What Is Noise Pollution?

Noise refers to unpleasant, intrusive, bothersome, distracting, or persistent sounds that disrupt sleep, concentration, or enjoyment of life. Noise pollution is an undesirable sound that can influence animal and human behavior. Noise is classified as a contaminant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981.

Although, not all noise constitutes pollution. The WHO regards noise exceeding 65 decibels as pollution. Noise is harmful at 75 decibels and painful at 120 decibels. Thus, daily noise levels should be kept below 65 decibels (dB), while overnight ambient noise above 30 decibels (dB) disrupt sleep.

According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, as cities increase, noise pollution poses an environmental danger.

Urbanization

Rapid urbanization has created a variety of public health issues, including environmental pollution. A great deal of pollution-producing activities are necessary to meet the needs of a growing population and development.

Noise occurs in two primary settings: community and industrial. Community noise (also known as environmental noise, home noise, or household noise) refers to noise created by all sources other than the industrial workplace. Automobiles, construction, loudspeakers, recreational activities, fireworks, and other kinds of communal noise are all major contributors which unfolds in metropolitan areas.

In recent years, increasing population, transportation needs, vehicular growth, and road congestion have all contributed considerably to traffic noise pollution. Metro trains, other useful means of transportation in metropolitan areas, were found to emit noise levels that exceeded the legal norms (commercial zone). Due to its mainly subterranean location, the surrounding buzzing level is reduced, but workers—especially those assigned to high noise levels—are more vulnerable.

In addition to the constant traffic noise that individuals are subjected to, community celebrations, public address systems, noise from machinery at building sites, and other factors all have an impact on their quality of life.

Pollution's Impact on Our Wellbeing

Psychologically: Noise can produce discomfort, fatigue, depression, nervousness, aggressiveness, and hysteria in both humans and animals.

Insomnia: Noise above 45 decibels can impair circadian rhythm of an individual.

Concentration: Noise can affect attention and performance. Memory loss makes studying tough. Our ears need more than 16 hours to recuperate from two hours of noise at 100 decibels.

Physical symptoms include respiratory agitation, a racing pulse, high blood pressure, headaches, gastritis, colitis, and heart attacks caused by exceptionally loud, continuous noise.

The Statistics that Support Rising Problems

Noise is an underappreciated hazard that can result in a variety of short- and long-term health issues. It is progressively becoming a health risk, both physically and psychologically, and has an impact on an individual's overall well-being.

Research done in a residential neighborhood in Delhi during the Diwali celebration found that the average ambient noise level ranged from 76 to 80 dB(A), which was 1.2-1.3 times higher than on usual days in the region (57-69 dB[A] Leq). Fireworks create strong noise with significant effects, which poses an elevated risk and can injure the auditory system. Neighborhood noise may also lead to a challenging environment, misunderstandings, and anger.

Research done in Orissa discovered that individuals experienced noise-induced symptoms including headaches, poor tempers, hearing problems, loss of concentration, and sleep disturbances. Noise pollution instills undesirable feelings of frustration in people. Residents living near roads reported regular discomfort (52%), hypertension (46%), and sleep loss (48.6%) as a result of noise pollution. Also, sleep disturbances can include headaches, inability to focus at work, and irritation.

Noise exposure in vulnerable populations, such as children, is a major source of worry. A thorough investigation found that children in louder regions had psycho-physiological alterations. Resting systolic blood pressure and urine cortisol levels were elevated. Elevated heart rate in response to a stressor (reading test) and increased reported stress symptoms were also noted. Children exposed to aero plane and road traffic noise exhibited poorer cognition, including reading comprehension, recollection, and expression displeasure. Children's early hearing damage is a serious consequence of prolonged loud exposure. High-impact, loud noises might cause further harm. Toys and fireworks are the primary producers of such hazardous noises.

Photo by  Edge2Edge Media Team  on  Unsplash

Take a Stand Against Urban Noise Pollution

To summarise, urban noise pollution in India is a major public health hazard that has a considerable influence on mental well-being, contributing to stress, sleep difficulties, and impaired cognitive function. The World Health Organisation's recommended noise levels are frequently surpassed, resulting in a variety of physical and psychological health consequences. Rapid urbanisation, rising transportation requirements, and increasing populations have worsened the problem, necessitating that the government officials and urban planners prioritise noise reduction methods. By tackling noise pollution, we can enhance the overall quality of life and well-being for urban populations, resulting in healthier and more sustainable regions.

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