Ecology-and-environment / Environmental Pollution / Noise Pollution
Noise Pollution
- Noise can be simply defined as “unwanted sound’’. It is generally higher in urban and industrial areas than in rural areas. Workers using heavy machinery are exposed to high noise levels for long period of work hours every day. Intensity of sound is measured in a unit called decibel or dB. The lowest intensity of sound that human ear can hear is 20 dB.
Sources of noise pollution
- Use of loud speakers, loud music system and television at public places
- Means of transport i.e. automobiles, railways, aircrafts, etc.
- Heavy machines in industries fireworks
Effects of noise pollution
- Inability to sleep, slow recovery from sickness.
- Irritability and interference in communication.
- Temporary loss of hearing, earache, sometimes even leading to permanent deafness.
- Inability to concentrate, headache.
- Ringing of ears (a feeling, sound coming from within the ear in a very quiet environment).
- Increased blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
Prevention and control of noise pollution
- Control the noise emanating from your radio and television.
- Use automobile horn only in case of emergency.
- Do not burn fire crackers as they are noisy and also cause air pollution.
- Get all machinery and engines properly tuned and serviced at regular intervals and by the use of silencers.
- Use of sound proof cabins and sound-absorbing materials in the walls.
- A green belt of vegetation is an efficient absorber of noise.
- Not playing loudspeakers during odd hours. It is legally banned and should be reported to the police immediately.
