Noise Pollution
Introduction
Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise with harmful impact on the activity of human or animal life. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport, and propagation systems. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise disintegration, a negative emission that can be harmful to human health.
Sources of Noise Pollution
The primary sources of noise pollution are from transportation systems, including motor vehicle noise, aircraft noise, and rail noise. Other sources are office equipment, factory machinery, appliances, power tools, lighting hum, and audio entertainment systems.
Transportation
Transportation systems are the largest source of environmental noise pollution. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes can be very loud because they contain several subsystems that can produce noise. The noise of road traffic alone is the largest contributor to environmental noise pollution.
Industrial
Industrial noise is usually considered as one of the main sources of noise pollution at it has posed serious health hazards to the nearby residences. Various equipment like compressors, generators, exhaust fans, grinding mills also participate in producing big noise.
Residential
Residential areas provide for some of the most challenging areas to control noise pollution. Household equipment, from food mixers to washing machines, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and loud music can be a significant source of noise pollution.
Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution impacts millions of people on a daily basis. The most common health problem it causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress-related illnesses.
Physical Health
Noise pollution is harmful to physical health. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the threshold of pain at 120 dB, but harmful effects can occur at much lower levels. Chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss.
Mental Health
Noise pollution has been associated with adverse psychosocial and mental health effects. Children exposed to household noise, for instance, have been found to have increased rates of dyslexia and psychosocial stress.
Environment
Noise pollution also impacts the environment and biodiversity. It has been observed that noise pollution can affect the mating and communication of animals, and as a result, their reproductive processes.
Prevention and Mitigation
There are various strategies for combating noise pollution. The use of noise barriers, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of roadway surface texture, limitation of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to reduce braking and acceleration, and tire design can all contribute to noise reduction.
Regulation and Enforcement
Government regulations exist to control noise pollution. These regulations can include certification requirements for new products, such as the requirement that new automobiles meet certain noise standards. Enforcement is key in the effectiveness of noise pollution laws.
Urban Planning
Urban planning and management can also play a key role in reducing noise pollution. For instance, the creation of noise maps can help identify high noise levels and areas that are most affected.