- What is noise pollution?
- Causes of noise pollution
- Consequences of noise pollution
- How to avoid noise pollution?
- Examples of noise pollution
We explain what noise pollution is, what its causes and consequences are. Also, how to avoid it and some examples.
What is noise pollution?
Noise pollution, noise pollution or auditory pollution is the presence of annoying, deafening or constant noise, as well as the simultaneous proliferation of excessive noise in a given area, thus negatively affecting the quality of life of the Humans and the animals.
While sound does not accumulate and linger as other forms of pollutionGenerating long-term damage, the presence of noise pollutants has a direct and immediate impact on life around them.
Certain levels of noise are unavoidable in the contemporary way of life, product of industrial activities, means of transport or simply of the joint life of thousands of persons.
However, when these levels reach considerable magnitudes or are so numerous that they altogether exceed what the ear can tolerate, they are considered a form of physical, emotional and psychological damage that requires action. That is why it is called noise pollution.
In fact, there are international organizations that warn about the gradual loss of hearing capacity of the human being, and some reports from organizations as the who They consider 70 decibels (dB) to be the tolerable noise limit, although the ideal for rest and relaxation. communication human is 55.
It is estimated that some 80 million people are constantly exposed to environmental noise that exceeds 65 dB, according to 2005 European Union studies.
Causes of noise pollution
Many contemporary human activities are associated with the generation of noise, such as industrial extractions; large manufacturing machinery; small, medium and large scale transport vehicles; musical concerts; the rooms of movie theater; even the simultaneous presence of large numbers of people in a tiny environment can be considered a source of noise pollution.
Despite this, few measures are taken in this regard, and especially the individuals who make life in the large cities they are exposed to harmful levels of noise on a daily basis.
Consequences of noise pollution
Some possible consequences of constant exposure to high levels of noise pollution are:
- Socioacusis. A slight damage to our auditory system that reveals the appearance of a constant beeping after having subjected it to high sound levels. This effect usually passes with the days, but the abuse of these conditions will lead to the diminished hearing capacity and eventually to deafness.
- Communicative interference. At higher levels of noise pollution, the more difficult oral communication becomes, since our ears cannot discern some sounds of others, but the brain must filter between the amount of sounds registered, the one that interests it.
- Physical effects Beyond hearing damage, exposure to large sources of noise pollution produce certain physiological effects, such as pupil dilation, acceleration of the pulse, increased blood pressure and headaches, increased muscle tension and other symptoms of stress.
- Psychological effects. Noise is highly harmful to mental and emotional health, as it can cause insomnia, fatigue, stress, depression, anxiety, irritability, isolation and lack of concentration, as well as defects of learning and verbal communication in children.
How to avoid noise pollution?
The use of ear plugs is a growing practice in various regions of the world.
Noise was not considered an environmental pollutant until recently, despite the presence of large industrial developments in various regions of the world. Since the beginning of the millennium (year 2000), numerous organizations and state have agreed to create a legislation around noise, which has led to the emergence of regulations and legal codes to protect people from excessive noise.
However, many of the measures against noise remain specific. In environments high presence of noise the Business They must provide their employees with hearing protection equipment and must use insulating materials to prevent waves noise spreads outside the compound, as well as isolating industrial operations away from the places where people live.
On the other hand, the use of earplugs and acoustic barriers in homes is a growing practice in various regions of the world.
Examples of noise pollution
Some examples of noise or noise pollution are:
- Take-off of airplanes in airports, and presence of other vehicles to combustion such as motorcycles without a filter in the exhaust.
- Concerts and other outdoor events with loud speakers.
- Industrial or street repair operations (hydropneumatic drills) in the middle of the city.
- Wind installations in the fields (they usually produce noises when the blades rotate).