Why is noise pollution a contentious issue?
Some people feel that they have an inalienable right to make all the noise they want in public and on their own property. If someone lives in a quiet area, they might question why other people complain so much about noise pollution. Households are not equally represented on environmental issues that may affect them. Less affluent households often live in dense noisy areas and more affluent households live in sparse quiet areas. Some industries claim that noise mitigation and abatement can negatively impact their business. They argue that noise is a sign of prosperity and attempt to marginalize others who are critical of their policies.
