Noise Pollution

Noise is playing an ever increasing role in our lives and seems a regret-table, but ultimately avoidable corollary of current technology. The trend toward the use of more labor-saving devices, sports and pleasure craft, high-wattage stereo and quadriphony, larger construction machinery, and the increasing numbers of ground vehicles and aircraft, has created a gradual acceptance of noise as a natural by-product of progress. Indeed, prior to 1972 the only major federal activity in the field of noise control legislation was a 1968 amendment to the Federal Aviation Act, whereby the FAA was directed to regulate civil aircraft noise during landings and takeoffs, and including sonic booms.

Definition

A form and level of environmental sound that is generally considered likely to annoy, distract or even harm other people. Most industrial plants operated by a business located near a residential area will need to be respectful of others residing within earshot regarding their production of noise pollution. Also called sound pollution.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the disturbing or excessivenoise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused bymachines and transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, andtrains Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental noise. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution, since side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas.

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. Hearing Problems: Any unwanted sound that our ears have not been built to filter can cause problems within the body. Our ears can take in a certain range of sounds without getting damaged. Man made noises such as jackhammers, horns, machinery, airplanes and even vehicles can be too loud for our hearing range. Constant exposure to loud levels of noise can easily result in the damage of our ear drums and loss of hearing. It also reduces our sensitivity to sounds that our ears pick up unconsciously to regulate our body’s rhythm.

2. Health Issues: Excessive noise pollution in working areas such as offices, construction sites, bars and even in our homes can influence psychological health. Studies show that the occurrence of aggressive behavior, disturbance of sleep, constant stress, fatigue and hypertension can be linked to excessive noise levels. These in turn can cause more severe and chronic health issues later in life.

3. Sleeping Disorders: Loud noise can certainly hamper your sleeping pattern and may lead to irritation and uncomfortable situations. Without a good night sleep, it may lead to problems related to fatigue and your performance may go down in office as well as at home. It is therefore recommended to take a sound sleep to give your body proper rest.

4. Cardiovascular Issues: Blood pressure levels, cardio-vascular disease and stress related heart problems are on the rise. Studies suggest that high intensity noise causes high blood pressure and increases heart beat rate as it disrupts the normal blood flow. Bringing them to a manageable level depends on our understanding noise pollution and how we tackle it.

5. Trouble Communicating: High decibel noise can put trouble and may not allow two people to communicate freely. This may lead to misunderstanding and you may get difficult understanding the other person. Constant sharp noise can give you severe headache and  disturb your emotional balance.

6. Effect on Wildlife: Wildlife faces far more problems than humans because noise pollution since they are more dependent on sound. Animals develop a better sense of hearing than us since their survival depends on it. The ill effects of excessive noise begin at home. Pets react more aggressively in households where there is constant noise.

Conclusions

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Noise is produced by almost everything we humans do. It makes sense, then, that we would get used to it. But unfortunately this attitude also leads us to accept excessive and damaging amounts of noise. Exposure to noise no louder than people shouting for eight hours a day, five days a week can lead to substantial hearing loss in a matter of a few years, yet we continue to work and allow others to work amidst heavy machinery, impact tools, and screaming turbofan jet engines. And we live along approach paths to the major airports of the world. We accept hearing loss as a part of the normal aging process, even though in many cases it doesn't have to be.