Noise Pollution

6th lecture

www.draloufi.com

What is Noise ?

The word noise comes from the Latin word nauseas, meaning seasickness.

What is Noise ?

Sound that is unwanted or that disruptsthe activity or balance of human or animal life is called as noise. When there is lotof noise in the environment, it is termed as noise pollution.

What is Noise ?

World Health Organization stated that “Noisemust be recognized as a major threat to human

well-being”

Noise pollution does not stay in the environment for long such as other pollutants

but has many negative effects on the environment

Sources of Noise Pollution

> Transportation systems are the main source of noise pollution in urban areas.

> Construction of buildings, highways, and streets cause a lot of noise, due to the usage of air compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks, and pavement breakers.

Sources of Noise Pollution

> Industrial noise also adds to the already unfavorable state of noise pollution.

> Loud speakers, plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners, fans, and vacuum cleaners add to the existing noise pollution.

Noise Measurement

•A scale of different sound levels exists sothat the loudness of different sounds can becompared, often called the decibel (dB)scale.

• The zero on the decibel scale (also knownas the threshold of hearing) is the quietestsound that the human ear can hear.

The decibel scale.

• Above 85 dB: Short-term exposure can result in temporary ear damage. Long-term exposure can result in permanent damage.

• Above 115 dB: Almost certain to do damage; headaches, earaches, and loss of hearing sensitivity. More than two minutes’ exposure may result in permanent hearing loss.

• 130 dB: The pain threshold. From this point on, sounds are actually physically painful.

• Above 150 dB: Very likely to burst eardrums.

Sound level meters.

Effect Of Noise Pollution On Humans

• Chronic exposure to noise may cause noise-induced hearing loss.

• Unwanted noise can damage physiological and psychological health. Noise pollution can cause annoyance and aggression, hypertension, high stresslevels, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbances,cardiovascular effects, and other harmful effects.

What noises affect aquatic animals?

Noise pollution from ship engines and sonar systems make it difficult for marine mammals like whales and dolphins, and prevent it from communicating, finding food, and avoiding hazards.

If construction sites, freeways, or outdoor concerts are near, it will also interrupt the natural habitat.

Effect On Animals & Aquatic Life

Some other effects on wildlife & aquatic animals are:

o Hormone Imbalance

o Chronic Stress

o Panic & Escape Behavior

o Abandonment of Offspring

How does it affect them?

Animals may become afraid of noise over time and flee in terror if a loud sound suddenly happens. In the process, they may get trampled.

Excessive noise has the ability to raise an animal’s heart beat speed, and even harms an animal’s metabolism.

Animals rely on sound for prey detection and communication, so if noise is present, animals will not be able to find food or communicate because when they emit sound to prey, the only thing they hear in return is human-made noise.

Noise Control Strategy

Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is an effective solution for noise pollution.

Regular servicing and tuning of automobiles can effectively reduce the noise pollution.

Buildings can be designed with suitable noise absorbing material for the walls, windows, and ceilings.

Workers should be provided with equipment's such as ear plugs and earmuffs for hearing protection .

Soundproof doors and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise from outside.

Noise Control Strategy

Noise Control Strategy

Factories and industries should be located far from the residential areas.

Community development should be done with long-term planning, along with an aim to reduce noise pollution.

Social awareness programs should be taken up to educate the public about the causes and effects of noise pollution.

Thankswww.draloufi.com