Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or
animal life. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation
systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains.[3][4]Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental
noise. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution, since side-by-side industrial and residential
buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas.
Indoor noise can be caused by machines, building activities, and music performances, especially in some
workplaces. There is no great difference whether noise-induced hearing loss is brought about by outside
(e.g. trains) or inside (e.g. music) noise.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans, a rise in blood pressure, and an
increase in stress and vasoconstriction, and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. In animals,
noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with
reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss.
Noise pollution effects both health and behavior. Unwanted sound (noise) can damage psychological
health. Noise pollution can causehypertension, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances,
and other harmful effects.[5][6][7][8]
Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or
disrupts or diminishes ones quality of life.[9]
Chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss. Older males exposed to
significant occupational noise demonstrate moresignificantly reduced hearing sensitivity than their nonexposed peers, though differences in hearing sensitivity decrease with time and the two groups are
indistinguishable by age 79.[10] A comparison of Maaban tribesmen, who were insignificantly exposed to
transportation or industrial noise, to a typical U.S. population showed that chronic exposure to moderately
high levels of environmental noise contributes to hearing loss. [5]
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects and exposure to moderately high levels during a
single eight-hour period causes a statistical rise in blood pressure of five to ten points and an increase
in stress,[5] and vasoconstriction leading to the increased blood pressure noted above, as well as to
increased incidence of coronary artery disease.
Noise pollution also is a cause of annoyance. A 2005 study by Spanish researchers found that in urban
areas households are willing to pay approximately four Euros per decibel per year for noise reduction. [11]
Noise can have a detrimental effect on wild animals, increasing the risk of death by changing the delicate
balance in predator or prey detection and avoidance, and interfering the use of the sounds in
communication, especially in relation to reproduction and in navigation. Acoustic overexposure can lead to
temporary or permanent loss of hearing.
An impact of noise on wild animal life is the reduction of usable habitat that noisy areas may cause, which
in the case of endangered species may be part of the path to extinction. Noise pollution has caused the
death of certain species of whales that beached themselves after being exposed to the loud sound of
militarysonar,[12] (see also Marine mammals and sonar).
Noise also makes species communicate more loudly, which is called Lombard vocal response.[13] Scientists
and researchers have conducted experiments that show whales' song length is longer when submarinedetectors are on.[14] If creatures do not "speak" loudly enough, their voice will
be masked by anthropogenic sounds. These unheard voices might be warnings, finding of prey, or
preparations of net-bubbling. When one species begins speaking more loudly, it will mask other species'
voice, causing the whole ecosystem eventually to speak more loudly.
Marine invertebrates, such as crabs (Carcinus maenas), have also been shown to be impacted by ship
noise.[15][16] Larger crabs were noted to be impacted more by the sounds than smaller crabs. Repeated
exposure to the sounds did lead to acclimatization.[16]
European Robins living in urban environments are more likely to sing at night in places with high levels of
noise pollution during the day, suggesting that they sing at night because it is quieter, and their message
can propagate through the environment more clearly.[17] The same study showed that daytime noise was a
stronger predictor of nocturnal singing than night-time light pollution, to which the phenomenon often is
attributed.
Zebra finches become less faithful to their partners when exposed to traffic noise. This could alter a
population's evolutionary trajectory by selecting traits, sapping resources normally devoted to other
activities and thus leading to profound genetic and evolutionary consequences. [18]
In a first of its kind preliminary study on the Health effects from noise as it relates to weight gain and
blood cortisol levels in farm animals, in this study, two groups of growing geese, the first "remain[ing] within"
50 meters from a wind turbine and the second 500 meters; after 12 weeks of growth the research group
found that the closer, first group, had "significant differences" when compared with its more distant pairing
and "gained less weight and had a higher concentration of cortisol in blood," compared to individuals from
the more distant group, with the results of the study suggesting "a negative effect of the immediate vicinity
of a wind turbine on the stress parameters of geese and their productivity." [19]
Roadway noise can be reduced by the use of noise barriers, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of
roadway surface texture, limitation of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to
reduce braking and acceleration, and tire design. An important factor in applying these strategies is
a computer model for roadway noise, that is capable of addressing local topography, meteorology, traffic
operations, and hypothetical mitigation. Costs of building-in mitigation can be modest, provided these
solutions are sought in the planning stage of a roadway project.
Aircraft noise can be reduced by using quieter jet engines. Altering flight paths and time of day runway has
benefitted residents near airports.
Industrial noise has been addressed since the 1930s via redesign of industrial equipment, shock mounted
assemblies and physical barriers in the workplace. In recent years, Buy Quiet programs and initiatives have
arisen in an effort to combat occupational noise exposures. These programs promote the purchase of
quieter tools and equipment and encourage manufacturers to design quieter equipment. [20]
Up until the 1970s governments viewed noise as a "nuisance" rather than an environmental problem. In
the United States, there are federal standards for highway and aircraft noise; states and local governments
typically have very specific statutes on building codes,urban planning, and roadway development.
Noise laws and ordinances vary widely among municipalities and indeed do not even exist in some cities.
An ordinance may contain a general prohibition against making noise that is a nuisance, or it may set out
specific guidelines for the level of noise allowable at certain times of the day and for certain activities.
The Environmental Protection Agency retains authority to investigate and study noise and its effect,
disseminate information to the public regarding noise pollution and its adverse health effects, respond to
inquiries on matters related to noise, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations for protecting
the public health and welfare, pursuant to the Noise Control Act of 1972 and the Quiet Communities Act of
1978.[21]
Portland, Oregon instituted the first comprehensive noise code in 1975 with funding from
the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The Portland
Noise Code includes potential fines of up to $5000 per infraction and is the basis for other major U.S. and
Canadian city noise ordinances.[22]
Many conflicts over noise pollution are handled by negotiation between the emitter and the receiver.
Escalation procedures vary by country, and may include action in conjunction with local authorities, in
particular the police.
