Noise Pollution: Definition, Sources and Effects

In this article we will discuss about the Noise Pollution:- 1. Definition of Noise pollution 2. Sources of Noise Pollution 3. Effects 4. Control.

Definition of Noise Pollution:

It signifies the vast sounds that are being produced in the modern life leading to health hazards.

Sources of Noise Pollution:

1. Noise levels are acute near railway junc­tions, bus terminuses, airports and traffic round-about.

2. The other sources are pressure horns, loud­speakers with full volume during festivi­ties particularly at night.

3. The domestic noises in daily life gener­ates from radios, tape recorders, T.V. sets.

Effects of Noise Pollution:

1. Noise has side effects such as whistling and buzzing in the ears.

2. The pathological effect is deafness or hear­ing loss. Repeated or continuous expo­sure to noise around 100 decibels may re­sult in a permanent hearing loss. When the complete destruction of the organs of corti occurs as a result of occupation in industries, it is called “occupational hear­ing loss”. Noise above 160 decibels may rupture the tympanic membrane and cause permanent loss of hearing.

3. Neurotic people are more sensitive to noise than balanced people.

4. Workmen under high intensities of noise become irritated, short tempered and im­patient. They disrupt production and be­come more agitated.

5. Reduction in noise is found to increase work output.

6. The direct result of noise shows a rise in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and breathing and an increase in sweat­ing. The symptoms such as giddiness, nau­sea and fatigue may also occur.

7. Noise causes a narrowing of pupils, affects colour perception and reduces night vi­sion.

Control of Noise Pollution:

1. Careful planning of cities:

Residential ar­eas should be separated from the main streets by means of wide green bolts. House fronts should lie nor less than 15 meters from the road. The main streets should be widened to reduce the level of noise pen­etration into dwellings.

2. Control of Vehicles:

Heavy vehicles should not be routed into narrow streets. Vehicular traffic on residential streets should be reduced. The use of pressure horn should be prohibited.

3. Improved Insulation of Building:

It is wise to construct detached buildings rather than a single large building. Buildings should be sound-proof.

4. Industries and Railways:

Noise should be controlled in industries. Special areas must be earmarked outside residential areas for industries and for railways.

5. Legislation:

Many states have adopted legislation for controlling noise. Workers have the right to claim compensation if they have suffered a loss of ability to un­derstand speech.

6. Education:

Education is needed to high­light the importance of noise as a commu­nity hazard.