cheerful young woman screaming into megaphone

Noise pollution causes effects and control measures Upsc

Environment and Ecology

Noise pollution is an invisible danger, that cannot be seen but it is considered to be a disturbing sound that affects the health of humans and other organisms.

Definition
“Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality. Noise pollution is commonly generated by many factories. It also comes from the highway, railway and aeroplane traffic and from outdoor construction activities“. -Jerry A. Nathanson and Richard E. Berg, 2018

Noise pollution from Airplanes flying close to residential area
Noise pollution from Airplanes flying close to residential area By Adrian Pingstone – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3165371

Types of Noise Pollution

i. Atmospheric Noise

Atmospheric noise or static is caused by lightning discharges in thunderstorms and other natural electrical disturbances occurring in the atmosphere.

ii. Industrial Noise

Industrial noise refers to noise that is created in factories. Sound becomes noise it becomes unwanted. Heavy industries like shipbuilding, iron, and steel have long been associated with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

iii. Man-made Noise

The main sources of man-made noise pollution are ships, aircraft, seismic exploration, marine construction, drilling, and motorboats.

Causes of Noise Pollution

i. Poor urban planning: Improper urban planning will cause more nuisances among city travelers.

ii. Sounds from motor vehicles

Sounds from motor vehicles can cause temporary hearing loss.

iii. Crackers

Enormous Crackers are used on some occasions. Such activities create a very louder noise to the level of harming the public. Sometimes, they may even cause deafness to children and ages.

iv. Factory machinery

The industrial noise caused by the continuous operation of mills, machines, and pneumatic drills is an unbearable nuisance to the workers.

Effects of Noise Pollution

a. Hearing Loss

Chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss. Older people are exposed to significant occupational noise and thereby reducing hearing sensitivity.

b. Damage Physiological and Psychological health

Unwanted noise can damage physiological and psychological health. For example, annoyance and aggression, hypertension, and high-stress levels.

c. Cardiovascular effects

High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular problems and exposure to blood pressure.

d. Detrimental effect on animals and aquatic life

Noise can have a detrimental effect on animals, increasing the risk of death.

e. Effects on wildlife and aquatic animals

It creates hormone imbalance, chronic stress, panic, and escape behavior and injury.

Remedial measures to control Noise Pollution

  • Use of noise barriers
  • Newer roadway for surface transport
  • Traffic control
  • Regulating times for heavy vehicles
  • Installations of noise barriers in the
    workplace
  • Regulation of Loudspeakers