Noise pollution refers to the excessive sound effects which cause deleterious symptoms on humans, wildlife, and environmental quality.
Noise pollution usually arises within manufacturing facilities and many other corporate workplaces, apart from these other contributors to noise pollution include railways, roadways, highway traffics, and outdoor construction activities.
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noise/sound is measured in decibels. Several types of sounds are present currently in our global environment for example environment, from rustling leaves (20 to 30 decibels) to a thunderclap (120 decibels) to the wail of a siren (120 to 140 decibels).
Sounds crossing 85 decibels are harmful to humans as well as other animals and the environment.
Sound sources that exceed this threshold include familiar things, such as power lawn mowers (90 decibels), subway trains (90 to 115 decibels), and loud rock concerts (110 to 120 decibels).
On average, the impact of Noise pollution is on millions of people of all around the globe, on a daily basis
The major noise pollution caused amongst animals and human beings is called: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
Causes of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution has become evident from the past few decades and is increasing at an alarming rate. Affecting all life forces if the causes behind the effects of noise pollution are on the rise as well.
A few of the major causes of noise disturbances and pollution are as follows:
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Traffic Noise
Traffic noise and pollution are one of the major contributors to urban noise issues. Car honking and noise are the reason behind severe damage to eardrums and impartial hearing disorders.
On average :, a car horn produces 90 dB and a bus produces 100 dB.
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Night Life
In India, nightlife and catering are causing major noise-related issues. Especially in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etcUrban crowd is tending more toward late-night shenanigans causing trouble to other living organisms.
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Animals
The noise made by animals can go unnoticed, but a howling or barking dog, for example, can produce around 60-80 dB.
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Effects On Humans And Wildlife
Noise pollution meaning more than a mere sound. It is capable of causing physical damage to the eardrum and also the sensitive inner part of the ear, resulting in permanent damage as well. This is commonly called noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing loss happens at SPLs below 80 dBA (eight-hour exposure levels are best kept below 85 dBA), and if humans are exposed to more than 105 dBA on a regular basis will have permanent hearing loss.
Apart from inducing hearing loss, over-exposure to noise exposure can raise blood pressure amongst humans leading to mental issues such as irritability, anxiety, and mental fatigue, and interference with sleep, recreation, and personal communication.
Noise pollution has severe effects on children residing in areas with lofty levels of noise which leads to stress and memory loss.
Noise pollution control is extremely essential in the workplace as well as in the community.
Impact on Wildlife and Environment
Noise pollution also immensely affects wildlife. A major range of wildlife, including insects, frogs, birds, and bats, rely upon noises and sounds.
Noise pollution can cause disturbances within animals’ ability to attract a mate, communicate, travel, and catch the predators and therefore it is fatal for vulnerable organisms. The major issue of noise pollution is that it is affecting marine life at a very large scale, especially those that rely on echolocation, For example fish, whales, and dolphins, and much of the world’s oceans are polluted with chaotic sounds from ships, seismic tests, and oil drills. Sonar and navel devices are causing the loudest and detrimental sound within the ocean creating mass strandings within marine life.
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Noise Regulation And Mitigation
There is an urgent need for Noise-control rules and regulations which have to be implemented on regional, local, state, and national levels. These measures will be the major contributors towards mitigating noise pollution and its effects.
Many of the preventive measures which can be considered are as follows:
(1) Control at Receiver’s End
(2)Reduction of Noise from the very Source
(3) Acoustic Zoning
(4) Noise Insulation at Construction sites
(5) Planting more Trees
(6) Strict implementation of Measures.
Strict legislative measures need to be enforced to curb the menace of noise pollution. Some of these measures could be:
(a) Minimum use of loudspeakers and amplifiers especially near silence zones.
(b) Banning pressure horns in automobiles.
(c) Framing a separate Noise Pollution Act
These preventive measures are the need of the hour as the noise pollution is slowly turning into a serious health hazard.
Like all other types of pollution there is ardent need for control measures as the noise levels have to be maintained at acceptable levels.
