First…Let’s Discuss “Pollution”
During adolescence when I would hear the word, pollution, I would immediately picture a billow of radioactive green gas oozing out of a manhole. Over time, my perception about pollution shifted to the dense gray line of smog lingering over Los Angeles’ horizon. And the “Swimming is Not Advised” sign on the beaches of Santa Monica due to high levels of toxic bacteria from sewage and beach trash. I’d be willing to bet most of you imagine something similar. That being said, the term “Noise Pollution” never entered my mind coming close to holding a candle to chemical pollutants.
According to Wikipedia, “pollution” is the introduction of impurities into a natural environment that causes an adverse change. With this information, we need to understand the definition of “pollution” expands beyond chemical substances. Another popular form of pollution is energy based. This includes heat, light, and the most popular form of noise pollution.
Is it Real…
Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution comes in many forms. Because we cannot see it, smell it, or taste it takes a back seat to the air, water, and chemical pollution conversation when discussing the adverse effects. Environmentalists define noise pollution as, consistent exposure to elevated sound levels. This exposure can lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms.
Universally our environments are constantly filled with noise pollution. In fact, noise pollution is so prevalent we often do not even notice. Or we simply categorize it as annoying. That said, we cannot ignore the confirmed adverse effects of constant sounds (muffled, low, and loud) has on our overall health. The World Health Organization, states 8 hours or more exposure to constant sound levels beyond 85 decibels beyond can be dangerous.
Is it Harmful…
Health problems associated with noise pollution dates back as far as 2,000 years ago. When sounds keep you from sleeping or the environmental/household noise starts to give you a headache, it stops becoming just noise and becomes noise pollution. Ones living condition’s proximity to roadways, industrial operations can make it difficult to sleep without waking up or sleeping through the night uninterrupted. This can result in sleep deprivation, lack of mental and physical performance at school or work thus adversely affect their psychological and physical health.
As well, household forms of noise pollution including the television, a stereo, the humming of a fan, and even a bird constantly chirping can disrupt the natural rhythm of your life. Noise pollutants can compound stress levels and contribute to adverse cardiovascular effects. Consequently, increased incidences of coronary artery disease have been linked to individuals exposed to noise pollution.
Additionally, noise poses a serious threat to a child’s physical and psychological health. Exposure to heavy noise levels in a learning environment or residences can negatively interfere with a child’s learning and behavior as they develop.
Unfortunately, our world is such it is difficult to escape unwanted noise. This compounded with the fact noise pollution does significantly affect many people’s health, it is vital we take steps to reduce noise. Conditioning our society to be less noisy on a whole.
Examples of Noise Pollution
Airports, Train Stations, Metro Station, Subway
Cars, Buses, Motorcycles
Construction Sites (Heavy Machinery Operation)
Pedestrians & Street Traffic
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