Noise Pollution - Environment and Sustainability PDF

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY  Noise Pollution - Introduction Noise or sound pollution is usually not studied/ Noise Pollution -...

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY  Noise Pollution - Introduction Noise or sound pollution is usually not studied/ Noise Pollution - compared with other Propagation of noise Noise – Sound that is forms of pollution such with a harmful impact unwanted or disrupt’s as air, water and soil on the physiological and one’s quality of life since is that the adverse psychological lives of effects of other forms of humans or animals pollution on humans are more pronounced  Noise Pollution - Sources Industries Vehicles Speakers Construction sites  How Sound is Measured? Acoustic (sound) wave which is generally used to assess sound exposure to humans is the sound pressure level expressed in μPa or Pa Human ear audible sound pressure level – 20 μPa (hearing threshold) to 20 Pa (Pain threshold) 𝑃 dB of sound pressure level = 20 log10 , Po = Reference sound pressure 20 μPa 𝑃𝑜  How Sound is Measured? x Leq_total Leq_total  Impact on Human Health Hearing Impairment, temporary or permanent deafness Hypertension Depression, high stress levels and fatigue which can reduce the efficiency of a person considerably Mental fatigue and lack of concentration Sleeping disorder Trigger for heart diseases, immunity problems, stroke  Rules and Regulations *dB(A) Leq denotes the time weighted average of the level of sound in decibels on scale A which is relatable to human hearing Source: The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000  Remedial Measures Honking in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals etc should be banned In commercial setups, adequate soundproofing can be installed Restricted use of explosives in forests and mining regions Tree cover or plants around sound generating sources are effective in controlling the excessive sound Regular servicing of machineries and automobiles; lubrication is effective Industrial workers can be provided earplugs and earmuffs for hearing protection Factories and industries should be located far from residential zones