What is Noise Pollution?

In simple words we can say that noise pollution is unwanted sound. Sound is essential to our daily lives, but noise is not. Noise is generally used as an unwanted sound, or sound which produces bad effects and discomfort on the ears.

Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life. Not all noise can be called noise pollution. If it does not happen regularly, it may be termed as 'Nuisance'.

Sources of Noise Pollution:

Major causes / sources of noise pollution are:

1. Industrialization: Most of the big industries use big machines and equipments which produce a large amount of noise which disturbs the environment. Some various equipments are compressors, generators, exhaust fans, grinding mills.

2. Poor Urban Planning: In most of the developing countries, poor urban planning also play a vital role. Congested houses, large families sharing small space, fight over parking, frequent fights over basic amenities leads to noise pollution which may disrupt the environment of society.

3. Social Events: Noise is at its peak in most of the social events. Whether it is marriage, parties, pub, disc or place of worship. People play songs on full volume and dance till midnight which makes the condition of people living nearby pretty worse.

4. Transportation: Large number of vehicles on roads, airplanes flying over houses, underground trains produce heavy noise and people get it difficult to get accustomed to that. These vehicles produce too much noise.

5. Construction Activities: Under construction activities like mining, construction of bridges, dams, buildings, stations, roads, flyovers take place in almost every part of the world. These construction activities take place every day as we need more buildings, bridges to accommodate more people and to reduce traffic congestion.

6. Household Chores: Gadgets like TV, mobile , mixer grinder, pressure cooker, vacuum cleaners , washing machine and dryer, cooler, air conditioners are minor contributors to the amount of noise that is produced but it affects the quality of life of your neighborhood in a bad way.

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. Hearing Problems: Any unwanted sound that our ears have not been built to filter can cause problems within the body. Man made noises such as jackhammers, horns, machinery, airplanes and even vehicles can be too loud for our hearing range. It also reduces our sensitivity to sounds that our ears pick up.

2. Health Issues: Excessive noise show that the occurrence of aggressive behavior, disturbance of sleep, constant stress, fatigue and hypertension can be linked.

3. Sleeping Disorders: Loud noise can certainly hamper your sleeping pattern and may lead to irritation and uncomfortable situations.

4. Cardiovascular Issues: Blood pressure levels, cardio-vascular disease and stress related heart problems are on the rise. Studies suggest that high intensity noise causes high blood pressure and increases heart beat rate as it disrupts the normal blood flow. Bringing them to a manageable level depends on our understanding noise pollution and how we tackle it.

5. Trouble Communicating: High decibel noise can put trouble and may not allow two people to communicate freely. This may lead to misunderstanding and you may get difficult understanding the other person. Constant sharp noise can give you severe headache and  disturb your emotional balance.