What is Noise Pollution?
While noise pollution is not pollution in the traditional sense of the word, it can have similar negative effects on people and the world. Noise pollution is created by displeasing noises from any source: human, animal, or machine. These noises fill specific areas with sound, and cause many health and behavioral effects. Noise pollution does not produce the same kind of physical substance as industrial or environmental pollution, but is just as prevalent around the globe, and can be just as damaging in ways. Noise pollution, though some may see it as any noise that is irritating or annoying, generally describes any sound that disrupts human or animal life and behavior. This type of noise pollution is common among many different types of large machinery. Often transportation is associated with this pollution, and often produces it through jet engines, rail noises, automobiles, and car alarms. Other forms of noise pollution created by machines can be less distinct or less consuming, but
Noise pollution is not easily defined because it is different from other forms of pollution. One measure of pollution is the danger it poses to health. Noise causes stress, which is a leading cause of illness and suicide. Therefore, any form of noise can be considered pollution if it causes annoyance, sleeplessness, fright, or any other stress reaction.
Noisy neighbours can be irritating and we’ve probably all shouted at someone to turn the music down but do these things constitute noise pollution? Noise Is Personal Our experience of sound is different for all of us, what constitutes noise pollution will be, by its nature, subjective. However in general, it is deemed to be regular and prolonged or sudden exposure to any unpleasant, damaging, or irritating noise above a certain level which will harm us, wildlife, or the environment in some way. To put it very simply, noise pollution is ‘unwanted sound’. Types of Noise Pollution Common types of noise pollution can include the following: • Barking dogs • Car or house alarms • Noisy neighbours • Loud music, social events, clubs, pubs, and bars • Factory machinery • Traffic and aircraft noise Noise At Work In a climate where we often work in large open-plan offices, it can be hard to work in silence. As well as the general ambient noise of conversation and machinery, there may also be musi
