Noise pollution

Noise pollution is a threat that is difficult to detect. It cannot be seen, but it is nonetheless present, both on land and beneath the ocean’s surface. In the context of noise pollution, any unwanted or disturbing sound that has an adverse effect on the health and well-being of humans and other organisms is considered to be pollution.

Sound

The volume of sound is measured in decibels. It is possible to hear a wide variety of sounds in nature, ranging from rustling leaves (20 to 30 decibels) to a thunderclap (120 decibels) to the wail of an ambulance (120 to 140 decibels). Sounds that are 85 decibels or higher can be harmful to a person’s hearing. Sound sources that exceed this threshold include commonplace items such as power lawn mowers (90 decibels), subway trains (90 to 115 decibels), and loud rock concerts (115 decibels and higher) (110 to 120 decibels).

On a daily basis, millions of people are affected by excessive noise pollution. Hearing loss as a result of noise exposure is the most common health problem it causes (NIHL). High blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress are all associated with prolonged exposure to loud noise. These health issues can affect people of all ages, but they are particularly prevalent among children. According to research, many children who live in close proximity to noisy airports or streets experience stress and other problems, such as difficulties remembering things and maintaining their attention.

Noise

The word noise is derived from the Latin word ‘Nausea,’ which refers to a sickness in which one feels the need to vomit, and which means feeling sick. Noise is defined as any unwelcome or undesirable sound that causes discomfort in human beings or animals. Decibels are used to express the intensity of a sound (dB). The smallest sound that can be detected by the human ear is one decibel (dB). Noise pollution has become a major source of concern as a result of increased noise in the vicinity of civilizations. Vehicles, aircraft, industrial machines, loudspeakers, crackers, and other similar devices are some of the major causes. When used at a high volume, other appliances such as televisions, transistors, radios, and other electronic devices contribute to noise pollution.

Types of Noise Pollution

Pollution can be classified into three categories, which are as follows:

• Transport Noise
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• Neighbourhood Noise
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• Industrial Noise

Transport Noise

Most of it comes from traffic noise, which has increased in recent years as a result of the increase in the number of vehicles on the road. The increase in noise pollution causes the deafening of older people, as well as headaches, hypertension, and other health problems.

Neighbourhood Noise

The noise produced by electronic devices, household utensils, and so on. Musical instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, and other electronic devices are among the most common sources.

Industrial Noise

Heavy industrial machinery produces a high-intensity sound that can be heard for miles around. A large number of researchers believe that industrial noise pollution impairs hearing ability by approximately 20 percent.

A large number of researchers believe that industrial noise pollution impairs hearing ability by approximately 20 percent.

Noise Pollution: What Causes It and Where It Comes From

Causes and sources of noise pollution include the following factors and activities:

Industrialisation:

As a result of the use of heavy machinery such as generators, mills, and massive exhaust fans, industrialisation has resulted in an increase in noise pollution, which is characterised by the production of unwanted noise.

Vehicles:

The second most significant source of noise pollution is an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.

Events:

Loudspeakers are used to play music at weddings and public gatherings, resulting in the production of unwanted noise in the surrounding area.

Construction sites:

Noise pollution is amplified by mining, building construction, and other activities.

Noise Pollution Examples

The following are some examples of noise pollution to consider:

• Horns are being used in an unnecessary manner.
• Using loudspeakers for religious functions or for political purposes is a common practice.
• Unnecessary use of fireworks.
• Noise from the industrial sector
• Noise from the construction site
• Noise from modes of transportation such as trains and aeroplanes

Noise Pollution and Its Effects on the Human Body

The following are some of the ways that noise pollution can be harmful to human health:

Hypertension:

It is a direct result of noise pollution, which is caused by elevated blood levels for a longer period of time as a result of the noise pollution.

Deafness or hard of hearing:

The constant exposure of human ears to loud noises that are beyond the range of sound that human ears can withstand causes damage to the eardrums, which ultimately results in hearing loss.

Sleeping disorders:

Failure to get enough sleep can result in fatigue and low energy levels throughout the day, which can interfere with daily activities. Because noise pollution interferes with sleep cycles, it can cause irritation and an uncomfortable state of mind.

Problems with the heart and blood vessels:

It is possible for a healthy person to develop heart-related problems such as high blood pressure, stress, and cardiovascular disease; however, a person suffering from any of these diseases may experience a sudden rise in their blood pressure level.

Noise Pollution Reduction and Prevention

• Some noise pollution prevention measures are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow.
• Honking in public places such as schools, hospitals, and other places of business should be prohibited.
• Soundproofing systems of sufficient strength should be installed in commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings.
• The sound of musical instruments should be controlled to within acceptable limits.
• A dense canopy of trees is beneficial in the prevention of noise pollution.
• Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous, or mining areas because of the danger they pose.

Conclusion

It is the propagation of noise that has a variety of effects on the activity of human or animal life, the majority of which are harmful to some degree. Noise pollution is also known as environmental noise or sound pollution. Around the world, machines, transportation, and propagation systems are the primary sources of outdoor noise, according to the World Health Organisation. Poor urban planning may result in noise disintegration or pollution; for example, industrial and residential buildings located next to each other can cause noise pollution in the residential areas nearby. Large amounts of background noise in residential areas are caused by a variety of sources, including loud music and transportation (traffic, rails, planes), lawn care maintenance, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions, and people themselves.