Noise pollution facts
Most of you would think noise pollution is something that only machinery workers need to worry about, but in reality, it is a problem we all need to be aware of. If it is not prevented, it could result in serious health problems. Sound is essential to our everyday lives, but noise is not. Unwanted sound, which produces discomfort in the ears, defines noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 per cent preventable
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only type of hearing loss that is completely preventable. The maximum safe threshold for humans is 80 decibels. For those who work above the limit, in the long run, will have hearing loss.
To give you an idea of how noise is compared to everyday life activities take a look below.
45dB Refrigerator humming
60dB General conversation
85dB City traffic
95dB Motorbike
105dB MP3 player at max volume
120dB Sirens
150dB Firecrackers
The most common and easiest ways to prevent NIHL in your own home are to soundproof your space, keep noisy machines away from living areas and limit your time spent with prolonged use of noise.
Noise pollution causes more than just temporary discomfort
Here’s more noise pollution facts. There are many side effects of noise pollution that cause negative changes to our general health and wellbeing. Apart from causing injury to the ear leading to loss of hearing, noise pollution can cause a lot of serious health issues. Here are some side effects:
Anxiety
Emotional and behavioural stress
Increased chance of headache, high blood pressure and heart failure
Damage to liver, brain and heart
Increased heart rate, constriction of blood vessels and dilation of pupils
Disturbances in the nervous system
Insomnia
Increase in cholesterol levels
Mostly, we induce Household Noise Pollution ourselves.
Industrial workers who use big machines easily fall victim to the effects of noise pollution. But you’re not a factory worker so you’re in the clear, right? Wrong. Noise pollution can affect you even in the comfort of your own home.
Congested housing – Large families sharing a small space
Transportation – Houses next to busy traffic, trains or aeroplanes
Household – Air conditioning units or generators
Social – Music headphones, bass sound systems or loud neighbours
Did you know? More noise pollution facts are we are not the only ones affected by noise pollution. Marine scientists are concerned with the excessive noise used by oil drills and submarines on the inside of the ocean. Many marine animals use hearing to find food, and defend themselves against predators, in the ocean. A submarine sonar can be felt 300 miles away from the source.
There are easy measures in which you can reduce household noise pollution
We need to implement measures to control noise pollution, like all other types of pollution, to maintain acceptable levels.
Suppression of noise at source
To insulate against sound, pack any cracks with sound-absorbing material, as sound travels through these spaces.
Install soundproof walls to protect your house from outside noise before it enters your yard.
Plant trees – planting trees and shrubs help to reduce noise to a considerable extent
Noise is not just merely a nuisance, but a serious health hazard and environmental problem. We need to be aware of the dangers and how to effectively protect ourselves from this not so silent pollution.
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