Noise Pollution

Noise pollution creates harmful sound levels that damage human health and wildlife survival. These unwanted sounds come primarily from machines, transportation, and urban development.

Health Impacts

Human Effects

Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels causes hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports that 113 million Europeans face harmful road noise exceeding 55 decibels. This exposure links to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disorders.

Wildlife Disruption

Animals rely on sound for survival. Traffic noise masks bird songs, affecting mate selection and territory defense. Marine mammals struggle with ship noise that interferes with their navigation and communication over vast distances.

Measurement Methods

Sound Level Assessment

Scientists measure noise through:

• Sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels
• Frequency in Hertz (20-20,000 Hz human range)
• Duration of exposure
• Time of occurrence (day/night)

Modern Tools

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health developed smartphone apps for noise measurement. These tools provide real-time monitoring with accuracy within 2 dB(A) of professional equipment.

Urban Impact

Cities create complex soundscapes where noise compounds. Poor urban planning places industrial zones next to homes, exposing residents to constant mechanical noise. Research shows low-income neighborhoods face higher noise levels, creating an environmental justice issue.

Control Methods

Engineers reduce noise through:

• Sound barriers along highways
• Building insulation improvements
• Vehicle speed restrictions
• Equipment redesign for quieter operation

These solutions work best when implemented during initial planning stages rather than as afterthoughts.

Citations:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_pollution

Noise Pollution (Wikipedia)

Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise or sound with potential harmful effects on humans and animals. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation systems. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise disintegration or pollution, side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas. Some of the main sources of noise in residential areas include loud music, transportation (traffic, rail, airplanes, etc.), lawn care maintenance, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions and people.

Documented problems associated with noise in urban environments go back as far as ancient Rome. Research suggests that noise pollution in the United States is the highest in low-income and racial minority neighborhoods, and noise pollution associated with household electricity generators is an emerging environmental degradation in many developing nations.

High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss.