Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is when there is a lot of noise in the environment. Sound that is undesirable for human hearing is called as noise. It can be caused due to various sources – there is street noise, traffic noise, noise in public transport places, noise in playgrounds and parks, noise in the shopping malls, noise in workplaces, to name a few. One of the greatest sources of noise pollution is the airports, and anyone staying close to an airport will attest to that.
[edit] Sources of Noise Pollution
- Appliances in the home such as mixer grinders, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, can together cause a cumulative sound of about 87 dB. This itself is above the sound limits in most areas. On top of that, if loudspeakers, television sets and music systems are used with high volumes, then we can well imagine how much noise pollution is being created.
- Small factories using single unit machines would cause a sound of about 98 dB and above. The sound will definitely go higher as the number of machines increase.
- Airplanes cause the highest sound among all, it can generate up to 150 dB. But road vehicles are also great contributors of noise pollution. These vehicles include the trucks, buses, tractors, SUVs and even motorcycles and most cars.
- Then there are lots of environmental sources of noise pollution that cannot be ignored. Continuous noises are the most distressing. Noise coming from sources such as dripping taps and ticking of clocks can contribute to environmental noise pollution.
[edit] Noise Pollution Causes
The causes of noise pollution increased or probably originated with the invention of machines. Let us have a look at the various noise pollution causes in detail.
[edit] Traffic
Traffic is the biggest source of noise pollution especially in urban areas. In the past few years the number of automobile vehicles has increased manifold. Thus, traffic problems created by these vehicles is an important source of noise pollution. The sound produced by the exhaust systems of trucks, autos, buses, motorcycles, etc. cause a lot of noise.
[edit] Railway Stations
Locomotive engines of trains are an important source of noise pollution. Besides, the shunting and switching operations in rail yards too cause noise pollution to a great extent. The whistles and horns being used by the railway employees add to the effect and increase noise pollution.
[edit] Aircrafts
Noise that are produced by any aircraft or its components, during various phases of a flight: on the ground while parked such as auxiliary power units, while taxiing, on run-up from propeller and jet exhaust, during take off, underneath and lateral to departure and arrival paths, over-flying while en route, or during landing.
[edit] Industrial Noise
The various machines used in industries are also a major cause of noise pollution. The different machines which are responsible for creating noise include the compressors, motors and other machinery. It is therefore recommended to grow trees in the premises of industries, which act as absorbents of noise. The trees grown in the premises of 'Tata Motors' an automobile company based in India is a perfect example of how to reduce noise pollution in the industrial belts.
The different types of machines and equipments used in construction of roads and buildings is also an important cause behind noise pollution. The machinery used for the purpose of construction includes pneumatic hammers, bulldozers, air compressors, dump trucks, loaders, pavement breakers, etc. is also responsible for noise pollution to a great extent.
[edit] Household Equipment
The household equipments are amongst the minor contributors to noise pollution. These machines include mixers, vacuum cleaners and other noise creating equipments. The effects of noise pollution caused by these machines shouldn't be neglected. This is because one has to work in close contact with the equipments and the magnitude of sound that one needs to bear is high.
[edit] Other Causes
The boilers, plumbing equipment, air conditioners, generators and fans contribute to noise pollution to some extent. Noise created by people in public places too is a major contributor amongst different sources. Loudspeakers used in public places are responsible for creating noise of a high degree/amplitude.
[edit] Noise Levels
Both the amount of noise and the length of time you are exposed to the noise determine its ability to damage your hearing. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially hazardous. The noise chart below gives an idea of average decibel levels for everyday sounds around you.
[edit] Painful
- 150 dB = rock music peak
- 140 dB = firearms, air raid siren, jet engine
- 130 dB = jackhammer
- 120 dB = jet plane take-off, amplified rock music at 4-6 ft., car stereo, band practice
[edit] Extremely Loud
- 110 dB = rock music, model airplane
- 106 dB = timpani and bass drum rolls
- 100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill
- 90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway
[edit] Very Loud
- 80 dB = alarm clock, busy street
- 70 dB = busy traffic, vacuum cleaner
- 60 dB = conversation, dishwasher
[edit] Moderate
- 50 dB = moderate rainfall
- 40 dB = quiet room
[edit] Faint
- 30 dB = whisper, quiet library
[edit] Warning Signs of Hazardous Noise
- You must raise your voice to be heard
- You can't hear someone two feet away from you
- Speech around you sounds muffled or dull after leaving a noise area
- You have pain or ringing on your ears (tinnitus) after exposure to noise.
[edit] Effects of Noise Pollution on Health
The most immediate effect is a deterioration of mental health. As an example, people who are living too close to airports will probably be quite jumpy. Continuous noise can create panic episodes in a person and can even increase frustration levels. Also, noise pollution is a big deterrent in focusing the mind to a particular task. Over time, the mind may just lose its capacity to concentrate on things.
Another immediate effect of noise pollution is a deterioration of the ability to hear things clearly. Even on a short-term basis, noise pollution can cause temporary deafness. But if the noise pollution continues for a long period of time, there's a danger that the person might go stone deaf.
It is observed that the rate at which heart pumps blood increases when there is a constant stimulus of noise pollution. This could lead to side-effects like elevated heartbeat frequencies, palpitations, breathlessness and the like, which may even culminate into seizures.
Noise pollution can cause dilation in the pupils of the eye, which could interfere in ocular health in the later stages of life. It is also knownto increase digestive spasms. This could be the precursor of chronic gastrointestinal problems.
[edit] Hearing Problems
Exposure to noise can damage one of the most vital organs of the body, the ear. Hearing impairment due to noise pollution can either be temporary or permanent. When the sound level crosses the 70dB mark, it becomes noise for the ear. Noise levels above 80 decibels produce damaging effects to the ear. When ear is exposed to extreme loud noise (above 100 decibels) for a considerable period of time, it can cause irreparable damage and lead to permanent hearing loss.
[edit] Cardiovascular Issues
A noisy environment can be a source of heart related problems. Studies have shown that high intensity sound cause a dramatic rise in blood pressure as noise levels constrict the arteries, disrupting the blood flow. The heart rate (the number of heartbeats per minute) also increase. These sudden abnormal changes in the blood increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases in the long run.
[edit] Sleep Disturbances
This is one of the noise pollution effects that can deter your overall well being. Noise can interrupt a good night's sleep, and when this occurs, the person feels extremely annoyed and uncomfortable. People deprived of uninterrupted sleep show a sharp dip in their energy levels which often results into extreme fatigue. This can considerably decrease a person's ability to work efficiently.
[edit] Interference in Verbal Communication
A noisy environment that produces more than 50-60 decibels simply does not allow 2 people to communicate properly. Interpreting the speech of a second person becomes quite difficult and may lead to misunderstandings.
[edit] Mental Health Problems
Exposure to loud sound can lead to elevated stress levels as well as stimulate violent behavior. A constant noise in the vicinity can also trigger headaches, make people tense and anxious, and disturb emotional balance.
[edit] Noise Pollution Effects on Animals
Anxious behavior in animals is commonly observed in the form of trembling when they are exposed to high decibel levels. Intolerable noise levels can decrease a cow's capacity of milk production. These animals require a calm and relaxed environment to provide a better milk yield.
Research has proven that aircraft induced noise is responsible for a significant decrease in reproduction activity in a wide range of animals. Noise pollution effects can also be seen on chicken in the form of a sharp drop in egg production. Stunted growth in chickens due to intense noise has also been observed.
Underwater animals such as whales and dolphins too experience discomfort due to noise pollution caused by submarines, shipping companies, and sonars. The sea animals produce varying sound levels among each other. However, the noise of commercial ships does not allow these animals to communicate properly, which can wreak havoc on their reproductive function. Sonar navy tests can hurt the whale's ear and reduce its ability to breed and feed.
Birds in urban areas, that use their sharp hearing abilities to hunt prey, are at loss due to intervention of man made noise. High noise levels can also negatively affect the breeding and feeding patterns of some animals. This is one of the reasons why certain species have become extinct.
[edit] Solutions and Tips in reducing Noise Pollution
The main objective behind noise pollution solutions is to absorb, contain and cancel the source of noise. The following is a list of the effective noise pollution solutions or noise pollution remedies that will help in combating the various health effects of noise pollution.
- Automobiles account to the highest production of noise. Regular servicing of the vehicles is an effectual measure to lower the intensity of sound produced by them.
- Similar to vehicles, the quality of machines should be optimized, so as to reduce sound production. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 30 million Americans are exposed to noise pollution in the workplaces. Lubrication of the machinery and servicing should be done to minimize noise generation.
- Soundproof doors and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise from outside. You can also opt for walls with sound control material. These soundproofing options are of utmost importance for complete relaxation, especially if you are staying in a crowded city area.
- Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is another effective solution for noise pollution. Dense shrubs and trees block sound passage, thus avoiding disturbance to the surrounding areas. You can also plant trees around your residential area to live peacefully.
- Using loudspeaker in public areas is another major cause of noise pollution. This should be banned at any cost for the welfare of the people. Strict laws should be imposed against those who violate and play loudspeakers in crowded areas and public places.
- Industrial noise pollution is no less different in causing health hazards on humans and animals. Thus, factories and industries should be located in far off places from the residential areas. Installation of sound detectors will help in analyzing the sound frequencies on a regular basis.
- The latest technology for overcoming the effects of noise pollution is using white noise machine. It is a device meant for converting unbearable noise into pleasant sound. A white noise machine is placed between the source of noise and the receptor. It produces soft sound like that of a waterfall, fan and soft music.
[edit] Noise Pollution Effects and Control
To bring down noise levels, one has to first identify the sources of noise. Considering the ill effects of noise, some preventive steps need to be taken to reduce noise levels at the source.
- People living in the heart of city or near the airport, often have to bear the brunt of high noise levels. To decrease noise, one can install dual-paned windows. Offices, too can use windows to curb noise levels. Soundproofing is another alternative that can be looked at to reduce excessive sound levels.
- Use of music systems and television sets with high volumes can cause noise pollution at home. Instead, using these appliances with the volume kept at a moderate level is a better option.
- An effective way to manage noise would be to wear ear protection while working in noisy conditions. Animals should be moved to some other place, away from the noise source, thereby decreasing their noise exposure time.
- Vehicles and factory machines need to be maintained properly and checked from time to time. Lack of maintenance will not only increase noise levels, but also decrease the efficiency of these machines.
[edit] Controlling Noise Pollution
- We must constantly check up on the appliances we use at home. Most of them have rubber insulations that act for soundproofing. But over time, this insulation may wear out, and that is when the noise pollution will begin. Keep track of which appliances need maintenance, and replace insulations if needed.
- Growing trees is a very significant way in which roadside noise can be curtailed. Trees act as buffers for absorbing the sound that is produced on the streets and hence reduce noise pollution. That is the reason why roads with trees on both sides seem to be more silent and peaceful. Grow trees around your house if you can. It will protect you from the noise on the streets. This will also help if you stay close to an airport.
- Do not honk horns in your vehicles unless it is absolutely necessary. We all know how easily traffic sound limits are trespassed when there is a traffic jam.
- If you are working in a factory that has a lot of noise issues, make it a point to wear earplugs and muffs. If you are the owner of the factory, provide these things to your workers.
