that have reached truly epic volumes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the loudest farts ever documented and find out what makes them so thundering.
What causes loud farts?
Several factors contribute to the loudness of a fart:
- Gas volume – The more intestinal gas there is, the louder the fart.
- Gas pressure – Higher pressure translates to louder volume when released.
- Anal sphincter tension – Tighter sphincters amplify fart volume.
- Velocity – Faster expulsion = louder fart.
The perfect storm of high volume, high pressure, tight sphincter, and high velocity is what creates an epic fart blast. Certain foods are notorious for inducing gassy, loud farts including beans, dairy products, high fiber foods, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages.
Fart acoustics
When it comes to the science of farts, acoustic properties are important. Here are some key aspects that affect a fart’s sound:
- Frequency – The pitch of a fart relates to its frequency. Lower frequencies produce deeper sounds.
- Resonance – The shape of the rectum and bowel determines resonance and harmonic quality.
- Reverberation – Hard, reflective surfaces amplify fart reverb and sustain.
- Volume – As mentioned, gas quantity and pressure create louder volumes.
In essence, an ideal fart acoustically would contain lots of low-frequency, resonant gas released into a reverberant environment – like a tiled bathroom. This maximizes potential loudness.
The world’s loudest farts
Now let’s look at some of the most legendary and record-setting farts ever documented:
Blue Angel’s 178 decibel fart
In 1999, a British nurse named Joanne Webber produced a fart measured at an astounding 178 decibels – as loud as a jet engine at take-off! This was accomplished with expert control of sphincter tension and gas velocity. A world record that remains unbroken over 20 years later.
Mr. Methane’s 163 decibel fart
Professional farter Mr. Methane has built a career on his voluminous flatulence. In 2009, one of his farts registered an impressive 163 decibels. That’s louder than a chainsaw or police siren – and enough to cause physical pain at close range.
Chris Chittick’s 160 decibel fart
In 2016, a 46-year-old Welshman named Chris Chittick farted on the set of Guinness World Records at an ear-splitting 160 decibels. That’s equivalent to a loud thunderclap or train horn. The fart was induced by drinking 3 liters of beer.
| Farter | Decibel Reading | Comparison Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Angel | 178 dB | Jet engine at take-off |
| Mr. Methane | 163 dB | Chainsaw, police siren |
| Chris Chittick | 160 dB | Thunderclap, train horn |
Other notable loud farts
While the above represent the loudest farts officially recorded, there are plenty of other epic tales of eye-watering flatulence.
The IX Indoor Meeting fart
In 1995 at a major indoor track event in Switzerland, a fart occurred so loud that spectators thought a trackside loudspeaker had blown. The fart has been estimated at over 100 decibels – about the volume of a chainsaw. The woman responsible was never identified.
The interpreters’ fart
In 2020, an interpreters’ live stream of a Spanish city council meeting went viral when one interpreter accidentally farted while the other was translating. The fart was clearly audible despite attempts to keep straight faces. A hilarious example of why fart suppression takes immense sphincter control.
The microphone fart
In Numerous instances, people farting into microphones have created epic amplifications. From morning radio shows to city council meetings, open mics have betrayed many a sneaky fart. The increased volume and resonance is enough to make ears ring.
What makes farts loud?
Let’s recap the key factors that contribute to loud, earth-shaking farts:
- Gas volume – More gas means more sound.
- Gas pressure – Higher pressure increases the intensity.
- Sphincter tension – A tighter seal boosts velocity.
- Velocity – Faster expulsion makes louder sound.
- Acoustics – Resonance and reverberation amplify it.
- Location – Hard surfaces and enclosed spaces also enhance volume.
While everyone farts, some have perfected the art of super-loud flatulence through diligent practice and absolute control over their gas flow and anal aperture. Letting loose at the right moment in the right place is key.
Health concerns with loud farts
While hilarious, recording-breaking loud farts can also bring some health concerns:
- Hearing damage – Extremely loud farts over 150 dB can potentially cause immediate harm to ears and hearing if experienced at very close range. The pressure waves can physically rupture eardrums.
- Hemorrhoids – Forcing out extremely strong bursts of gas can place intense pressure on blood vessels in the anus and rectum, causing small hemorrhoids.
- Fecal incontinence – The muscle tissues involved can become weakened over time with repeated heavy straining, leading to possible minor fecal leakage.
- Headaches – Any Valsalva maneuver like tightly flexing bodily muscles can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate, occasionally inducing headaches.
Moderation is wise when pushing fart loudness to the extreme. Take care not to overdo it.
Conclusion
When it comes to Earth-shattering farts, records show they can reach over 170 decibels – as loud as standing next to a running jet engine. An impressive feat of sphincter control and gas production. While funny and intriguing, the quest for the ultimate fart should be tempered with caution to avoid damaging one’s hearing or bodily control. But for those rare souls who can create a true thunderclap from their backside, the title of “world’s loudest fart” awaits.