EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF NOISE POLLUTION:

Noise is all around us. It is an unavoidable part of our daily lives and has increasingly
become a major burden on the quality of lives. Industry growth, an increasing number of
vehicles and constant information overloads causes a significant and underestimated problem
noise pollution. The term noise pollution is used to define unwanted sounds that are released into
the environment.
Noise pollution is defined as a form of air pollution that is an audible unwanted sound
that poses a threat to a persons health and well-being[1,2]. Noise pollution can be from simple
sources such as an airconditioner, traffic, a loud radio, human conversation, traffic, a dog
barking, to more complex machinery such as large trucks and airplanes.
The hazardous effects of noise depend on its intensity (loudness in decibels), duration,
and frequency (high or low). High and low pitch is more damaging than middle frequencies, and
white noise covering the entire frequency spectrum is less harmful than noise of a specific pitch.
Noise may be ambient (constantly present in the background) or peak (shorter, louder sounds).
Noise has numerous health effects making noise pollution a public health concern
although it has not been well addressed. To name a few, these effects include elevated blood
pressure, noise-induced hearing loss, sleep disorders, and irritability[1]. In addition, noise
pollution also creates a decrease in the performance at work and school[1]. Noise is described in
terms of loudness (intensity) and pitch (frequency) and noise exposure is measured using a
logarithmic decibel (dB) scale[4]. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
recommends hearing protection in the workplace if there is exposure to noise greater than 85 dB
for eight hours or more because of the potential of permanent hearing loss[4].
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in humans is the major, though by no means only,
problem stemming from noise pollution.
In addition, noise can harm animals and the environment, as well as physical property.
Livestock and pets are harmed by noise, as are animals in the wild. Noise can also disturb
wildlife feeding and breeding. Noise-related property damage includes structural damage from
vibrations induced by sound waves and economic harm in the form of lower property values. The
true social costs of noise pollution also must include monetary losses from sickness,
absenteeism, loss of productivity and earning capacity, and much more.
Noise pollution can be controlled through reduction at the source, interruption of
transmission paths, or protection of the receiver. Reengineering machines and simply turning
down volume when possible are methods of reduction at the source. Barriers, enclosures, and
other forms of soundproofing can interrupt transmission paths. The use of hearing protection is
the main form of receiver protection.

REACTION ABOUT NOISE POLLUTION:

Noise pollution is undesired sound that is disruptive or dangerous and can cause harm to
life, nature, and property. The problem of noise pollution of the most important problems of
crowded cities, especially cities, the industrial ones, and is undoubtedly a consequence of the
progress of civilization and that adversely affect human health, especially the sense of hearing.
That sound (or noise) too pollutes the environment may look funny to many. But it does. It may
be some times imperceptible but no less harmful. Noise is directly related to man both in creation
and experience.
Various research studies have proven that noise pollution imposes a number of negative
impacts on mental and physical health. To understand the reasons behind these health conditions,
people should consider the effects that are usually caused by noise pollution.
There are many vulnerable groups of people who are most affected by noise pollution
such as the young, elderly, and the hospitalized. Young children are unable to protect their
hearing and rely on their parents to keep them from constant exposure. Similarly, the elderly may
not have the capabilities to protect their hearing if they are disabled by mental or physical illness.
Patients in the hospital are not safe from the effects of noise as well. Patients who are in the
hospital especially for orthopedic surgeries may be exposed to loud instruments during a
procedure although they are not protected from it while under anesthesia.
It can be observed that noise pollution is a serious, though underestimated problem for
the human population. It causes a number of negative effects both on health and the effectiveness
of performing actions. Among the most obvious and significant negative effects are hearing loss,
increased irritability, speech and sleep disturbances and decreased work performance. Even if a
person becomes accustomed to constant noise and thinks that it does not affect them, changes
still occur. Every individual, including scientific and healthcare organizations, should seek ways
to minimize the aforementioned impacts and reduce their exposure to noise pollution.
Lastly, noise pollution has been increasing in different ways with the growth of
urbanization. Besides taking the environmental pollution, water pollution, nuclear pollution and
the depletion of ozone layer seriously the world will have to develop a culturesophistication in
life to remove or lessen noise pollution too or half the world will be partly or totally deaf in
decades to come. To prevent and control noise pollution it is necessary to create public
awareness. Only law is not sufficient. People must be made aware of the harmful consequences
of noise pollution. People should be made aware that excessive noise beyond certain limits may
cause deafness. They should know that injuries caused by sound pollution are often irreversible
and Anti-pollution laws should be enacted and enforced.