What is Pollution?
We all are aware of the term pollution. Pollution is defined as the addition or introduction of harmful things which can be gases or materials into the environment. Pollution is divided into types such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc. In this article, we are going to learn everything about noise pollution.
What is Noise Pollution?
The sound created due to various environmental activities which are unpleasant to hear and causes problems is termed as noise pollution. Preventing noise pollution is crucial for maintaining a healthy and peaceful environment.
Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution causes various effects on our health as well as on our environment. All the effects of noise pollution are given below.
Hearing Disorder - Due to noise pollution, we can get hearing disorders and continuous exposure to these can even cause damage to ear drums.
Sleeping Problems - Due to unpleasant sounds all around, one cannot sleep peacefully and can suffer from sleeping disorders.
Impact on Children - Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise pollution.
Causes and Prevention of Noise Pollution
Noise Pollution Sources
The main sources of noise pollution include the following:
Car horns
Sound from machines
Thunderstorm
Lightning of clouds
Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution
In order to control noise pollution, the following measures should be taken:
Honking in traffic and at public places should be restricted and done only for adequate moments.
Industries should use sound proof systems to prevent noise pollution created from their end.
Speakers used at social events and public functions and celebrations should be played at restricted volume.
Implementing and enforcing noise prevention and control of pollution acts, as well as educating the public on the dangers of noise pollution, can significantly reduce its impact.
Types of Noise Pollution
On the basis of how the noise is created, noise pollution is divided into two broad categories.
Environmental Noise Pollution – The unpleasant and unwanted noise which is created due to various natural activities is termed as environmental noise pollution. For example, the noise produced due to lightning of clouds, thunderstorms etc.
Man-made Noise Pollution – The unpleasant and unwanted noise which is created due to various human activities is termed as man-made noise pollution. For example, the noise produced due to horns in traffic etc.
5 Prevention of Noise Pollution
Reduce Traffic Noise: Encourage public transport, carpooling, and non-motorized modes of transportation to decrease vehicle congestion and honking.
Industrial Sound Management: Implement soundproofing in factories and use quieter machinery to lower noise emissions.
Better Urban Planning: Zone residential areas away from high-noise locations like airports, train stations, and heavy industries.
Regulate Event Noise: Enforce strict time and volume limits for loudspeakers, public announcements, and other amplified sounds during social events.
Educate and Raise Awareness: Promote community initiatives to help individuals understand the importance of noise reduction and how their everyday actions can help prevent noise pollution.
Interesting Facts
Noise pollution causes health issues other than only discomfort to most of the people.
There is a huge negative impact of noise pollution on children.
Prevention of noise pollution involves regulating sources and enforcing control measures.
Diagrams illustrating noise pollution prevention measures can help in educational campaign
Key Features
The unwanted and unpleasant sound is termed as noise pollution.
The effects of noise pollution include hearing and sleeping disorders.
Causes of noise pollution are transportation, industries, and social events.
The two main types of noise pollution are environmental and man-made noise pollution.
Conclusion
Preventing noise pollution is essential for creating a healthier and more peaceful environment. By implementing strict regulations, promoting urban planning strategies, and encouraging the use of soundproofing techniques, we can significantly reduce unwanted noise. Raising awareness about the impact of noise pollution and adopting quieter alternatives in transportation, industries, and social activities can also contribute to a more serene atmosphere. With collective efforts, individuals, communities, and governments can work together to minimise noise pollution and enhance overall well-being.
FAQs on Prevention of Noise Pollution
1. Explain How Can We Control Noise Pollution.
Some of the ways to control noise pollution are as follows: (1) Control at Receiver's End (2) Suppression of Noise at Source (3) Acoustic Zoning (4) Sound Insulation at Construction Stages.
2. What is the Comfortable Decibel Level for Humans?
A human healthy human ear responds to a very wide range of SPL from - the threshold of hearing at zero dB as uncomfortable at 100-120 dB and painful at 130-140 dB(3). This is all due to the various adverse impacts that we know is of noise, particularly Noise Prevention and Control of Pollution, on humans and the environment.
3. Explain Noise Pollution in Simple Words?
Noise pollution can be defined as any disturbing or we can also say that the unwanted noise interferes or harms humans or wildlife. Although noise is constantly surrounding us, noise pollution generally receives less attention than water quality and air quality issues. By addressing the Causes and Prevention of Noise Pollution, we can better manage these impacts since noise pollution cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled.
4. What are the Different Types of Noise?
The different types of noise generally include physical and the semantic and then the psychological and physiological. We can here see that each interferes with the process of communication in different ways. Physical noise is any sort of outside communication effort by someone or something for example a loud noise that interrupts or distracts us, but 5 Prevention of Noise Pollution measures can mitigate these disruptions.
5. What are the two types of noise pollution?
On the basis of how the noise is created, noise pollution is divided into two broad categories.
Environmental Noise Pollution – The unpleasant and unwanted noise which is created due to various natural activities is termed as environmental noise pollution. For example, the noise produced due to lightning of clouds, thunderstorms etc.
Man-made Noise Pollution – The unpleasant and unwanted noise which is created due to various human activities is termed as man-made noise pollution. For example, the noise produced due to horns in traffic etc.
6. What is noise pollution and what are its harmful effects?
The sound created due to various environmental activities which are unpleasant to hear and causes problems is termed as noise pollution. Noise pollution causes various effects on our health as well as on our environment.
There are several harmful effects which are caused due to noise pollution. Due to noise pollution, people suffer from hearing disorders, sleeping problems, high blood pressure, stress related problems etc.
7. Is noise pollution considered a crime?
Noise or noise pollution is a serious issue and is considered an environmental health problem. Thus, it is a crime and should be handled by the local council or police under laws. They submit complaints and take action accordingly. The Noise Prevention and Control of Pollution Act is one example of legislation aimed at reducing noise pollution and its impacts.
8. What are the primary causes and prevention methods for noise pollution?
The primary causes of noise pollution include traffic congestion, industrial machinery, construction activities, and loud social events. Prevention methods involve regulating vehicle honking, using soundproofing measures in industries, scheduling construction during less disruptive hours, and limiting speaker volumes at public gatherings.
9. What does the noise prevention and control of pollution act aim to achieve?
The noise prevention and control of pollution act aims to reduce noise levels by establishing standards, enforcing restrictions on excessive noise, and encouraging the adoption of quieter technologies. It also promotes public awareness of noise pollution’s adverse effects on health and the environment.
10. What are five simple ways to prevent noise pollution?
Five ways to prevent noise pollution are:
Limiting unnecessary honking in traffic.
Using soundproof materials in buildings.
Scheduling noisy activities during daytime hours.
Maintaining vehicles and machinery to reduce noise output.
Setting volume limits on public address systems and social event speakers.
