Noise Pollution and Sound Health Impact

Sound

• Sound is a pressure wave
• Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB)

Noise Pollution

• Noise pollution is excessive or disturbing sound that harms human or animal life
• Unwanted noise interferes with normal activities (sleep, conversation) or reduces quality of life
• Noise pollution damages physical and psychological health

Major Community Noise Sources

• Transportation (aircrafts, vehicles, trains)
• Construction noise
• Industrial machinery
• Recreation and sports

Impact of Noise on Human Health

• Noise can lead to various health issues, ranging from minor discomfort to serious diseases
• A pyramid of noise effects shows impact severity, from discomfort to mortality
• Severity levels include feeling of discomfort, stress indicators, risk factors, and disease (including cardiovascular issues and insomnia)
• The number of people affected increases as severity does, with different numbers based on the issue.

Noise Levels of Common Sounds

• Sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, depending on duration and frequency of exposure
• Examples of sounds and their approximate decibel levels are provided

Safe Exposure Times

• Exposure time to different decibel levels determines the risk of hearing damage; brief exposures to high levels result in instantaneous damage
• Prolonged exposure to high levels (over 85 dB) leads to permanent hearing loss

Noise Control Techniques

• Reduce noise at the source
• Block or increase noise path
• Protect the recipient

Some Solutions for Noise Pollution

• Regular maintenance of vehicles and machinery
• Plant noise-absorbing materials around noise-generating sources
• Soundproof construction materials
• Provide hearing protection for workers
• Implement regulations on loudspeakers in public places
• Educate the public about noise pollution

Noise Pollution Affecting Marine Animals

• Marine noise pollution has significantly increased due to intensified fishing, shipping, and infrastructure development
• Noise from vessels travels faster and farther in water than in air
• Commercial vessel traffic is a primary source
• Marine animals suffer from interference with their abilities to communicate, navigate, find prey, rest, and mate due to noise; noise can also be a threat
• Noise pollution has reduced communication effectiveness by up to 90% in some areas