Noise Pollution: Causes, Health Effects, and Effective Control Strategies

Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution Explained: Unwanted, disruptive sound, often a byproduct of vibrations, is scientifically termed noise. The intensity of sound is quantified in decibels (dB), the established unit of measurement. Any sound exceeding 85 decibels is generally classified as noise pollution. Common culprits include vehicular traffic, aircraft, industrial machinery, loudspeakers, fireworks, and amplified music. Electronic devices such as televisions, radios, and transistors, when operated at high volumes, also significantly contribute to the pervasive issue of noise pollution. Noise pollution is defined as unwelcome or excessive sound that adversely impacts human health, wildlife, and the overall quality of our environment.

Causes of Noise Pollution

Key contributors to noise pollution include:

• Road Traffic Noises
• The sound produced by Aircraft
• Noise at construction sites
• Industrial Noise
• Noise-caused Public events/ Loudspeakers
• Events

Effects of Noise Pollution

The detrimental health consequences of exposure to noise pollution are significant:

Hearing Loss	If a person is exposed to a high amount of excessive noise, then he may be affected temporarily and permanently. Noise-induced temporary threshold shift (NITTS) and Noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) are the hearing effect of excessive noise.
Interference with Communication	If both noise and speech communication is happening at the same time then one of the two sounds becomes inaudible.
Disturbance of Sleep	Noise intrusion can even cause difficulty in falling asleep and can awaken people who are asleep, especially young infants, older people, etc.
Annoyance	Excessive noise can even cause annoyance or displeasure.
Effect on Performance	Noise can even affect the alertness of a person and affects the efficiency of the people. Mental stabilities even get disturbed because of noise pollution.
Physiological Effects	Noise pollution can effects the heart rate of the person,  Increased blood pressure, Vasoconstriction etc.
Stress	Noise Pollution cause stress in a number of ways, including headaches, irritability, insomnia, digestive disorders, and psychological disorders.

Control Mesures to Reduce Noise Pollution

Discover actionable strategies for individuals, communities, and governments to mitigate noise pollution:

• Construction of Soundproof room.
• Use of horns with jarring sounds, motorbikes with damaged exhaust pipes, and noisy trucks to be banned.
• Noise-producing industries, airports, bus and transport terminals and railway stations are to be sighted far from living places. 
• Vegetation trees should be constructed along the roads and in residential areas is a good way to reduce noise pollution.