essay on how noise pollution

Essay on Noise Pollution for Students and Children

500+ words essay on noise pollution.

Essay on Noise Pollution: Noise pollution is a form of pollution which has become very deadly nowadays. This pollution is increasing only and creates an unsafe environment . Noise pollution is when the level of noise increases more than the normal level. When the amount of noise exceeds, it becomes dangerous for living beings. Moreover, these unpleasant sounds cause several disturbances and create an imbalance in the environment.

In other words, high volume noises are abnormal. As the world is advancing at a rapid rate, so is noise pollution. Technology has made things easier for people by creating appliances and devices for almost everything. You want to mix or grind something? It can be done with a mixer and blender. You are feeling hot? Simply turn on the AC or cooler. Do you want entertainment at home? You can watch television or play music. However, people don’t realize this comfort comes with harmful effects too. All the mentioned appliances contribute to noise pollution. They disturb the natural rhythm of life and fall in the category of a pollutant .

What causes Noise Pollution?

As the world is turning to technology for their comfort, it is, at the same time, harming us. The industries no matter how big or small contribution to noise pollution . The equipment they use like compressors, exhaust fans, generators and more produce a lot of noise.

Similarly, the ever-increasing use of automobiles is a major cause of this pollution. Not only automobiles but other transport vehicles like airplanes, buses, bikes, trucks and more also are a part of it. People honk unnecessarily in the traffic and listen to loud music on the way which creates high levels of noise .

Furthermore, social events like marriages, parties, and religious functions in places like clubs, pubs, temples, halls and more create a lot of nuisance in the residential areas. In addition, the construction activities like mining, the building of flyovers, bridges and more also produce great noise.

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The Damaging Impact of Noise Pollution

Similarly, it reduces the ear sensitivity to the sounds that the human body requires to regulate our rhythm of the body. Moreover, it also affects our psychological health. It may not be evident instantly, but in the long run, it changes our behavior.

When your sleep gets disturbed or you constantly have headaches because of too much noise, you tend to experience fatigue and even migraines.

Not only humans but noise pollution also impacts wildlife too. For instance, pets become aggressive or afraid when they hear a loud noise. It is one of the main reasons why crackers are not encouraged when pets are around. In short, we must make people aware of the impact of noise pollution. Likewise, we must encourage them to adopt ways that do not contribute to noise pollution. If everyone starts doing the same on an individual level, we will surely be able to reduce noise pollution to a great extent.

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Noise Pollution Essay

Essay on Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is one of the types of pollution we face daily. Like air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and other types, noise pollution has a major impact on our health. Atmospheric pollution is not the only pollution we go through, but noise pollution can bring destruction to our lives. According to the World Health Organization, noise pollution is a dangerous health issue. The European Environment (EEA) says noise pollution is responsible for 16,600 premature deaths in Europe alone.

A person continuously facing noise pollution can start meeting health issues and can be dangerous in the long term. Several unpleasant noise distractions can bring problems later in life.

Cities have become noisier with car honking, loudspeakers; traffic, etc. leading to noise pollution. Construction of roads, buildings, apartments and other areas are also resulting in increased noise pollution.

What is Noise Pollution?

According to the WHO, noise pollution is a noise above 65db, which can severely affect both humans and animals. A noise beyond 75 dB can be painful and will affect the person severely.

It is impossible to see the danger posed by noise pollution. On land and under the sea, you can't see it, but it still exists. Humans and other organisms can be affected adversely by noise pollution if it is an unwanted or disturbing sound.

A decibel is the measurement of sound. Rustling leaves (20-30 decibels) or thunderclaps (120 decibels) to the wail of sirens (120-140 decibels) are all sounds that occur naturally in the natural environment. If a person hears sounds whose decibel level reaches 85 decibels or higher, their ears can be damaged. The sounds of lawnmowers (90 decibels), trains (90 to 115 decibels), and rock concerts (110 to 120 decibels) are just a few familiar sources that exceed this threshold.

The presence of noise pollution has a daily impact on millions of people. Hearing loss caused by noise is the most common health problem caused by noise exposure. Furthermore, loud noise can also lead to health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. All age groups are susceptible to these health problems, especially children. It has been shown that children living near loud airports and busy streets suffer from stress and other problems, such as memory problems, attention difficulties, and difficulties with reading.

Animals are also adversely affected by noise pollution. Caterpillars' hearts beat faster when loud sounds are made, and bluebirds have fewer chicks when loud noises are made. There are many reasons animals utilize sound, including to navigate, locate food, attract mates, and avoid predators. The noise pollution they encounter affects their ability to accomplish these tasks, affecting their survival.

Noisy environments are not only harming animals on land, but it is also getting worse for animals in the ocean. A once tranquil marine environment has become loud and chaotic because of ships, drilling devices, sonar, and seismic surveys. The negative effects of noise pollution are felt particularly by whales and dolphins. For marine mammals, echolocation is essential for communication, navigation, feeding and mate-finding. Excessive noise can interfere with echolocation.

It is the naval sonar devices that produce the loudest underwater noise. The use of sonar works similarly to echolocation in that sound waves are sent down into the ocean and bounce off objects, returning echoes to the ship that can pinpoint the object's location. Whales' ability to use echolocation is interfered with when they hear sonar sounds, which can reach 235 decibels and travel hundreds of miles under the surface. Research has shown that sonar can make whales strand on beaches and alter the feeding behaviour of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), which are endangered. Groups representing the environment have called on the U.S. Department of Defense to discontinue or reduce sonar-based military training.

Furthermore, hydrographic surveys can cause loud explosions from inside the ocean. Deep in the water, oil and gas are found using air guns that send sound pulses onto the ocean floor. There is potential for marine animals to be harmed by the sound blasts and to suffer serious damage to their ears. Additionally, the whales may also change their behaviour as a result of this noise.

In Spain, bioacoustics researcher Michel Andre is studying the effects of noise pollution with the help of hydrophones. He has gathered data from 22 different locations during his project, LIDO (Listening to the Deep Ocean Environment). Using computers, the lab identifies 26 different species of whales and dolphins, including sounds produced by humans. In the analysis, underwater noise will be investigated for its effect on these animals.

What causes Noise Pollution?

Although the world is turning into the use of technology, at the same time, this technology is also harmful. Industries using compressors, exhaust fans, and generators are producing a lot of noise.

Similarly, bikes and cars with old silencers produce heavy noise that can lead to pollution. Planes, heavy trucks and buses are also part of this noise pollution. Low flying aircraft, especially military ones, causes noise pollution. Similarly, submarines can cause ocean sound pollution.

How Noise Pollution affects a Person?

Noise pollution can primarily start affecting the hearing ability of the person, causing permanent hearing impairment. Furthermore, it can cause an increase in blood pressure, hypertension, and other stress-related health issues. In many cases, noise pollution can cause a disturbance in a person's state of mind, which further causes disturbance in sleep patterns, stress, aggressiveness, and other issues. The psychological health of the person can also get disturbed due to regular exposure to noise pollution. Noise above 45 dB can disrupt the pattern of your sleep. According to the WHO, the noise level should not be more than 30db. Change in the sleep pattern can also bring change in your behaviour.

If you have pets in your home or around your area, then noise pollution can bring a negative impact on the environment. Firecrackers can bring fear in them if they are regularly exposed to them. This will also bring change in their behaviour.

Effect on Wildlife and Marine Life

Animals and marine life are vulnerable to noise pollution. It can affect their listening skills, which further affects their behaviour pattern. These animals find it hard to listen during migration, which can negatively affect their lives. When it comes to marine life, noise pollution can lead to internal damage like physical problems in them.

Measures for Noise Pollution

There are many measures taken by the government and people to reduce the effect of noise pollution. Soundproof walls and windows are now being installed in many houses. Many flyovers in cities have soundproof walls to bring down the noise level to a nearby resident from vehicles running. As responsible citizens, we must contribute towards bringing down noise pollution. Needless honking should be stopped and officials should fine people doing it heavily. Hospitals and schools are built-in silent zones.

There should be rules to avoid noise in residential and sensitive areas. People need to be aware of health hazards from noise pollution.

One of the best ways to bring down noise pollution is by planting more and more plants. This process of planting trees can help to reduce the travelling of noise from one place to another.

Noise pollution is the most common problem faced by humans, thanks to various reasons that push many people to face health issues. Following standard measures can be helpful in the long term for both humans and the environment. The ultimate aim is to bring down noise pollution for a better environment.

Noise Pollution: Impact on Human Health

There are several ways in which noise pollution can harm human health:

Having an elevated blood pressure for a long period directly results in hypertension, which is caused by noise pollution.

Hearing loss occurs whenever humans are repeatedly exposed to sounds that exceed what their eardrums can handle, resulting in permanent damage to their hearing.

To function properly at work, it is necessary to get enough sleep every night. Sleep disorders affect energy levels throughout the day. Pollution causes disturbance in sleep cycles, which in turn results in irritation and unrest.

Heart issues such as blood pressure level, stress and cardiovascular diseases can arise in a healthy individual, but a person suffering from heart disease may experience a sudden increase.

It will affect your mental health also very badly because continuously hearing the noise this much loud will pressure your eardrums and that will badly affect your brain also

FAQs on Noise Pollution Essay

1. What are the significant factors causing noise pollution?

Multiple factors can result in noise pollution. Some of these are massive honking during road traffic, construction, poor urban planning, loudspeaker and others. Furthermore, firecrackers, the noise of bands and others can also result in noise pollution.

To eliminate or decrease noise pollution, it is crucial to know their effect. This will help to create measures and work towards it.

2. How can noise pollution be controlled?

There are different ways of controlling noise pollution. Some of the measures are-

Control at Receiver's End - For those people who are working in noisy installations- they can work on ear-protection aids like earplugs, earmuffs, noise helmets, etc.

Reducing Noise from Vibrating Machine - Another way is by the noise produced from the vibrating machine by vibration damping, beneath the engine.

Planting of Trees - One of the best ways to reduce noise pollution is to plant more and more trees along roads, around hospitals and schools.

3. Who is at the risk of the health effects of noise pollution?

When it comes to the effect of noise pollution, the risk of health effects can be for any age of the person. Sound louder than 80 dB can be hazardous. Be it, kids or young adults, high decibel sound can affect ears. People who listen to headphones can face noise-induced hearing loss issues. Additionally, there is the current scenario where people are completely used to using headphones and gadgets that impact their hearing ability. Because of that, those people are more likely to experience health problems caused by noise pollution.

4. In what different ways can noise pollution cause health problems?

We can say that there are three types of pollutants:

noise from transportation

transportation

transportation, noise from the surroundings

surroundings

surroundings, and industrial noise

Noise from transportation: Traffic noise is mainly responsible for this disturbing noise, which has increased greatly since the number of vehicles has increased. Increased noise pollution causes older people to lose their hearing, headaches, and hypertension, among other diseases.

Noise from the Neighbourhood: Electronics, household utensils, etc. cause a lot of noise. Musical instruments, transistors, speakers, and others are the most common sources.

Noise from Industrial Processes: An industrial machine produces an especially loud noise due to its high intensity. A large number of studies have shown that industrial noise pollution damages hearing by 20% to 30%.

5. How does noise cause environmental pollution? What are the reasons why noise pollution must be taken seriously?

Noise pollution is caused by extreme noises generated by sources such as industry, transport, loudspeakers, etc, which adversely affect human health by causing headaches, migraines, mental imbalance, nervous breakdowns, and heart diseases.

There are numerous health hazards associated with noise. The following are some of the physical, physiological, and psychological effects of prolonged exposure to noise:

A reduction in sleep is one of the effects of repeated exposure to noise.

Noise noise, which affects human productivity and efficiency.

Taking pictures of someone invades their privacy and disturbs their peace of mind.

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Noise pollution.

Noise pollution can cause health problems for people and wildlife, both on land and in the sea. From traffic noise to rock concerts, loud or inescapable sounds can cause hearing loss, stress, and high blood pressure. Noise from ships and human activities in the ocean is harmful to whales and dolphins that depend on echolocation to survive.

Anthropology, Sociology, Biology, Ecology, Conservation

Construction Noise Pollution

A man working with a jackhammer in a construction site. Noise pollution becomes and increasingly larger issue in big cities.

Photograph by Construction Photography/Avalon

Noise pollution is an invisible danger. It cannot be seen, but it is present nonetheless, both on land and under the sea. Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.

Sound is measured in decibels . There are many sounds in the environment, from rustling leaves (20 to 30 decibels ) to a thunderclap (120 decibels ) to the wail of a siren (120 to 140 decibels ). Sounds that reach 85 decibels or higher can harm a person’s ears. Sound sources that exceed this threshold include familiar things, such as power lawn mowers (90 decibels ), subway trains (90 to 115 decibels ), and loud rock concerts (110 to 120 decibels ).

Noise pollution impacts millions of people on a daily basis. The most common health problem it causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. These health problems can affect all age groups, especially children. Many children who live near noisy airports or streets have been found to suffer from stress and other problems, such as impairments in memory, attention level, and reading skill.

Noise pollution also impacts the health and well-being of wildlife. Studies have shown that loud noises can cause caterpillars' dorsal vessels (the insect equivalent of a heart) to beat faster, and cause bluebirds to have fewer chicks. Animals use sound for a variety of reasons, including to navigate, find food, attract mates, and avoid predators. Noise pollution makes it difficult for them to accomplish these tasks, which affects their ability survive.

Increasing noise is not only affecting animals on land, it is also a growing problem for those that live in the ocean. Ships, oil drills, sonar devices, and seismic tests have made the once tranquil marine environment loud and chaotic. Whales and dolphins are particularly impacted by noise pollution . These marine mammals rely on echolocation to communicate, navigate, feed, and find mates, and excess noise interferes with their ability to effectively echolocate.

Some of the loudest underwater noise comes from naval sonar devices. Sonar , like echolocation , works by sending pulses of sound down into the depths of the ocean to bounce off an object and return an echo to the ship, which indicates a location for object. Sonar sounds can be as loud as 235 decibels and travel hundreds of miles under water, interfering with whales’ ability to use echolocation . Research has shown that sonar can cause mass strandings of whales on beaches and alter the feeding behavior of endangered blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). Environmental groups are urging the U.S. Navy to stop or reduce using sonar for military training.

Seismic surveys also produce loud blasts of sound within the ocean. Ships looking for deep-sea oil or gas deposits tow devices called air guns and shoot pulses of sound down to the ocean floor. The sound blasts can damage the ears of marine animals and cause serious injury. Scientists believe this noise may also be contributing to the altered behavior of whales.

Among those researching the effects of noise pollution is Michel Andre, a bioacoustics researcher in Spain who is recording ocean sounds using instruments called hydrophones . His project, LIDO (Listening to the Deep Ocean Environment), collects data at 22 different locations. Back in the lab, computers identify the sounds of human activities as well as 26 species of whales and dolphins. The analysis aims to determine the effects that underwater noise is having on these animals. Andre hopes his project will find ways to protect marine animals from the dangers of ocean noise.

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Essay on Noise Pollution: 100, 300 and 500 Words

Updated on
Sep 8, 2023

Noise pollution, an insidious environmental menace, refers to the excessive and undesirable sound that disrupts the tranquillity of our surroundings. Often originating from urban areas, transportation, industries, and recreational activities, noise pollution has far-reaching implications on human health and well-being.

Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, hearing impairment, and even cardiovascular problems. Moreover, it disturbs the natural habitat of wildlife and affects the overall quality of life. In this blog, we will give you a 100, 300, and 500-word essay on noise pollution.

100 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a pressing environmental issue that has detrimental effects on human health and well-being. It refers to our surroundings’ excessive, unwanted, and disturbing sounds. These sounds can originate from various sources, such as traffic, industrial machinery, construction, and even recreational activities.

Exposure to high levels of noise pollution can lead to several health problems, including hearing loss, increased stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, it can disrupt communication, hinder concentration, and decrease overall quality of life.

To mitigate noise pollution, it’s essential to implement sound regulations and promote noise-reducing technologies in urban planning and infrastructure development . Public awareness and responsible behaviour, such as reducing unnecessary honking and limiting loud activities during nighttime hours, also play a crucial role in combating this problem.

In conclusion, addressing noise pollution is vital for creating healthier, more livable urban environments and improving the overall well-being of communities.

300 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a pervasive and often underestimated environmental issue that has a significant impact on the quality of life in urban areas. It refers to the excessive, unwanted, and disruptive sounds that fill our surroundings, leading to a wide range of physical, psychological, and social problems.

Sources of Noise Pollution

One of the primary sources of noise pollution in urban settings is traffic. The constant roar of engines, honking horns, and screeching brakes can be overwhelming. Industrial activities also contribute significantly, with the relentless hum of machinery and construction sites adding to the cacophony. In addition to these, social and recreational activities, such as concerts, parties, and even barking dogs, can add to the noise burden.

Consequences of Noise Pollution

The consequences of noise pollution are far-reaching. Physiologically, exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, elevated stress levels, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. It can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue and irritability. Noise pollution can also impair cognitive functions and hinder concentration, impacting productivity and academic performance .

Moreover, noise pollution has social implications. It can strain relationships among neighbours, causing conflicts and reducing the sense of community. Children growing up in noisy environments may experience delays in language development and learning difficulties. Additionally, it affects wildlife, disrupting their natural habitats and communication.

How to Reduce Noise Pollution

Addressing noise pollution requires a multifaceted approach. Urban planning and zoning regulations can play a crucial role in minimizing noise exposure for residents. The development of noise barriers, quieter road surfaces, and improved public transportation can help mitigate the problem. Promoting the use of noise-reducing technologies, such as quieter machinery and better-insulated buildings, is also essential.

Individual responsibility is equally vital. Reducing unnecessary honking, limiting loud activities during nighttime hours, and using noise-cancelling headphones are practical steps individuals can take to reduce their contribution to noise pollution.

In conclusion, noise pollution poses a growing threat to urban life, affecting physical and mental health, social harmony, and overall well-being. To combat this issue effectively, a combination of government regulations, technological advancements, and individual awareness and responsibility is needed.

500 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Introduction.

Noise pollution encompasses unwanted and disruptive sounds generated by various sources, including transportation, industrial activities, and recreational events.

This essay explores the causes, effects, and solutions to noise pollution, emphasizing the pressing need for collective action to mitigate its adverse impact on modern urban life.

Causes of Noise Pollution

1. Transportation: Urban areas are characterized by constant traffic flow, which is a primary source of noise pollution. The incessant rumble of engines, screeching tires, and incessant honking contribute significantly to the overall noise levels.

2. Industrial Activities: Industries and factories, often concentrated in urban zones, generate noise through the operation of heavy machinery, equipment, and manufacturing processes. Construction activities, with their bulldozers and pile drivers, are particularly notorious for their noise emissions.

3. Recreational Activities: Urban centres are hubs of entertainment and recreation, hosting concerts, sporting events, and social gatherings. These activities generate high levels of noise, especially when amplified music or cheering crowds are involved.

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. Health Implications: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to severe health problems. Hearing impairment is a common consequence, with noise-induced hearing loss being a well-documented issue. Noise pollution is also linked to increased stress, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure, which can escalate the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Sleep Disturbances: Noise pollution disrupts sleep patterns, leading to chronic sleep disturbances. Poor sleep quality can result in fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive performance, affecting overall productivity and well-being.

3. Cognitive Impairment: Noise pollution impairs cognitive functions, making it difficult to concentrate and focus. This can hinder academic performance and reduce workplace productivity.

Solutions to Noise Pollution

1. Urban Planning: Thoughtful urban planning and zoning regulations are essential to mitigate noise pollution. Separating industrial areas from residential zones, implementing noise-buffering green spaces, and designing soundproofed buildings can significantly reduce noise exposure.

2. Noise Barriers: Erecting noise barriers along highways and busy roads can shield residential areas from traffic noise. These barriers are designed to absorb or reflect sound waves, reducing their impact.

3. Quiet Transportation: Promoting quieter modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles and hybrid engines, can substantially reduce noise pollution. Improved public transportation can also reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.

Noise pollution poses a significant threat to urban life, affecting physical and mental health, social harmony, and overall well-being.

To effectively combat this issue, concerted efforts are required at the individual, community, and government levels. Implementing noise-reducing technologies, adopting responsible behaviour, and enacting sound urban planning policies are steps toward creating quieter, healthier, and more livable urban environments for all.

Also Read: Essay on Sustainable Development: Format; Examples

Ans. The primary sources of noise pollution include transportation, industrial activities, and recreational events. Transportation-related noise comes from vehicles on roads, railways, and aircraft in the sky. Industrial activities generate noise through machinery, equipment, and construction. Recreational events like concerts, sporting events, and social gatherings also contribute to noise pollution.

Ans. Noise pollution can have adverse effects on human health. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, increased stress, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure. It can disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in chronic fatigue and irritability. Noise pollution can also impair cognitive functions, making it challenging to concentrate and focus, which can impact productivity and overall well-being.

Ans. To reduce noise pollution, several measures can be implemented. These include: 1. Urban Planning: Thoughtful urban planning and zoning regulations can separate noisy industrial areas from residential zones and incorporate green spaces to buffer noise. 2. Noise Barriers: Installing noise barriers along highways and busy roads can shield residential areas from traffic noise by absorbing or reflecting sound waves. 3. Quiet Transportation: Promoting quieter transportation options like electric vehicles and hybrid engines can reduce noise emissions.

We hope that this blog on Noise Pollution has given you some known and unknown facts and secrets about Noise Pollution. For more amazing reads on essay writing , follow Leverage Edu.

Aditi Gupta

A bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, I am an enthusiastic writer. I love to write about impactful content which can help others. I love to binge watch and listen to music during my free time.

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Noise Pollution Essay

When noise levels exceed the normal range, this is known as noise pollution. When noise levels exceed safe levels, it becomes harmful to living things. Additionally, these irritating noises disrupt several activities and imbalance the surroundings. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘noise pollution’.

100 Words Essay On Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution is regarded as a form of environmental pollution brought on by excessive noise from various sources. The term "noise disturbance" also applies to noise pollution. In addition to being unhealthy, excessive noise can disturb animal or human life. Although there is a significant environmental problem in India that requires adequate attention to be resolved, noise pollution is less dangerous than pollution of the water, air, and soil. Machines, transportation systems, poor urban planning and other factors contribute to outdoor noise.

Among the sources of indoor noise include domestic appliances, construction activity, loud music, etc. The most frequent disability brought on by noise pollution is irreversible hearing loss due to ear drum damage.

200 Words Essay On Noise Pollution

Average noise levels are required for daily life, but undesirable noise or noise that is intolerable to people, animals, or plants results in noise pollution in the environment. Noise is a term used to describe the undesired sound produced by many industrial or non-industrial sources that are employed in our daily lives. High-volume sound has detrimental impacts on one's health, especially the ears.

The marine animals, especially whales and dolphins, who rely on their hearing to communicate, find food, defend themselves, and survive in the water, are significantly harmed by high levels of noise, suffering from physical trauma, injuries, bleeding around the brain, large bubbles in organs, and even death. Navy submarine sonar, which can be heard from about 300 miles away, is the cause of the noise in the ocean. The long-term effects of noise pollution are becoming more hazardous and concerning.

Prevention | There are various ways to prevent noise pollution, including encouraging soundproof rooms. Contractors should keep the construction in the industrial sector, industries, and factories away from residential buildings. Damaged exhaust pipes on motorcycles should be repaired.

Government should ban noisy vehicles, airports, bus and train stations, and other transportation hubs should be kept away from residential areas. People should establish quiet zones near educational institutions and hospitals, and more vegetation should be permitted alongside roads and residential areas to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound.

500 Words Essay On Noise Pollution

The spread of noise with varying implications on human or animal activities is known as noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution. Machines, transportation, and propagation systems are the main global sources of outdoor noise. Noise pollution is carried on by numerous noise sources, both industrial and non-industrial, and it impacts the health of people, plants, and animals in many ways. The lives of current and future generations are in great danger due to noise pollution's steadily rising level.

Sources Of Noise Pollution

Regular social gatherings like weddings, parties, pubs, clubs, discos, or houses of religion, among others, disturb the neighborhood.

Regular construction projects, such as mining and building bridges, dams, stations, highways, and flyovers, entail large machinery that produces a lot of noise.

All industries, large and small, use massive machinery that produces high pitch sound in large quantities, endangering our health and lives. Other machinery used in factories and businesses, such as compressors, generators, exhaust fans, and grinding mills, also makes a lot of noise.

Effects Of Noise Pollution

Because of the undesired sound, noise pollution can lead to various hearing issues, including ear drum damage and hearing loss.

It lowers the ear's receptivity to the sounds needed to control body rhythm.

Aggressive behaviour, disturbed sleep, stress, weakness, exhaustion, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other severe and chronic health problems in later life are all consequences of noise pollution on psychological health.

It causes communication issues and miscommunication. It impacts animals and increases aggressiveness in dogs.

Marine life and animals are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. Their behavior may change as a result of it affecting their listening abilities. During migration, these animals have trouble listening, which can negatively affect their survival. When it comes to marine life, noise pollution can cause physical and internal harm.

Legal Aspects Of Controlling Noise Pollution

The government may use a conditional or permanent order to eliminate a public nuisance under Section 133.

Limits for noise exposure in the work zone are outlined in the Factories Act Reduction of Noise and Oil of Machinery.

The Motor Vehicle Act deals with changing faulty engines and using the horn.

Preventive Measures For Noise Pollution

Public awareness should be raised to regulate the hazardous sound level in the environment, and everyone should take the regulations seriously.

Reduce the usage of high-pitched sound generators inside and outside the home, such as at parties, clubs, pubs, and discos.

Planting trees can reduce the noise generated by moving from one location to another, which is another helpful measure.

We must take responsibility for refraining from needless honking. We can reduce noise pollution if strict measures are implemented against those who break this regulation.

Additionally, constructing soundproof walls, windows, and flyovers in homes, buildings, and overpasses can reduce noise.

As noise pollution levels rise, there is an urgent need for greater public awareness of its sources, effects, and preventative measures. In workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, hospitals, etc., excessive noise levels should be prohibited. The issue of noise pollution should be covered in textbooks, and lectures and discussions should be held in educational institutions to create more informed and socially responsible future generations.

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Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

Essay on Noise Pollution : Causes, Effects & Solutions

February 2, 2021 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

What is Noise pollution?

Noise pollution is a type of pollution that does not directly affect the environment but has adverse effects on the hearing abilities of the inhabitants of our ecosystem.

Hearing of an organism is directly linked to the nervous systems internally.

Hence noise pollution affects the mental health and disturbs the delicate balance of an individual in case of over-exposure to noise levels beyond a certain decibel.

There may have been many instances, especially when you’re living in a city, that you’ve been so annoyed with the noise around you, that you lose your composure. You grab your ears and just wait for the noise to stop.

That is the essence of noise pollution. It comprises of all the loud noises around you, caused by vehicular traffic, heavy machinery in factories and sometimes, the disturbance of trains and aeroplanes, if you live near an airport or railway station .

The blaring sounds from loudspeakers and high speakers are not to be left behind, especially when there are processions or big festivals taking place.

Let us ponder over a few examples for better understanding.

Whales are known to emit their call louder when they detect a submarine since a submarine uses SONAR and other sound oriented devices for communication and navigation.

The SONAR dampens the whale’s call, making it less effective, which in turn might lead to some members not hearing it and missing some vital signal, like a hunting call.

Causes of noise pollution

Let us first begin by trying to understand how noise is generated technically.

Noise basically is a mixture of all sounds around us. These sounds originate from various sources. Inside the waveform of a noise, we can find overlapping waveform indicating mixed and jumbled outputs rendering ‘noise’.

The outcomes may contain undesirable and irritating waveform called noise. Noise pollution is more prominent in urban areas than in rural areas.

This is because rural areas have only half the amount of vehicles, minimal amount of factories and other sources producing loud noises.

It is more discomforting and annoying in particular to senior citizens, who seek a calm and peaceful atmosphere in their days of retirement. In India, festivals are a crucial part of our culture and thus, are given utmost importance.

But the celebrations and proceedings involved with these festivities result in noise pollution on a wide scale.

This scenario especially gets worse when people disregard the fact about patients in hospitals, nursing mothers, pregnant women and ill patients who need relief from such blaring noises.

Similar is the case with wedding celebrations. Nowadays, almost everyone holds a wedding procession which involves the bride and groom, either walking or on horses or carriages, slowly proceeding towards the groom’s house.

Celebrations take place on a large scale involving huge loudspeakers and noise from trumpets and drum beats causing inconvenience to residents and other establishments, including schools, colleges, hospitals and other religious establishments like temples and churches.

Well known incidences of noise pollution occur during festivals, normal, everyday traffic on the road, etc.

During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi , Diwali etc the occurrence of sound pollution is really high.

Diwali causes noise as well as Air pollution , people celebrate Diwali for their joy, and indeed they burst crackers that create massive noise.

Traffic on the road is the primary reason for sound pollution in big cities. There are many other factors too that cause the deadly noise pollution.

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Effects of noise pollution

Our human ear can detect sounds in the frequencies between 20Hz to 20 KHz. But constant exposure to sound beyond certain intensity is harmful to the ears.

We already know that sound intensity is measured in Decibels, also denoted as dB. In a normal airport, a plane that is landing or leaving the run way creates a noise exceeding intensities of 120 dB.

There are chances of irreversible damage to the human ear when exposed to noises above 80 dB. Instances of noise have been recorded from the ancient times in the cities of Rome, on account of the dawn of industrialization.

Poorly planned cities and towns are another reason where residents have to become victims of noise pollution. If the city is near an industrial area, then the residential areas face heavy instances of noise pollution.

Though the human ear’s maximum capacity of tolerating noise cannot be exactly measured, it is believed that the intensity is about 80 dB.

Continuous exposure to sounds of intensities higher than this may lead to a myriad of health problems. It may lead to physical as well as psychological changes.

A person shows increased levels of stress and becomes prone to mental illnesses if he is prone to irregular levels of noise.

Every person’s tolerance is inbuilt differently and the ability of a person to tolerate noise provides him stability from within. Beyond that threshold level, the mind senses disturbance and gets irritated by the effects of noise.

This irritability is then transferred to the inner regions on the brain wherein complex reactions alter normal functioning of brain components.

When this process happens over long periods of time, the brain functioning itself gets altered and that’s when we say that an abnormality has occurred in the mental well being of a person.

The chances of a cardio vascular disease are also highly elevated. It is not just humans who are affected, but animals in the vicinity too face disturbance.

Dogs, with a higher sense of hearing, may get their ears damaged by exposure to higher levels of noise pollution.

Wildlife is adversely affected, as the loud man-made noises drown the mating calls, warning alarms and threat noises that animals use normally to communicate with one another.

For example in birds, the bird robin is observed to sing more likely at night, in a heavily noise polluted area since, in the day time, the noises are significantly louder.

Solutions for noise pollution

The threat of noise pollution is being realized and the governments are taking measures to reduce them.

In India too, certain rules and regulations have been set up regarding noise generation and emission. But the enforcement of these laws is not incorporated on strict terms and thus the defaulters escape scot-free.

It is good to know that there are many NGOs (non-government organizations) that have taken the initiative to reduce noise pollution and so far they’ve made tremendous progress, especially in the urban areas.

The rural areas, unfortunately, still face the wrath of noise pollution. It is up to us, the educated urban crowds, to control and prohibit the curse of noise pollution.

It’s also good to create awareness among the rural inhabitants regarding the ill effects of noise pollution.

Today, everyone has come to know the deadly effect of noise pollution. The government has taken some of the crucial steps to reduce the sound pollution.

The noise of Loud Speakers should be limited and should not cross beyond a certain decibel. An individual or group isn’t permitted to use loud speakers in the vicinity of schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Government has imposed strict restrictions and posed limitations on the use of loudspeakers during festivals. It has posted a big list do’s and don’ts and applied the rules at appropriate regions of high noise traffic.

The effects of noise pollution is not restricted to human beings alone, it has deadly impacts on lives of animals as well.

To control this type of pollution, people should create awareness on its impact on human health. Airports should be situated far away from residential areas.

Manufacturing industries such as steel and iron establishments should be situated far away from residential complexes.

It’s more of an individual effort to control noise pollution. We may not be able to totally stop noise pollution , but we can definitely take steps to reduce it by a great level.

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Noise Pollution: Environmental Impact and What You Can Do

Noise pollution is bad for humans and awful for wildlife. Here's what it is, how it affects animals, and how you can help.

As a journalist, Gabriella Sotelo covers the environment, climate change, and agriculture. She has a bachelor's in Journalism/Environmental Studies from NYU.

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What is Noise Pollution?

The Clean Air Act

Effects of Noise Pollution on Wildlife

What can be done.

Have you ever been somewhere truly free from the sounds of humankind? We become immune to the sounds of distant traffic and especially the subtle hum of planes above, but there are few places that don't have some form of noise pollution.

Noise pollution is noise that has surpassed ambient noise levels and has a harmful impact on humans and animals. This type of pollution is generated by humans and is a form of environmental degradation. It can serve as a source of stress on fauna, can have negative effects on animal welfare, and can even cause behavioral changes in birds, according to a study on the impacts of noise pollution on birds.

Noise pollution can be problematic when frequencies that are produced disrupt information transmission in animals, specifically animals that use similar frequencies to communicate. These disturbances can also lead to higher anti-predator behaviors in situations that don’t require it, as well as change species vocalization, increase stress and stress-related diseases, and have the potential to decrease populations.

Noise Pollution Facts

The third most common chronic physical condition in the United States is hearing loss. (CDC)
Over 100 million people in the European Union are exposed to traffic noise above 55 decibels (dB), according to a study looking at noise pollution and its health effects.
Noise over 70 dB over a long period of time can damage your hearing, and noise above 120 dB can cause immediate damage to your ears. The average sound of a firework is 140 dB, and the average sound of traffic (from inside the car) is 80 to 85 dB. ( CDC )
Noise pollution threatens the survival of over 100 species.

Noise pollution can also be defined as an unwanted sound. The noise that is studied usually refers to occupational noise instead of social noise or environmental noise like construction.

In the E.U., around 56 million who live in areas with a population size of more than 250,000 people are exposed to more than average traffic noise. In the United States, noise has been shown to be increasing in California due to street traffic and increased at a rate of 6.7 dBA (A-weighted decibels).

Noise pollution's impact on the environment can be classified as:

Chronic Contamination / Continuous Noise : Constant exposure to noise; this type of pollution can lead to hearing impairment.
Temporary Contamination with Physiological Damage : Exposure to a limited source of noise; an example is exposure to explosives.
Temporary Pollution Without Damage : Continuous noise for a limited period of time, like street noise—this can lead to temporary hearing impairments.

Meanwhile, low-frequency noise is described as the background noise that comes from urban environments like air conditioning systems or vehicles. Traffic accounts for 80% of the environmental impact of noise. In animals, traffic noise can reduce foraging efficiency, and in birds can affect their reproductive system.

Examples of Noise Pollution

Barcelona , Spain

Barcelona is among the top cities exposed to noise pollution. Almost 48% of city blocks had an average noise level over 65dB, and only 5% of city blocks had noise levels under 55dB, according to research on environmental noise inequities in the city. The area with the highest noise level was the Eixample district; this district has high flows of street traffic and is also where the very popular La Sagrada Familia is located. This district, as well as the Sarria-Sant Gervasi district, experience levels over 70dB. In Barcelona, 94% of the population lives in city blocks that experience high-noise levels. In Madrid, 80% of all urban noise comes from road traffic, according to an impact assessment of traffic noise in Madrid . In general, the E.U. has shown that 65% of Europeans live in major urban areas that are exposed to high noise levels.

New York City, United States

Noise has been consistently reported as the number-one quality-of-life issue affecting residents in New York City. Sound pressure levels were reported at 70 to 85 dB in midtown Manhattan, which is above average and is at a level that poses health hazards, according to an assessment of noise pollution in NYC . More than two million people in New York City reported that they were disturbed from sleep by noise once a week; 78% of those people reported being disturbed three or more nights each week, according to a paper on the effects of ambient noise on sleep . Traffic noise caused 53% of sleep disturbances. Measured locations in New York City with noise levels greater than 70dB increased risk of hearing loss. These noise levels were especially high in areas with a lot of traffic, during the morning and evening commuting periods, and all around Manhattan, as reported in an assessment of street-level noise in New York City. The assessment also found that the highest noise measurement occurred when sirens, heavy pedestrian traffic, or construction was present. Street-level noises contribute to 4% of total noise exposed to the NYC public.

Noise Pollution and the Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act Amendment added Title IV to the document, which relates to noise pollution. This amendment established the EPA Office of Noise Abatement and Control to study the effect of noise on public health and the effect on wildlife, the psychological and physiological effects it may have on people, and the effect of sporadic extreme noise. The sources of noise that are regulated by the EPA include construction equipment, trucks, transport equipment, low-noise emission products, and rail and motor carriers. It also regulates the labeling of hearing protection devices. During the time this amendment was written, the EPA identified the average exposure to environmental noise to be 70 dB over 24 hours and average levels of 55 dB outdoors. However, the Office of Noise Abatement and Control was closed as the administration thought it was best if issues regarding noise were handled at the local and State level, according to the EPA .

The Noise Control Act of 1972 and the Quiet Communities Act essentially replaced the office and have yet to be rescinded, however the EPA’s website states they are “essentially unfunded.” Since the Clean Air Act and the previously mentioned amendment are no longer enforced, people can look at their state’s regulations. For example, Colorado limits the decibels produced by noise in residential, commercial, light industrial, and industrial zones between a set time. Their statute also considers periodic, intrusive, or shrill noises as a nuisance. The California Noise Control Act reiterates the harm excessive noise can have on physiological and psychological health, and also states that people in California are entitled to having a “peaceful and quiet” environment without noise that could be hazardous to their health.

The greatest effect of noise pollution on the environment is on animals. Noise pollution can affect an animal's ability to detect acoustic signals, affect courtship behaviors, cause birds to produce fewer eggs, and cause fewer offspring to reach reproductive age. On detecting acoustic signals, noise can also be produced in the same frequencies in which animals vocalize and can interrupt the transmission of information.

Noise affects many species of animals, from amphibians, arthropods, birds, and fish to mammals, mollusks, and reptiles.

According to the World Health Organization, noise is one of the most hazardous forms of pollution and has become omnipresent in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

How Noise Affects Animals

It hampers communication . Most animals rely on vocalizations and other acoustic signals to communicate with each other. Interference makes it challenging for animals to find mates, warn of danger, establish territories, and coordinate group activities.
It disrupts reproduction : Noise pollution is distracting and can disrupt breeding behaviors and lead to diminished reproductive success. For instance, loud noises near nesting sites can cause birds to abandon their nests.
It compromises dwindling habitat : Noise can reduce the quality of usable habitat, something that is already in critical decline.
It alters foraging patterns : Noise pollution can change the foraging patterns of animals. For example, ship noise can cause marine mammals to avoid certain feeding grounds.
It leads to stress and health issues : Just like in human animals, prolonged exposure to loud and constant noise can lead to chronic stress in non-human animals, which can have many adverse effects.
It drowns out environmental cues : Noise pollution can make it hard to hear important environmental cues that animals have always relied on to navigate and detect predators or prey.
It disorients and can cause strandings : Particularly in aquatic environments, noise—like that from ships or oil extraction activities—can disorient marine animals and lead to beach strandings or collisions with boats.

These disturbances can have long-term consequences. For example, some species may perform anti-predator behavior due to the confusion noise may create, as is the case with the impact of noise pollution on the saffron finch.

In this case, the noise created by traffic changed the behavior of saffron finches and made them less aggressive. In an environment with heavy noise, the male bird would display less aggressive behaviors when confronted by an intruding bird. This may be because they pay less attention to the intruder if unwanted noise masks the information that dictates the attributes of the intruder. The study predicts that if noise pollution were to continue, this species would continue to exhibit anti-predator behavior, as well as eat and reproduce less. This type of behavioral change was also found in the chipping sparrow.

Trees can be used against noise pollution, according to an investigation on the effects of leaves, branches, and canopies on noise pollution. By decreasing the area in which noise is made and increasing tree presence with tree belts of at least 12 meters, trees could serve as a noise barrier in urban areas. Another study found that tree belts with a width of 30 meters could be planted on the roadside and have more than 6dB reduction of noise than a grassland would. The conclusion was that more trees, branches, and leaves could reduce noise pollution.

Regulations have also been placed in the U.S. statewide and local governments to reduce noise pollution. New York, for example, has a regulation that looks at occupational noise exposure; this ranges from monitoring noise to providing personal protective equipment. Many states and local governments in the U.S. have their own regulations regarding noise pollution; however, many focus on the human impacts that noise pollution has and not the environmental impacts.

How Can You Help?

Advocate for planting trees and vegetation, or plant trees yourself. Trees can serve as a great noise barrier and have many other benefits as well.
Turn down the volume on your television, music, and car stereo—especially in urban and residential areas where people can overhear your entertainment.
If you own a car or motorcycle, ensure it's well-maintained to minimize engine noise.
Check your road rage and limit unnecessary honking.
Limit the use of loud machinery or equipment.
Opt for electric gardening equipment—gas-powered lawnmowers and leafblowers are a bane for your neighbors.
Opt for an electric car, which reduces engine noise from traffic.
Use soundproofing in your home or workspace to decrease the noise you hear and the noise you emit.
Advocate for quiet zones in public places, like parks, libraries, or public transportation.
Research and support local and national noise-reduction policies and regulations.
Become active in local community initiatives to reduce noise pollution, such as organizing noise awareness campaigns or supporting noise-reduction projects.
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What is Noise Pollution

This essay will define and explain noise pollution, exploring its sources, types, and effects on health and the environment. It will discuss the various causes of noise pollution, such as urban development, transportation, and industrial activities, and the ways in which it impacts human health, wildlife, and overall quality of life. The piece will also cover strategies and regulations aimed at reducing noise pollution and promoting a healthier, quieter environment. At PapersOwl, you’ll also come across free essay samples that pertain to Pollution.

How it works

That is not very noticeable like other forms of pollution. But even thus it’s not very known to people it still causes many health problems. Just as many other pollutions do, noise is created by people and man-made machines. Any form of noise or sound that is unwanted to people hearing would be considered noise pollution. Noise pollution is caused by many sources the list is endless. Here are some sources traffic noise, noise at different transport places, noise at your workplace, noise at your own home.

The two-major source that is considered as noise pollution and that are most harmful to people health. The people that live around the airport and industrial and higher risk of being a victim of noise pollution. To get a better feel of what noise pollution is you must first understand how noise or sound is measured. The sound is measured by decibels Scale (dB), but a modified version of this scale (A scale) is used compare the same noise or sound as a person would hear.

Any sound about 85 dB is considered dangerous, and an excessive amount of exposure to that level of sound can cause permanent hearing loss or other major health issues. People might think noise pollution is only affecting people working with machinery or industrial labor. but that’s not the case Noise pollution affects everything and everyone it gets in contact with. If nothing is done about it, it would cause serious health problems. the sound is present in our daily lifestyle, but it’s not the same as noise. noise is something that is unwanted sound the gives you discomfort when hearing it. Any noise level below 80 dB would give you temporary discomfort, but anything above 80 dB would cause more than just temporary discomfort. Exposure to an excessive amount of noise can result in negative changes to our health and wellbeing. it does not just cause hearing loss It could also cause serious issues like anxiety.

Stress, Increase chances of high blood pressure, headaches, damage to the brain, Contraction of the blood vessel, disturbance in the nervous system, and worst of all heart failure. The list is endless on the effect noise has on a human body. Continues exposure to noise Could affect a person’s mental health. You can notice the change in a person’s mental health they tend to be jumpier cause them to have panic attacks more often and they would be more frustrated. That would make it hard for them to focus on a task at hand such as either there work or if you’re a student at your school. Excessive noise can also lead to lack of Sleep that could also disturb persons normal routines.

Noise pollution doesn’t just affect us human but also has in fact on the wildlife as well noise affects all kind of species that are in the sky on the ground and even the ones underground the flying species are in danger of being extended due to excessive noise created by industrial street traffic and loud music they have been changing their traveling routes and make it harder for them to hear mating calls between male and female species. Even that marine species underwater are not safe due exposure to noise under the underwater. noise pollution exists even underwater caused by man-made machines such as shipping traffic’s, industrial noise from oil rigs and military sonar and many other things. If you think you are safe from noise just because you are and comfort of your home that’s where you are wrong you are just as much as a victim as a person that is Industrial works who works around heavy machines. Even in your or you are exposed to an unwanted sound caused by Traffic, airplanes, Trains, And sirens. There are also some household equipment’s that create an unwanted sound caused by a air-condition units, generators, loudspeakers, and other small miscellaneous stuff.

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Essay on Noise Pollution

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In the modern world, the cacophony of sounds from vehicles, industrial activities, and urban development has become a constant backdrop to our lives. This relentless barrage of noise constitutes what we know as noise pollution, an environmental and public health issue that is often overshadowed by other forms of pollution but is equally potent and destructive. This essay delves into the depths of noise pollution, unraveling its causes, impacts, and potential solutions, aiming to shed light on an issue that is powerful in its ability to affect human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is defined as any unwanted or harmful sound that disrupts the natural balance and creates potential harm to human and animal life. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified noise pollution as the second-largest environmental cause of health problems, just after the impact of air quality. From the incessant hum of traffic to the roar of airplanes overhead and the clamor of construction sites, noise pollution surrounds us, often so pervasive that many have become desensitized to its presence.

Causes of Noise Pollution

The sources of noise pollution are manifold and predominantly stem from urban development and human activities. Key contributors include:

Transportation Systems: The roar of vehicles, trains, airplanes, and ships are amongst the most significant sources of noise pollution, especially in urban areas.
Industrial and Construction Activities: Factories, construction sites, and mining operations generate substantial noise from machinery and heavy equipment.
Urbanization: The growth of cities brings with it an increase in noise from commercial and residential areas, including sounds from electronic devices, entertainment venues, and human activities.
Social Events: Concerts, festivals, and public gatherings can create high decibel levels, contributing to the noise landscape.

Impacts of Noise Pollution

The power of noise pollution lies in its pervasive ability to impact health and well-being, disrupt wildlife ecosystems, and contribute to societal issues.

Health Effects

Noise pollution is not merely an annoyance; it has profound health implications. Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to:

Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage.
Stress and Cardiovascular Issues: Noise acts as a stressor, triggering the release of stress hormones. Chronic exposure is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Sleep Disturbances: Noise can interrupt sleep patterns and reduce sleep quality, leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Cognitive Impairment: In children, noise pollution can hamper learning and memory, affecting academic performance and cognitive development.

Environmental and Wildlife Effects

Noise pollution extends its reach beyond human health, affecting the natural world in profound ways.

Disruption of Wildlife: Animals rely on sound for communication, navigation, and predator-prey interactions. Noise pollution can interfere with these essential behaviors, leading to adverse effects on reproduction, feeding, and migration patterns.
Ecosystem Imbalance: Excessive noise can alter the natural habitat, causing an imbalance in predator-prey dynamics and affecting biodiversity.

Societal and Economic Impacts

The repercussions of noise pollution also ripple through society and the economy, manifesting as:

Decreased Productivity: Noise can distract and reduce efficiency, affecting workplace productivity and learning environments.
Property Value Decline: Areas subjected to high levels of noise, such as those near airports or highways, often see a decrease in property values.
Increased Healthcare Costs: The health issues associated with noise pollution lead to higher healthcare expenditures for individuals and governments.

Mitigating Noise Pollution

Addressing the issue of noise pollution requires a multifaceted approach, involving policy, technology, and community engagement.

Policy and Regulation

Effective noise pollution management starts with stringent regulatory frameworks that limit noise levels in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Implementing noise standards for vehicles and machinery, along with zoning laws that separate residential areas from noisy industrial zones, are critical steps.

Technological Innovations

Advancements in technology offer promising solutions to reduce noise pollution. Quieter road surfaces, noise barriers, soundproofing materials in buildings, and the development of electric vehicles can significantly lower noise levels.

Community Engagement and Awareness

Raising awareness about the impact of noise pollution and promoting community involvement in noise reduction initiatives are essential. Simple actions, such as choosing quieter appliances, respecting noise ordinances, and planting trees to serve as natural sound barriers, can make a difference.

In conclusion, Noise pollution is an insidious force with the power to affect human health, disrupt wildlife, and impact societal well-being. Recognizing the seriousness of this issue is the first step towards mitigating its effects. Through a combination of policy intervention, technological innovation, and community action, we can attenuate the impact of noise pollution. By addressing this unseen power, we not only improve our quality of life but also protect the environment and ensure the health and well-being of future generations. In the fight against noise pollution, silence truly is golden.

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Noise Pollution Essay

Introduction.

Do you get irritated when someone honks their car horn while waiting for the traffic signal to turn green? Will you be able to concentrate on your work/studies when heavy construction is taking place near your house and the drilling sound deafens you? These are some of the instances of noise pollution, and we will be discussing more in this noise pollution essay.

Causes of Noise Pollution

There are various factors that cause noise pollution in the environment, and we will understand them through this short essay on noise pollution. We know that technology has eased the life of humans through grinders, compressors, televisions, generators etc., but we are not aware that this same technology is ruining our health. Along with these machines, there are also cars, bikes, buses, trains and aeroplanes that produce a large amount of noise. We will see how this creates pollution through this noise pollution essay.

People unnecessarily use horns, and the long siren disturbs other people. Besides, people play music at a loud volume while travelling in cars or buses. Due to this, we put others in an inconvenient position. It is only required to think of the commotion that happens during weddings and other festivals and how it causes a nuisance to those residing nearby to understand the seriousness of the matter. The noise pollution essay in English is, therefore, an attempt to throw light on this issue.

Ways to Reduce Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a serious concern, and hence, we must try to prevent it. But before we see how it can be controlled, we will see its effect on us in this short essay on noise pollution. Noise pollution causes hearing problems if we get exposed to a high volume of sounds continuously. It also has the potential to damage our eardrums, resulting in permanent loss of hearing.

Moreover, it disturbs our state of mind, and we might experience stress, tension, loss of sleep etc., thus affecting our psychological health. All these reasons point out that noise pollution can be dangerous and we must follow certain measures to prevent it.

First of all, we must be responsible for not honking unnecessarily. If strict actions are taken against the violators of this rule, we can reduce noise pollution to some extent. Besides, installing soundproof walls and windows in houses, buildings and flyovers can also help in bringing down the noise level.

Planting trees is another effective measure as we can reduce the noise from travelling from one place to another. So, children can write an essay on noise pollution 150 words by taking important points from the noise pollution essay in English and thus creating awareness regarding the issue. For more interesting essays , you can refer to our website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Noise Pollution Essay

What are the effects of noise pollution.

Noise pollution creates many health issues in humans and affects their hearing ability. Hypertension, stress, irregular sleep patterns and irritation are its other effects. Noise pollution also harms wildlife and marine life as it impairs their listening abilities.

How to reduce noise pollution?

People can wear earplugs or earmuffs while working in factories that produce a high level of noise daily. Car horns must not be used needlessly and playing loud music on public transport should be banned. Planting more trees can also reduce noise pollution to some extent, as vegetation helps in the reduction of sound intensity.

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Essay on Noise Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Noise Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Understanding noise pollution.

Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that can disturb the environment. It’s often overlooked but it can harm our health and wellbeing.

Causes of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution can come from various sources such as traffic, industries, construction sites, loud music, and airplanes.

Effects of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution can cause stress, hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and even heart disease. It also affects wildlife by disrupting their habitats.

Preventing Noise Pollution

We can reduce noise pollution by controlling the volume of our devices, using earplugs, and supporting laws that limit noise levels.

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250 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Introduction to noise pollution.

Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution, is an often-overlooked form of pollution that has profound impacts on human health and ecosystems. It is primarily caused by transportation systems, industrial processes, and recreational activities.

Impacts on Human Health

Prolonged exposure to high decibel noise can lead to serious health issues such as stress, sleep disturbances, hearing loss, and cardiovascular diseases. Noise pollution also affects mental health, causing anxiety and aggression, and can impair cognitive development in children.

Ecological Consequences

Noise pollution disrupts wildlife communication, breeding, and feeding patterns. It can lead to lower species diversity in urban areas and interfere with the natural behavior of animals, impacting biodiversity.

Regulation and Mitigation

Addressing noise pollution requires comprehensive regulations that limit noise emissions from various sources. Additionally, urban planning strategies can be implemented, such as creating green spaces to absorb sound and designing buildings that minimize noise transmission.

While noise pollution is an invisible form of pollution, its effects are tangible and far-reaching. It is crucial to raise awareness about this issue and implement effective strategies to mitigate its impact. As we move towards more sustainable living, addressing noise pollution becomes an integral part of the conversation.

500 Words Essay on Noise Pollution

Introduction.

Noise pollution, often an overlooked form of environmental pollution, has profound implications on human health and biodiversity. It refers to the excessive and disturbing noises in our surroundings that negatively impact various aspects of our lives and the ecosystem.

The primary sources of noise pollution are from human activities. Industrialization, urbanization, and modernization have significantly contributed to the increase in noise levels. Industries, construction activities, transportation, and public gatherings are the major contributors. Other sources include household appliances, loud music, and recreational activities.

Effects on Human Health

Noise pollution has a myriad of detrimental effects on human health. Chronic exposure to high noise levels can lead to auditory issues such as noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the impact of noise pollution extends beyond auditory health. It can lead to non-auditory health effects including cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment in children, and mental health issues like stress and anxiety.

Impact on Biodiversity

The adverse effects of noise pollution are not limited to humans. It poses significant threats to wildlife, impacting their behavior, physiology, and survival. Noise pollution interferes with animal communication, navigation, and predation, disrupting ecological balance. For instance, marine noise pollution from ships and seismic surveys can affect the behavior and physiology of marine mammals, leading to changes in their distribution and abundance.

Prevention and Control

Addressing noise pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementing noise standards and regulations for industries, transportation, and urban planning can significantly reduce noise levels. Technological advancements can also play a role, with quieter machinery and soundproofing techniques offering potential solutions. Public awareness and education about the harmful effects of noise pollution are also crucial for its prevention and control.

Noise pollution is a pressing environmental issue that demands immediate attention. It not only affects human health but also disrupts biodiversity. As responsible inhabitants of this planet, it is incumbent upon us to understand the gravity of the situation and take necessary measures to mitigate this problem. By doing so, we can ensure a healthier and quieter environment for ourselves and future generations.

In the end, the fight against noise pollution is a collective effort. It requires the participation of governments, industries, and individuals alike. By adopting noise reduction strategies, enforcing regulations, and promoting public awareness, we can significantly curb noise pollution, paving the way for a quieter and healthier world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Newbury JB , Heron J , Kirkbride JB, et al. Air and Noise Pollution Exposure in Early Life and Mental Health From Adolescence to Young Adulthood. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2412169. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12169

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Air and Noise Pollution Exposure in Early Life and Mental Health From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

1 Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
2 Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
3 PsyLife Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
4 ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
5 Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
6 Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
7 UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
8 MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Question Is exposure to air and noise pollution in pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence associated with the development of psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety between 13 and 24 years of age?

Findings In this longitudinal birth cohort study followed up into adulthood that included 9065 participants with mental health data, higher exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) in pregnancy and childhood was associated with increased psychotic experiences and in pregnancy was associated with higher rates of depression. Higher noise pollution exposure in childhood and adolescence was associated with increased anxiety.

Meaning These findings build on evidence associating air and noise pollution with mental health, highlighting a role of early-life pollution exposure in youth mental health problems.

Importance Growing evidence associates air pollution exposure with various psychiatric disorders. However, the importance of early-life (eg, prenatal) air pollution exposure to mental health during youth is poorly understood, and few longitudinal studies have investigated the association of noise pollution with youth mental health.

Objectives To examine the longitudinal associations of air and noise pollution exposure in pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence with psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety in youths from ages 13 to 24 years.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, an ongoing longitudinal birth cohort founded in 1991 through 1993 in Southwest England, United Kingdom. The cohort includes over 14 000 infants with due dates between April 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992, who were subsequently followed up into adulthood. Data were analyzed October 29, 2021, to March 11, 2024.

Exposures A novel linkage (completed in 2020) was performed to link high-resolution (100 m 2 ) estimates of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), fine particulate matter under 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ), and noise pollution to home addresses from pregnancy to 12 years of age.

Main outcomes and measures Psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety were measured at ages 13, 18, and 24 years. Logistic regression models controlled for key individual-, family-, and area-level confounders.

Results This cohort study included 9065 participants who had any mental health data, of whom (with sample size varying by parameter) 51.4% (4657 of 9051) were female, 19.5% (1544 of 7910) reported psychotic experiences, 11.4% (947 of 8344) reported depression, and 9.7% (811 of 8398) reported anxiety. Mean (SD) age at follow-up was 24.5 (0.8) years. After covariate adjustment, IQR increases (0.72 μg/m 3 ) in PM 2.5 levels during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.11 [95% CI, 1.04-1.19]; P = .002) and during childhood (AOR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.00-1.10]; P = .04) were associated with elevated odds for psychotic experiences. Pregnancy PM 2.5 exposure was also associated with depression (AOR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.02-1.18]; P = .01). Higher noise pollution exposure in childhood (AOR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.03-1.38]; P = .02) and adolescence (AOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.02-1.45]; P = .03) was associated with elevated odds for anxiety.

Conclusions and Relevance In this longitudinal cohort study, early-life air and noise pollution exposure were prospectively associated with 3 common mental health problems from adolescence to young adulthood. There was a degree of specificity in terms of pollutant-timing-outcome associations. Interventions to reduce air and noise pollution exposure (eg, clean air zones) could potentially improve population mental health. Replication using quasi-experimental designs is now needed to shed further light on the underlying causes of these associations.

Childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are critical periods for the development of psychiatric disorders: worldwide, nearly two-thirds of individuals affected become unwell by 25 years of age. 1 Identifying early-life risk factors is a crucial research challenge in developing preventative interventions and improving lifelong mental health trajectories.

Growing evidence suggests that air pollution exposure may be associated with the onset of psychiatric problems, including mood, affective, and psychotic disorders. 2 - 6 Air pollution comprises toxic gases and particulate matter (ie, organic and inorganic solid and liquid aerosols) of mostly anthropogenic origin. 7 Understanding the potential effect of air pollution on mental health is increasingly crucial, given the human and societal cost of poor mental health, 8 the global shift toward urban living, 9 , 10 and the backdrop of emissions-induced climate change. 11 Air pollution could negatively affect mental health via numerous pathways, including by compromising the blood-brain barrier, promoting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and directly entering the brain and damaging tissue therein. 12 , 13 However, key research gaps remain. First, the relative importance of early-life exposure, including prenatal exposure, is uncertain. Infants and children are thought to be especially vulnerable to air pollution, 14 , 15 but longitudinal, high-resolution pollution data spanning the early years of human life are scarce. Second, relatively few studies have examined the association of air pollution with youth mental health problems, 16 despite youth being a critical period for intervention. Third, few longitudinal studies have investigated the role of noise pollution in mental health, 17 despite the correlation between noise and air pollution. 18 Finally, studies have often used crude pollution data and lacked adequate controls for potential confounders.

We aimed to advance understanding on this topic by capitalizing on a novel linkage between high-resolution outdoor air and noise pollution data and a cohort of over 14 000 infants born in Southwest England in 1991 through 1993 and followed up into adulthood. We examined the association of air and noise pollution exposure from pregnancy to 12 years of age with mental health problems from ages 13 to 24 years. Based on previous evidence, we focused on psychotic experiences (eg, subclinical hallucinations and delusions), depression, and anxiety. These problems are common 1 , 19 - 21 and increasing 22 among youth and strongly predict future psychopathology, 23 , 24 making them useful and important targets. We hypothesized that participants exposed to higher air and noise pollution would subsequently experience worse mental health.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a UK birth cohort, 25 - 28 described further in the eMethods in Supplement 1 . Briefly, pregnant women residing in and around the City of Bristol (population approximately 714 000 in 2024) in Southwest England with due dates between April 1, 1991, and December 31, 1992, were approached to take part in the study. The initial number of pregnancies enrolled was 14 551, resulting in 13 988 children alive at 1 year of age. At age 7 years, the initial sample was bolstered with additional eligible cases, resulting in 14 901 infants alive at 1 year of age. The catchment area has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments. 29 The study website contains details of all the data and a fully searchable data dictionary and variable search tool. 30 Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ALSPAC Ethics and Law Committee and the Local Research Ethics Committees. Informed consent for the use of data collected via questionnaires and clinics was obtained from participants following the recommendations of the ALSPAC Ethics and Law Committee at the time. The present study is reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology ( STROBE ) reporting guideline. 31

Psychotic experiences were measured at ages 13, 18, and 24 years using a semi-structured interview 32 that consisted of 12 core items about hallucinations, delusions, and thought interference, rated against the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry version 2.0 (SCAN 2.0). 33 Consistent with previous ALSPAC studies, 34 , 35 psychotic experiences were defined such that 0 represented none, and 1 represented suspected or definite. The reporting period at each phase was since the participant’s 12th birthday. At 13 years of age, 13.6% (926 of 6788) of participants reported psychotic experiences, at 18 years of age 9.2% (432 of 4715) reported psychotic experiences, and at 24 years of age, 12.6% (491 of 3888) reported psychotic experiences. We summed psychotic experiences across time points and dichotomized the variable for analyses such that participants received a score of 1 for suspected or definite psychotic experiences if they reported psychotic experiences at any age.

Depression and anxiety were measured at age 13 years via parent-completed Development and Well-being Assessments. 36 Responses were classified into probabilistic bands according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and dichotomized for analysis (bands 0-2, 0; bands 3-5, 1). At ages 18 and 24 years, depression and anxiety were measured using the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised, 37 a self-administered computerized interview that gave International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision , diagnoses of moderate to severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The reporting period at each phase was the past month, although a 6-month reporting period was used for anxiety at 13 years of age. At 13 years of age, 5.6% (386 of 6944 of participants) reported depression and 3.6% (254 of 7044) reported anxiety. At 18 years of age, 7.9% (359 of 4560) reported depression and 5.7% (262 of 4560) reported anxiety. At 24 years of age, 7.7% (304 of 3965) reported depression and 9.8% (386 of 3956) reported anxiety. We summed depression and anxiety across time points and dichotomized the variables for analysis such that participants received a score of 1 if they had depression or anxiety at any age.

Air pollutants included nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and fine particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ). Both pollutants have well-established health impacts 10 and more recent associations with psychiatric disorders. 5 These air pollutants were estimated as part of the LifeCycle project 38 using the Effects of Low-Level Air Pollution: A Study in Europe (ELAPSE) model, which is described elsewhere and further in the eMethods in Supplement 1 . 39 Briefly, the ELAPSE model is a hybrid land-use regression model for Europe that derived concentrations of NO 2 and PM 2.5 in 2010. The model produces annualized estimates at 100 m 2 resolution, explaining 59% and 71% of measured spatial variability for NO 2 and PM 2.5 , respectively. 39 Estimates were linked to residential geocodes from pregnancy to age 12 years for participants who had lived in the original ALSPAC catchment area 29 up to 12 years of age and provided permission for geospatial linkage. Linkage was completed in 2020.

Residential noise pollution exposure was also estimated as part of the LifeCycle project 38 based on the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2006 road traffic noise map. Data represent an annualized mean of day and night noise pollution, categorized according to low to medium (<55 dB: the European Environment Agency’s threshold 40 ), high (55-60 dB), and very high (>60 dB) noise. eFigure 1 in Supplement 1 shows the correlation between noise pollution, NO 2 , and PM 2.5 across time points.

Potential confounders were informed by the literature and formally selected using a directed acyclic graph (eFigure 2 in Supplement 1 ). We considered individual- and family-level covariates that could be associated with mental health problems and with downward mobility into more polluted neighborhoods. These included ethnicity self-reported by mothers during pregnancy, family psychiatric history, maternal social class, maternal education, and housing tenure. Area-level covariates included population density, neighborhood deprivation, social fragmentation, and greenspace and were time varying, corresponding to the timing of pollution exposure. Covariates are described fully in the eMethods in Supplement 1 and briefly below.

Race and ethnic group was reported by mothers during pregnancy, with specific categories to select including Bangladeshi, Black/African, Black/Caribbean, Black/other, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, White, and any other ethnic group. Family psychiatric problems were reported by mothers and fathers during pregnancy and defined as the presence of any psychiatric problem affecting the mother, father, or any biological grandparent. Maternal social class based on occupation was reported by mothers during pregnancy. Maternal education was reported by mothers when infants were around 8 months. Home ownership was reported by mothers during pregnancy.

Population density was derived from 1991 and 2001 census data. 35 Area-level deprivation was based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000. 41 Social fragmentation was based on a z-scored sum of census data on residential mobility, marital status, single-person households, and home ownership. 35 Greenspace was assessed based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. 42

Analyses were performed from October 29, 2021, to March 11, 2024, in Stata, version 18.0 (StataCorp LLC). The code can be found at GitHub. 43 The characteristics of the sample with vs without mental health data were described according to percentages, means, and standard deviations. Group differences were explored using χ 2 and t tests. To explore the importance of different exposure periods, we derived exposure estimates for 3 developmental stages, pregnancy, childhood (birth to age 9 years), and adolescence (ages 10-12 years), 44 which were calculated using mean exposure values for NO 2 , PM 2.5 , and noise pollution during these age windows. Given that NO 2 and PM 2.5 had very different absolute ranges, scores were standardized by dividing by the IQR. To aid comparison between air and noise pollution, we treated noise pollution as a continuous variable, assuming a normal distribution underlying the categorical variable. Results treating noise as categorical are reported in eTable 1 in Supplement 1 .

For main analyses, logistic regression was used to examine the associations of NO 2 , PM 2.5 , and noise pollution in pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence with the mental health outcomes. We conducted an unadjusted model (model 1), then adjusted for individual- and family-level covariates (model 2), and then additionally adjusted for area-level covariates (model 3). To better understand the independent associations from different exposure periods, we then adjusted childhood and adolescent exposure for previous exposure (model 4). However, given that the high correlation between pollutants over time (eFigure 1 in Supplement 1 ) could introduce multicollinearity, we interpreted model 4 with caution. To estimate residual confounding, we also calculated E values 45 for models 3 and 4, which indicate the strength of association that an unmeasured confounder would require to nullify associations. All models accounted for potential hierarchy in the data by clustering around the lower layer super output area (containing a mean of about 1500 residents) using the cluster command, which provides robust SEs adjusted for within cluster correlated data. 46 All analyses were conducted following multiple imputation by chained equations, 47 described in the eMethods in Supplement 1 . A 2-sided value of P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

We conducted 3 sensitivity analyses. First, we analyzed NO 2 , PM 2.5 , and noise pollution simultaneously, to control each for the others and address potential copollutant confounding. Second, we restricted analyses to participants who did not move house from pregnancy to age 12 years (29.8%) to keep pollution levels as consistent as possible over time. Third, we repeated main analyses for individuals with complete data.

The study included 9065 participants (mean [SD] age at follow-up, 24.5 [0.8] years) who had any mental health data, of whom (with sample sizes varying by parameter) 51.4% (4657 of 9051) were female, 48.6% (4394 of 9051) were male, 95.8% (7616 of 7954) were ethnically White, and 4.2% (338 of 7954) were of other ethnicity (which included Bangladeshi, Black African, Black Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and others; these categories were collapsed into one because numbers in some categories were small enough to increase the risk of identification). In addition, 19.5% (1544 of 7910) reported psychotic experiences, 11.4% (947 of 8344) reported depression, and 9.7% (811 of 8398) reported anxiety ( Table 1 ). Over half of participants (60.8% [4793 of 7886]) had a family psychiatric history; 21.8% (1583 of 7248) had mothers who worked in manual occupations; 15.7% (1274 of 8093) had mothers with degrees; and 81.6% (6670 of 8176) lived in homes owned by their parent (or parents). Mean (SD) population density was 33 (21) persons per hectare, and 19.3% (933 of 4831) of participants lived in the most deprived neighborhoods. The sample with vs without mental health data differed for most variables: participants with mental health data were more likely to be female, be White, have a family psychiatric history, and have more advantaged characteristics across the other variables. These differences should be borne in mind when interpreting the results.

Figure 1 A shows estimated levels of NO 2 and PM 2.5 for the sample, alongside the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2021 exposure thresholds. 48 Mean (SD) levels of NO 2 (eg, 26.9 [4.2] μg/m 3 in pregnancy vs 21.1 [3.5] μg/m 3 at 12 years of age) and PM 2.5 (eg, 13.3 [0.9] μg/m 3 in pregnancy vs 10.7 [0.8] μg/m 3 at 12 years of age) decreased slightly over time. However, the mean exposure at age 12 years remained above the WHO’s thresholds for both pollutants (NO 2 , 10.0 μg/m 3 ; PM 2.5 , 5.0 μg/m 3 ). Additionally, over two-thirds of participants were exposed to high or very high noise pollution, 40 which changed little over time (eg, 22.7% in pregnancy vs 22.2% at year 12 for high noise pollution) ( Figure 1 B).

Associations of levels of NO 2, PM 2.5 , and noise pollution with psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety are given in Table 2 , which shows unadjusted and adjusted results alongside E values, and Figure 2 , which shows model 3 results. Before covariate adjustment, IQR (4.47 μg/m 3 ) increases in NO 2 levels during pregnancy were associated with elevated odds for psychotic experiences (odds ratio [OR], 1.08, [95% CI, 1.00-1.17]; P = .04). However, there was no association after adjusting for area-level covariates. In contrast, following covariate adjustment, IQR (0.72 μg/m 3 ) increases in PM 2.5 during pregnancy (adjusted [A]OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.04-1.19]; P = .002) and childhood (AOR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.00-1.19]; P = .04) were associated with elevated odds for psychotic experiences, although for childhood exposure (model 4), there was no association after adjusting for pregnancy exposure. There was no association between noise pollution and psychotic experiences (eg, AOR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.92-1.18]; P = .50 during pregnancy).

Following covariate adjustment, IQR increases in PM 2.5 during pregnancy were associated with elevated odds for depression (eg, AOR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.02-1.18]; P = .01 during pregnancy). There were no associations between NO 2 (eg, AOR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.98-1.24]; P = .10 during pregnancy) or noise pollution (eg, AOR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.89-1.18]; P = .74 during pregnancy) and depression.

Before covariate adjustment, IQR increases in NO 2 in pregnancy (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.26]; P = .006) and childhood (OR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.03-1.27]; P = .009) were associated with elevated odds for anxiety, but associations were attenuated to the null after adjusting for area-level covariates. There were no associations between PM 2.5 exposure during childhood and anxiety (AOR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.97-1.25]; P = .58 for model 3). In contrast, participants exposed to higher noise pollution in childhood (AOR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.03-1.38]; P = .02) and in adolescence (AOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.02-1.45]; P = .03) had elevated odds for anxiety; however, adolescent exposure was attenuated to the null after controlling for pregnancy and childhood exposure (model 4). eTable 1 in Supplement 1 gives results when noise pollution was treated as categorical. This analysis highlighted several dose-response associations, although no difference in model fit was observed compared with the main results.

In eTables 2 and 3 in Supplement 1 , we take as examples the associations of pregnancy PM 2.5 with psychotic experiences and adolescent noise pollution with anxiety from model 3 and compare the E values to the associations from included covariates. The E value ORs were 1.46 (lower confidence limit, 1.24) for pregnancy PM 2.5 with psychotic experiences and 1.74 (lower confidence limit, 1.16) for adolescent noise pollution with anxiety. These E value ORs were larger in magnitude than the ORs for associations of the covariates with the exposures and outcomes, indicating that an unmeasured confounder would require a relatively strong confounding influence to nullify associations.

Results from sensitivity analyses are described in the eResults in Supplement 1 , presented in eTables 4 to 6 in Supplement 1 , and addressed in the eDiscussion in Supplement 1 . Briefly, point estimates were generally similar after adjusting pollutants for each other, similar (and often higher) for participants who did not move house, and similar for complete cases, although CIs were often less precise.

In this longitudinal birth cohort study with a follow-up of approximately 25 years, participants exposed to higher PM 2.5 during pregnancy and childhood subsequently experienced more psychotic experiences and (for pregnancy exposure only) depression. In contrast, higher noise pollution in childhood and adolescence were associated subsequently with more anxiety. These associations were not explained by numerous potential individual-, family-, and area-level confounders.

Our findings suggest an important role of early-life (including prenatal) exposure to air pollution in the development of youth mental health problems. Early-life exposure could be detrimental to mental health given the extensive brain development and epigenetic processes that occur in utero and during infancy. 13 , 15 , 49 , 50 Air pollution exposure could also lead to restricted fetal growth 51 and preterm birth, 52 which are both risk factors for psychopathology. Notably, the point estimate for pregnancy PM 2.5 and depression (10% elevated odds for every 0.72 μg/m 3 increase) was considerably greater than a previous meta-analytic estimate based on exposure in adulthood (10% elevated odds for every 10 μg/m 3 increase). 2 These contrasting findings are in keeping with a particularly detrimental role of early-life air pollution exposure. However, our findings could also have arisen if early-life exposure data provide a proxy for cumulative exposure over a longer period, given that families often settle when children are young.

For noise pollution, evidence was strongest for childhood and adolescent exposure. Childhood and adolescent noise pollution exposure could increase anxiety by increasing stress and disrupting sleep, with high noise potentially leading to chronic physiological arousal and disruption to endocrinology. 53 Noise pollution could also impact cognition, 54 which could increase anxiety by impacting concentration during school years. It was interesting that noise pollution was associated with anxiety but not with psychotic experiences or depression. However, our measure of noise pollution estimated only decibels (ie, intensity) from road sources. Other qualities of noise, such as pitch, could be relevant to mental health.

We acknowledge several limitations. First, the causality of the findings is uncertain given that data were observational. Despite comprehensive covariate adjustment, residual confounding is inevitable given imperfect selection and measurement of covariates. The relatively large E values strengthened our confidence in the findings, but future studies should consider other methods to address confounding, such as quasi-experimental designs. Second, ALSPAC families are more affluent and less diverse than the UK population. 55 The extent to which our findings generalize to other populations and locations is uncertain. Our findings likely generalize to cities and surrounds in other high-income countries, but may be less generalizable to urban settings in lower-income countries, which can have more extreme pollution concentrations. 56 Third, modeled pollution data are subject to various sources of measurement error, 39 particularly Berkson-like error whereby estimates are smoother (less variable) than reality, leading to less precise, although unbiased, exposure-outcome estimates. 57 , 58 For instance, the 100 m 2 resolution, although an improvement over many previous studies, 59 - 61 would have masked hyperlocal variation (eg, differences between participants living on adjacent streets), to which NO 2 is especially prone due to its short decay function. 62 Additionally, the model estimated residential exposure, which would have masked variation due to behavior and time spent away from home. Finer-resolution data, including personal exposure estimates, would enable more precise exposure-outcome estimates, particularly for NO 2 . Fourth, we could not apply life-course models to investigate sensitive periods vs cumulative effects, as there was limited within-person variation in exposure over time. Larger data sets (eg, national registries) and quasi-experimental designs would be required to further tease out this question.

The results of this cohort study provide novel evidence that early-life exposure to particulate matter is prospectively associated with the development of psychotic experiences and depression in youth. This study, which is among only a handful of longitudinal studies to investigate the association between noise pollution and mental health, also finds an association with anxiety. The findings suggest a degree of specificity in terms of pollutant-timing-outcome pathways. The opportunity for intervention is potentially enormous. However, although our this study addressed various biases affecting observational research, the causality of the findings remains uncertain. There is now a pressing need for further longitudinal research using more precise measures of air and noise pollution and for replication using quasi-experimental designs.

Accepted for Publication: March 15, 2023.

Published: May 28, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12169

Corresponding Author: Joanne B. Newbury, PhD, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Dr Newbury had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Newbury, Kirkbride, Fisher, Bakolis.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Newbury, Heron, Kirkbride, Boyd, Thomas, Zammit.

Drafting of the manuscript: Newbury.

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Statistical analysis: Newbury, Heron, Bakolis.

Obtained funding: Newbury, Zammit.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Boyd, Thomas.

Supervision: Heron, Kirkbride, Fisher, Bakolis, Zammit.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Prof Fisher reported receiving grants from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) during the conduct of the study. Dr Heron and Prof Zammit are supported by a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre. Prof Fisher is supported by the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health at King’s College London. Dr Bakolis is supported in part by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust and King’s College London and by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London (NIHR ARC South London) at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Messrs Boyd and Thomas are funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and ESRC to develop centralized record linkage services via the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration and by Health Data Research UK to support the development of social and environmental epidemiology in longitudinal studies. No other disclosures were reported.

Funding/Support: The UK MRC and Wellcome Trust (grant 217065/Z/19/Z) and the University of Bristol provide core support for the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). This research was funded in whole, or in part, by grant 218632/Z/19/Z from the Wellcome Trust. This research was specifically funded by grants from the UK MRC to collect data on psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety (MR/M006727/1 and G0701503/85179 to Prof Zammit); and a grant from the Natural Environment Research Council to facilitate linkage to geospatial and natural environment data (R8/H12/83/NE/P01830/1 to Mr Boyd). Dr Newbury is funded by Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship 218632/Z/19/Z from the Wellcome Trust and grant COV19/200057 from the British Academy.

Role of the Funder/Sponsor: The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Disclaimer: This publication is the work of the authors, and they serve as guarantors for the contents of this paper. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the ESRC or King’s College London.

Data Sharing Statement: See Supplement 2 .

Additional Contributions: We are extremely grateful to all the families who took part in this study; the midwives for their help in recruiting them; and the whole ALSPAC team, which includes interviewers, computer and laboratory technicians, clerical workers, research scientists, volunteers, managers, receptionists, and nurses. We are also extremely grateful to ISGlobal, Barcelona, for conducting the LifeCycle project and generating the air and noise pollution data.

Additional Information: A comprehensive list of grant funding is available on the ALSPAC website ( http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/external/documents/grant-acknowledgments.pdf ).

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What Noise Pollution Is Doing To Us

Noise levels have pervasive and insidious effects on the health of our bodies as well as our communities.

Sophie Elliott

On my last visit to New York City, I walked from Midtown to Central Park. Strolling along Seventh Avenue, I was subjected to ceaseless cacophony: the drilling of construction, the wailing sirens of emergency vehicles, the babble of crowds. Even on the outside paths of the park, I could hear the eternal din of traffic—engines revving and horns blaring and buses screeching as they came to a stop. Anything remotely pleasant— whizzing bicycles, the pitter-patter of rain, rustling leaves, chirping birds—was overwhelmed by urban cacophony.

We don’t often think about noise or the sounds that make up our environment—what’s known as the soundscape. Even stressful and near-constant noise can seem a mild nuisance when compared to more pressing concerns, whether political or personal. Nonetheless, the soundscape demands attention, for noise levels have pervasive and insidious effects, both on our health and our communities. Scientific reports show that noise pollution is associated with many health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, and low birth weight. And appraising the sonic landscape is not a trivial question of independent tastes and preference, but of importance to the collective as well. Our cultures are determined by the spaces we have access to. Do we want our public places to promote well-being and human connection, or should we allow them to be noisy, nuisance-filled, and isolating places that we have to endure rather than enjoy?

People living in urban dwellings are continually subjected to deafening noise. In most densely-populated cities, noise levels are higher than is considered safe for human health. A 2014 study of three major U.S. cities—Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City—found that noise levels correlated highly with traffic levels, and according to the European Environment Agency , traffic volume is a health threat to at least 20 percent of the population living within the EU, a number that is predicted to increase with the future of urban growth. Even areas that are typically conceived of as places of tranquility are too noisy. Take, for example, the aural bombardment of most public parks and plazas: a throbbing bass that obliterates the serenity of natural spheres. One study measuring the sound of urban parks in Brazil found that all of the 15 evaluated points at Passeio Público were noted to have sound levels above 55 decibels (dB), which is technically considered grounds for “serious annoyance” by the WHO Guidelines for Community Noise , and exceeds the Curitiba Municipal Law’s established noise limit for green areas. At Barigüi, another park in the city, around 57 percent of surveyed individuals identified anthropogenic noise, including car and air traffic, human activity, machines, and music, while only 40 percent discerned natural sounds.

Indeed, urban environments are significantly louder than they used to be. In the last century, thinning populations in the countryside and suburbs have been lost to the city, where industrial developments have to accommodate high-density habitation. For example, the democratization of the automobile industry led to a substantial increase in the number of cars on the road and concomitant construction of transportation infrastructure has contributed strongly to the growth in ambient noise.

The increasing noisiness of our cities is deeply concerning, considering how dangerous constant sound is to health. A study by Bruitparif , a non profit environmental organization, concluded that a person living in the loudest areas of the Île-de-France (a region in France surrounding Paris) loses “more than three healthy life-years” because of noise. Loud noise triggers the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems and can induce spikes in blood pressure or disrupt homeostasis, with severe detriment to an individual’s metabolism and cardiovascular system. In fact, another study assessed a 7 to 17 percent increased rate of cardiovascular disease for every 10 dB sound increase.

One’s hearing is likewise impacted by city racket. Firecrackers, which average around 140-150 dB , can cause immediate hearing loss. Sustained sound has similarly deleterious effects as singular sharp noises. Five minutes of exposure to 105-110 dB of music at a loud entertainment venue can lead to the development of permanent conditions. And, even in the sanctuary of your own apartment, there is no respite from the sounds outside: the brain processes sounds continuously, even during sleep. The encroachment of human noise pollution is practically limitless. Even undisturbed sleep, a basic bodily function necessary for optimal performance while awake, is nearly impossible to achieve.

The popularity of noise-canceling headphones is unsurprising, then, given the growing volume of the soundscape. And a habit of escapism is understandable in the context of the digital age, in which individuals seek gratification and self-stimulation within the faux-intimacy of cyberspace. But such technology, unless used for the purpose of blocking background noise, merely replaces urban noise pollution with more sound. The effect is a mutually-reinforced dynamic: modern conditions create a lack of community, and so we turn to substitutes found in the technology from which social atomism originates.

In a 1995 lecture at the Harvard Kennedy School, sociologist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community , ascribes the decline in community engagement in part to the development of technology, noting how listening to music was once considered a social activity. Putnam argued that technology was “privatizing our leisure time” and that even though “the average number of hours that the average American spends listening to music each week is rising, […] the number of hours spent listening to music in the company of another person is declining.” He bemoaned that, instead of attending philharmonic concerts, people now listened to music on CDs or Walkmans; he no doubt would have been horrified that modern gadgets such as the iPod have allowed people to turn public spaces into venues of private and isolated experiences.

And though strolling with AirPods in our ears may seem a pensive activity, the act is in fact a rejection of outward engagement and betrays an assumption that our surroundings are undeserving of aural attention. To detach yourself from the physical world around you is to miss things like the hushed sounds of crickets or the sound made by a gentle breeze. Eliminating background noise can be useful when passing loud areas, and many suburbs are devoid of nature, anyway—the relative quietude of a habitat is often an indicator of socioeconomic status —not to mention the fact that such noise-canceling technology itself is exclusive to those who can afford the luxury of silence. However, even suburban places that are highly developed may have natural features worth noticing if one pays close attention. At the very least, emptying aural input can leave you susceptible to other random encounters and sights, or help generate thoughts spontaneously. Within the literary tradition, walking has long been regarded as a useful activity to inspire creativity. In fact, Charles Dickens once remarked that he obtained pleasure from walking “of two kinds: one, straight on end to a definite goal at a round pace; one, objectless, loitering, and purely vagabond.” Recreational walking for the novelists of the 19th century was contingent on aural sensitivity, displacing the mind of worldly obligations for random thoughts to emerge. That being said, neither were such environments silent, and the obtrusive sounds of industrial life carried novelty worthy of literary documentation; Dickens, for instance, wrote extensively about the filth and pollution of Victorian England. However, unpleasant noise did not reach the preponderance it has today, thereby preserving the sanctity of the outdoor walk. The modern city operates at sound levels which can measurably hurt human health and dwarfs the sound levels of the early periods of industrialization.

Our jadedness to city noise has still deeper implications. Ignoring your auditory environment removes you from aspects of political truth: a journey on the London Tube, for example, exposes the reality of insufficient funding in public services, evinced by the consistent screeching and clamor of the trains as they scrape against the tracks. In fact, a 2018 study led by Joseph Sollini of the University College London’s Ear Institute found that the city’s loudest Tube journey, from Kentish Town to Tufnell Park, averaged 97 dB. Some—most notably the Transport for London (TfL)— argue that the dangerous volumes (sometimes reaching nearly 110 dB) are not sustained for long enough to inflict lasting damage on passengers. But even brief exposure to loud blasts of sound can be harmful. Dr Luis Gomez-Agustina, senior lecturer in Acoustics and Building Services Engineering at London South Bank University, says the Tube’s noise problems can be alleviated by

“reducing [the] speed of trains, smoothing out or grinding the contact surfaces between wheels and track, rail lubrication, […] improving vibration isolation from wheel and track to the carriage, […] improving sound insulation of windows [and] carriage walls, damping vibration of radiating panels of the carriage, and even installing active noise canceling to eliminate loud difficult to remove squeals or hums.”

Investment in public transport is necessary to reduce the risk of health problems from noise exposure. Even after receiving nearly $1.5 billion in funding settlement earlier this year, the TfL remains severely underfunded, which has forced a rise in fares and cuts to bus services. But greater investment in the London Underground yields noticeable improvements. The Elizabeth line , which opened earlier this year during Jubilee weekend, others improved facilities: airy platforms, lifts that run horizontally, a rooftop garden at the Canary Wharf station, wider carriages with WiFi, and tunnels lined with concrete and perforated with small holes that ensure the system operates silently, replacing the rowdy hassle of the metro with architectural refinement and proficiency. The project , completed four years late and $5 billion over budget—costing $23 billion in total—has been widely praised for the line’s reduced noise, cleanliness, comfort, and efficiency.

And yet, attention to sound is not just a question of communal awareness. To have an interest in, and personal reaction to, your surroundings— noticing the aesthetically or ecologically important features of your neighborhood, such as a swallow in the park or declining population thereof—is a central feature of an individual consciousness. Consider the flâneur, a literary archetype popularized by the 19th century novel. The flâneur, an individual who wanders idly while observing society, typically amidst the backdrop of urban industrialization, is not presented as a moral hero in 19th century fiction. Yet, the assumption underpinning the flâneur’s behavior is that the world around you is worthy of interest and that paying attention can be intellectually or spiritually rewarding. Practicing flâneur type behavior today is essentially prohibited by the invention of the crime of “loitering” (which is often enforced in a discriminatory way).

Nevertheless, the presumption today when embarking on such aimless excursions is that you will either listen to music or to a podcast—a habit that rejects the worth of organic observation, a practice which itself is devalued by the modern cultural mania for constant productivity (who among us doesn’t derive gratification from multitasking?). Podcasts, for instance, offer intellectual stimuli in a way that can be passively absorbed; a 2019 study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism revealed that 25 percent of listeners were motivated by a desire to “ fill empty time .”

In his new collection of essays The End of Solitude , William Deresiewicz argues that the post-modern individual has “lost the ability to be still, our capacity for idleness. […] If boredom is the great emotion of the TV generation, loneliness is the great emotion of the generation of the web.” It is because of the nature of communication in the digital age, in which online correspondence is always accessible, that the skill of seclusion does not have to be learned, and the negative experience of loneliness has developed. In order to embody the sensibility of the flâneur in the contemporary age, mental solitude, which is best accomplished in the context of blankness, free of the constant occupation of our aural senses, is essential.

Cafés—which may surpass 70 dB during their downtime hours —are a useful example in exploring the dynamics of public spaces. Not only is it difficult to find cafés without amplified music, but there’s the constant grinding of espresso machines, clatter of coffee cups against wooden countertops, sound of the news on television, and clicking of MacBook keyboards. Indeed, researchers speculate that prolonged exposure to the café’s ambient noise may inflict auditory injury on baristas. Restaurants are known to exploit sound levels to drive profit by playing loud music to increase and expedite consumption, despite the fact that dining out is designed to be a social activity. If one’s dinner companion is unintelligible due to noise, the restaurant has effectively undermined any efforts at fostering rapport. Likewise, the commercial explanations for music in cafés directly undermine the interests of many café-goers, as what is supposed to be a relaxed environment is now occupied by an inescapable distraction that inevitably disrupts personal serenity and thought. The modern café milieu thus impedes interpersonal engagement.

Historically, cafés have had a social and intellectually interactive function. In the Ottoman Empire, where they originated, coffeehouses were radical because of their accessibility and egalitarianism, serving as a location for citizens of various socioeconomic backgrounds to discuss political and social events. Though these places often reverberated with noisy chatter (which is starkly different from the cool ambiance of synthetic sound), the willingness to engage in conversation reflected a culture dedicated to deep social intercourse and intellectual mobility. The key ingredient to the inspiration and artistry of the cafés of the 17th to 19th centuries was the propensity of café patrons to engage in genuine interaction . Habitués of the European café scene included academics from a variety of fields, from mathematicians like Isaac Newton to philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The European café and the spontaneous happenings that could occur in it acted as a breeding ground for the intellectual exchange and ingenuity that brought about the ideas of the Enlightenment . The ambience of that era’s cafés was entirely different to the one we have today. Today’s socio-sonic detachment exposes a culture of solipsism which rejects the type of spontaneous happenings that would be beneficial to society. A truly literate and democratic public sphere requires spaces that enable inwardness, where people have the ability to muse independently—either without disturbance, or with organic interruption.

When I go home to Singapore, I like to escape from the city din at the Botanic Gardens . After I pass the Botany Centre at the southern entrance of the garden, the raucous sound of traffic fades away, replaced by rustling leaves and chirping grasshoppers. The absence of typical urban noise allows me to notice things I otherwise would not: I can smell the aroma of ylang-ylang flowers when visiting the ‘fragrant garden’; in the ‘rainforest’ I often spot monkeys swinging through the forest canopy. Outside the park, other urban aesthetic experiences arise on quiet streets: the sun setting over a red brick townhouse, or birds gliding above the Clarke Quay river’s surface.

Photographs of vacated public beaches, plazas, diners, and auditoriums in 2020 are striking visual representations of silence. While these images may remind us of the beauty of quietness, apocalyptic emptiness should not be the only means of accomplishing tolerable sound levels. The COVID pandemic, by literalizing the isolation of human communities, helped illustrate the loss of spontaneity in society. Socializing with intention tends to deepen bonds that already exist, but socializing with spontaneity—which, within the codes of the digital forum, is contingent upon anonymity—allows us to interact with people we do not have obvious ties to, people of different socioeconomic or racial backgrounds who we may only encounter serendipitously.

Beyond its effects on human physical health, the soundscape determines what kind of socializing is possible. Cafés used to allow people to immerse themselves in solitude or to spontaneously engage with each other. We should aim to restore cafés for both of these purposes. As societies are deeply affected by their public spaces, the type of cultures we nurture and interactions we promote depend upon the sound in our communal spaces. As for the individual, the soundscape is a fundamental question of intellectual and spiritual health. In order to build an enlightened and rational society, we must have public places where philosophical meditative aloofness and engagement are supported.

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Essay on Noise Pollution for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Noise pollution or sound pollution refers to the presence of excessive and disturbing noise (from machines, transportation systems, aircrafts, trains, etc) in the environment that is very harmful to the physical and mental health of the living beings on earth.

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Long and Short Essay on Noise Pollution in English

Noise pollution has become one of the big problems in India affecting the human lives in many ways. We all should know the causes, effects and most importantly the preventive measures of the noise pollution in order to get prevented from the effects of it. School students generally get this topic to write something according to their own view during the competitions like essay writing, etc. We have provided below some easily written essay on noise pollution under different words limit for students. You can select any noise pollution essay according to your need and requirement.

Noise Pollution Essay 1 (100 words)

It is considered as the environmental pollution caused in the environment by the excess level of noise through many sources. Noise pollution is also known as the noise disturbance. Excessive noise is harmful to the health and cause imbalance to the human or animal life. It has been a massive environmental issue in India which needs a proper attention to be solved however it is less dangerous than the water, air and soil pollution. Outdoor noise is hugely caused by the sources like machines, transportation systems, poor urban planning (construction of side-by-side industrial and residential buildings), etc. Indoor noise sources are household machines, building activities, loud music, etc. The most common impairment caused by the noise pollution is the permanent hearing loss due to ear drum damage.

Noise Pollution Essay 2 (150 words)

Normal level of the sound necessary to maintain the daily lives however undesired sound or noise which is not tolerated by the people, animals or plants causes noise pollution in the environment. Noise is commonly called as the unwanted sound created by many industrial or non-industrial sources used in the daily life in our surrounding. High level sound creates unpleasant effects and discomfort to the health especially to the ears.

Unwanted sound generally interferes with the daily routine activities like sleep in night, conversation, hearing ability, feeling of well being, etc. Water animals also affected by the noise pollution created by the noise of submarines and big ships in the ocean. Forest animals have been affected to a great extent due to the chain-saw operations (create extreme noise) by timber companies. Common sources of the noise pollution are household gadgets, transport vehicles, jet planes, helicopters, industrial machines, etc. According to the World Health Organization, industries must limit their sound production by 75 dB.

Noise Pollution Essay 3 (200 words)

Noise pollution the pollution caused by the high and unsafe level of noise in the environment causes lots of health disorders to the human beings, animals and plants. Common problems caused by the noise pollution are stress related illnesses, anxiety, communication problems, speech interference, hearing loss, lost productivity, sleep disruption, fatigue, headache, irritability, nervousness, weakness, reduce sensitivity to sound which our ear receive to maintain body rhythm, etc. It causes gradual impairment to the hearing ability over a long period of time. Continuous exposure to high level sound causes permanent damage to the eardrum.

High level of the noise causes huge nuisance, injuries, physical trauma, bleeding around brain, large bubbles in organs and even death to the marine animals specially whales and dolphins as they use their hearing ability to communicate, find food, defend and survive in water. Source of noise in the water is navy submarine’s sonar which can felt around 300 miles away. The consequences of the noise pollution are more dangerous and worrying in the near future.

There are many preventive measures of the noise pollution, some are like promoting soundproof rooms construction in the industries, industries and factories should be away from the residential building, repairing of motorbikes having damaged exhaust pipes, ban of noisy vehicles, airports, bus, railway stations and other transport terminals should be far from the living places, declaring silence zones near educational institutes and hospitals, allowing more vegetation along with roads and residential areas in order to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound.

Noise Pollution Essay 4 (250 words)

Noise pollution caused by the high level of unwanted sound in the environment which causes pain. Some of the main sources of the noise pollution like noise generated by the road traffic, air craft noise, railroads noise, noise generated by the construction (of buildings, highways, city streets, flyovers, etc), industrial noise, noise created in home on daily basis (due to electrical home appliances, plumbing, generators, air conditioners, boilers, fans, etc), and noise from consumer products (like household equipments, kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, washing machine, mixer, juicer, pressure cooker, TV, mobile, dryer, cooler, etc).

In some countries (highly populated countries like India, etc) poor urban planning also plays vital role in the noise pollution as this planning includes the construction of congested houses having large families in small space (causing fight for parking, fights for basic requirements, etc) lead to the noise pollution. New generation people play music in full volume and dance for late night causing lots of physical and mental disturbances to the neighbors. High level of noise causes loss of normal person’s ability to hear properly. High level of noise slowly affects the health and acts as slow poison.

It hugely affects the wildlife, lives of plants, and human beings. Normally, the ability of our ear is to accept the only certain range of sounds without making any damage to the ear. However, our ear cannot bear the regular exposure to loud levels of noise and get damage to the ear drums which results in the temporary or permanent loss of hearing. It also causes other disorders like sleeping disorders, fatigue, weakness, cardiovascular issues, stress, high blood pressure, communication problem, etc.

Noise Pollution Essay 5 (300 words)

There are various types of pollution in the environment, soil pollution is one of them and have become more dangerous to the health. It has become so dangerous that it can compared to the other most dangerous problems like cancer, etc in which slow death is sure. Noise pollution is the dangerous gift of modern living style and increasing level of industrialization and urbanization. If regular and effective actions not taken to control, it can very serious to the future generations. Noise pollution the pollution caused by the noise due to the increased level of unwanted sound in the environment. It is a big potential hazard to the health and causes huge level of communication problems.

High level of noise brings irritation in the behavior of many people especially diseased, old people and pregnant women. Unwanted sound causes deafness problem and other chronic disorders to the ear like damage to the ear drum, ear pain, etc. Sometimes high sound music pleases the listeners however irritates other people. Any undesired sound in the environment is injurious to the health. Some of the sources participating highly in the noise pollution are industries, factories, transportation, traffic, aeroplane engines, train sounds, home appliances, construction, etc.

The noise level of 60 db considered as the normal noise however, noise level of 80 db or above become physically painful and harmful to the health. Cities having high noise quantum are Delhi (80 db), Kolkata (87 db), Bombay (85 db), Chennai (89 db), etc. Limiting the amount of noise to a safe level has become very necessary for the life on the earth as undesired noise affects the health of human beings, plants and animals too. It is possible through the general awareness among public about the noise pollution, its main sources, it’s dangerous effects, as well as all the possible preventive measures to get prevented from the noise pollution.

Noise Pollution Essay 6 (400 words)

It caused by the noise when the level of noise gets increased than the normal level in the environment. Excessive amount of noise in the environment is unsafe for the living purpose. Unpleasant sound causes various disturbances in the natural balance. High volume noises are unnatural and create difficulty in escaping those generated noises. In such a modern and technological world, where everything is possible through the electrical appliances at home or outside the home, the risk of noise has increased to a great extent.

Increasing the demand of urbanization and industrialization in India is causing major exposure of people to the unwanted sounds. Understanding, planning and implementing strategies to get prevented from the noise pollution has necessary to curb within time. The sounds we make in our everyday life like loud music, unnecessary use of television, phone, traffic, dog barking and etc noise creating sources have become part of the urban culture as well as most disturbing things causing headache, sleep disturbances, stress, etc. Those things causing disturbance to the natural rhythm of life called as dangerous pollutant. Following are the causes or sources and effects of the noise pollution:

Industrialization is putting our health and life at risk because all the (big or small) industries are using big machines producing high pitch sound in large amount. Other equipments (compressors, generators, exhaust fans, grinding mills) used in the factories and industries also produces big noise.
Regular social events like marriages, parties, pub, club, disc or place of worship, temples, etc create nuisance in the residential area.
Increasing transportation in the cities (vehicles, aeroplanes, underground trains, etc) produces heavy noise.
Regular construction activities (including mining, bridges, building, dams, stations, roads, flyovers, etc) involve big equipments creating high level of noise.
Use of household appliances in our daily life is also the main reason noise pollution.
Noise pollution causes various hearing problems (damage to ear drums and loss of hearing) because of the unwanted sound.
It reduces ear sensitivity to the sounds required to regulate body rhythm.
Noise pollution affects the psychological health and causes the occurrence of aggressive behavior, sleep disturbance, stress, weakness, fatigue, hypertension, cardio-vascular diseases including other severe and chronic health issues in later life.
It creates communication problems and lead to misunderstanding.
Affects wildlife and makes pets more aggressive.

Preventive Measures:

General awareness should increased among people and all the rules should followed seriously by everyone in order to control the unsafe sound level in the environment. Unnecessary use of things generating high pitch sound should reduced in the home or outside the home like clubs, parties, bars, discos, etc.

Essay 7 (800 words)

Noise pollution the pollution caused by the various noise sources whether by the industrial or non-industrial affecting the human beings, plants and animals health in many aspects. Regularly increasing level of the noise pollution is keeping the lives of people of present generation and coming generations at high risk. I have discussed below the sources, effects, legal aspects control noise pollution and conclusion of the noise pollution.

Following are the sources of noise pollution

The level of noise pollution has increased a lot in India by the urbanization, modern civilization, industrialization, etc. The spread of noise caused by the industrial and non-industrial sources. Industrial sources of noise include the use of big machines of high technologies working at high speed and high level of noise intensity in the various industries. Non-industrial sources of noise include noise created outside the industries such as through the transport, vehicles traffic and other means by people. Non-industrial source of noise can be natural or man made. Some of the industrial and non-industrial sources of noise pollution mentioned below:

Noise created by the low flying military aircraft has also added noise pollution to the environment to a great extent.
Road traffic noise is increasing day by day in the city because of the motors and exhaust system of vehicles like trucks, buses, autos, motorcycles, personal cars, etc. Tall buildings in the cities cause noise to resound in that area for some time.
Industrial noise created by the manufacturing plants because of the use of motors, compressors, fans, etc.
Construction noises created by the construction of tall buildings, roads, highways, city streets, etc through the use of pneumatic hammers, bulldozers, air compressors, dump trucks, loaders, pavement breakers, etc.
Rail roads noise (from locomotive engines, whistles, horns, switching or shunting operations in the rail yards) are also very effective in the creating high level of noise pollution as they create peak level of noise of around 120 dB to the 100 feet distance.
Noise created in the building because of the plumbing, generators, boilers, household equipments, music, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, fans, and other noisy activities in the neighborhood.
Another source of noise pollution is the use of variety of fire crackers (high sound generating) during the festivals and other family occasions.

Following are the effects of noise pollution

Noise pollution highly affects the health of human beings, animals and properties. Some of mentioned below:

Increasing noise pollution day by day is decreasing the efficiency and quality of work of human beings.
Noise pollution reduces concentration level as high level of noise causes fatigue and tiredness.
Hugely affects the pregnant women and cause irritation and abortion.
Causes various diseases (high blood pressure and mental illness) to the people because it disturbs the peace of mind.
High level of noise decreases quality of work and thus causes lack of concentration level.
It may cause temporary or permanent deafness because noise level of 80 to 100 db is unsafe for the people.
It also damage historical monuments, old buildings, bridges, etc because it weakens the structure by creating dangerous waves which struck to the walls.
Animals lose control on their mind and can be more dangerous because high level noise damage their nervous system.
It also affects the plants and causes poor quality crops production.

Following are legal aspects to control noise pollution

Constitution of India guarantees right to life, right to information, right to religion and noise.
Section 133 empowers human being to remove a public nuisance on a conditional or permanent order.
It is Control Rule 2000 under Environment Protection Act 1996 involves controlling the growing problem of noise pollution.
Factories Act Reduction of Noise and Oil of Machinery limits for noise exposure in the work zone.
Motor Vehicle Act involves the use of horn and change of fault engines.
Indian Penal code deals with the health and safety issues caused by the noise pollution. One can penalized under law of torts.

Increasing level of noise pollution has created the urgent need of general awareness about the sources, effects and preventive measures of the noise pollution. High level of noise should prohibited in the areas like working places, educational institutes, residential areas, hospitals, etc. Young children and students should motivated to not get involved in the high sound producing acts like use of high sound generating equipments and instruments on the occasions. Use of high level sound generating fire crackers should reduced during the occasions like festivals, parties, marriages, etc. Subjects related to the noise pollution should added into textbooks and activities can organized in the schools like lectures, discussion, etc so that new generations can more aware and responsible citizens.

A Vibrating Curtain of Silk Can Stifle Noise Pollution

Inspired by headphone technology, silk sewn with a vibrating fiber acts as a lightweight sound barrier

By Andrew Chapman

Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

Harsh and unwanted sounds are almost everywhere. The World Health Organization has said that noise pollution bombards hundreds of millions of people globally , contributing to stress, sleep problems and even cardiovascular disease. And anyone who has woken up to a clanking jackhammer or rumbling garbage truck knows that home isn’t always much of an escape. Noise pollution passes into buildings and between rooms when sound waves—mechanical pulses of pressure—hit surfaces such as walls and windows and cause them to vibrate. These vibrations then create even more sound waves in the interior of the structure. Although foam insulation and other suppressing materials can counteract some of this by dampening vibrations in walls, they are often bulky and unsightly.

A noise-blocking sheet of silkworm silk that is far slimmer and more portable could greatly streamline the pursuit of silence. “Quiet is a rare commodity these days,” says Yoel Fink, a materials scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who recently published a study describing the silk prototype in Advanced Materials .

The silk sheet, which is enhanced with a special fiber, expands on a technology also found in noise-canceling headphones. These devices create silence by sampling the ambient noise and then emitting sound waves that are out of phase with those in the environment. When the ambient and emitted waves overlap, they cancel each other out. Because this works best when the waves overlap perfectly, it’s easier to achieve in a small space (such as the one within headphones’ ear cups). Silencing an entire room is a much bigger challenge, but the researchers wanted to try applying basic noise cancellation principles to a more elegant, less obtrusive form of insulation.

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Fink and his colleagues stitched a single piezoelectric fiber—which can convert vibrations into electricity, and vice versa—into a sheet of silk. The scientists’ past research had proved that the piezoelectric fabric could translate acoustic sounds into electricity —effectively turning the silk sheet into a microphone. To get the sheet to produce noise-canceling vibrations, they just needed to reverse the process.

The researchers hung an about three-inch-wide circle of piezoelectric silk fabric in the lab and applied a voltage from a wall outlet to the piezoelectric fiber. The electrified fiber began to vibrate the whole silk circle, causing it to emit sound. The researchers could tune the voltage to play music through the silk (they chose “Air,” by Johann Sebastian Bach). Having successfully shown they could finely control the fabric’s vibrations, they next aimed to use their silk speaker to blot out undesired sounds.

A diagram showing a sheet of silk configured in different ways to interact with sound waves.

A vibrating silk fabric can emit sounds such as music ( b ). It can also suppress noise by emitting out-of-phase frequencies ( c ) or by inducing interfering mechanical waves in the material ( d ).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, courtesy of the researchers (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 DEED)

The team played a single-frequency tone from a speaker placed on one side of the silk and, on the other, measured the tone’s volume by microphone. When they played the same frequency through the silk speaker—out of phase with the original source—they found they could suppress sounds as loud as 65 decibels, roughly the volume of a normal human conversation. “That was striking to me because it’s a piece of silk [with] the thickness of a hair,” Fink says.

Such a setup smothers the most noise at the location where the waves directly interfere. To block the sounds of a typical human conversation, the silk would need to be about 40 inches away from its participants. The authors suggest that hanging these specialized silk sheets in multiple places around a room could help achieve greater levels of silence.

The team also experimented with a different sound-blocking method that produced even better results. Just like sound-carrying vibrations in air, solid materials vibrate as mechanical waves. And two overlapping mechanical waves that are out of phase can interfere with each other; in a physical medium, that interference creates a motionless surface. The researchers suspected they could take advantage of this property to physically suppress noise in a room. In this case, they wouldn’t have the silk emit a single noise-canceling note. Instead they created mechanical waves in the silk itself, with these waves opposing those of a sound played in the room. When the conflicting vibrations met in the silk, they canceled each other out, and the fabric became still. The approach is “like a mirror for sound,” Fink says, in that it effectively reflects sound waves. Using this technique, the sheet prevented 75 percent of the sound from passing through.

“This is an interesting result,” says Sara Nabil, a computer scientist and designer at Queen’s University in Ontario, who wasn’t involved with this study. “A next step is to pass it on to people to see how they might use it in their daily lives.” Nabil says she could envision the sound-blocking silk being especially useful in a hospital environment—which is often noisy and where rest is crucial.

Fink’s next step will be to test how well the silk suppresses more complex everyday noises that have many frequencies—what he calls “the richness of the sounds we have around us.” After that, he’s confident his team can scale up production of the silk so it can be available to the public, likely in the form of hanging drapes that will be weighted at the bottom for added tension. Fing has a personal incentive to do so: creating a distraction-free workplace for himself and his colleagues. “We want to get away from all the noise and have the quiet to really focus on science,” he says.

Until then, Fink has been thinking of the silk wherever he encounters loud sounds—including a recent Taylor Swift concert. As dazzling as her performance was, “the noise levels were insane,” he says. The volume and the elaborate fabrics in Swift’s outfits kept bringing him back to the noise-canceling silk.

Noise Pollution: Urban Traffic Noise Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Noise pollution in perspective, the distinction between noise and sound pollution, reference list.

As the world’s nations continue to scale the heights of development, they inevitably have to grapple with the negative side of the advancements realized therein. Among such consequences is the problem of environmental pollution. The battle against environmental pollution has brought together international bodies, governments at the national level, and organizations within countries. However, the trends indicate that the harder the battle is fought, the more serious the issues of concern become.

Environmental pollution is a multifaceted concept that is constituted by a plethora of independent aspects. One of these aspects, which continue to dominate debates across the entire world, is noise pollution. As cities expand to accommodate their ever-increasing activities, so does noise from all sorts of sources increase. This essay examines noise pollution and distinguishes it from sound pollution with a focus on urban traffic noise.

Existing literature is awash with different approaches to the definition of noise and consequently noise pollution. However, of importance is that the approach notwithstanding, noise bears one characteristic that qualifies any sound to be considered as noise. It tends to impair communication between two parties (Schafer, 1994). In other words, noise is any sound that irritates ears and by doing so, hinders ears from capturing projected sound adequately. In light of this insight, noise pollution is thus the existence of sounds that combine to inflict pain on ears continuously, thus causing discomfort to the listener. This assertion means that in a polluted acoustic environment, any two parties wishing to communicate will do so under some level of strain and the chances of the message being distorted are very high.

Noise pollution has been found to have several adverse effects on the health and well-being of man. Its effects range from damaging ears to have a causal effect on some complex health conditions that have been witnessed in some people. To begin with, noise pollution causes reduced working efficiency as noted by Kryter (1970).

When two groups of people are placed in noisy and non-noisy environments and assigned the same tasks, those in a quieter environment will tend to be slightly more productive than those in a noisy environment. This aspect could be attributed to the fact that noise pollution causes distraction and as such, slows down a worker in a noisy environment. The distraction in most cases is undesirable, but the victims cannot help it since they have to divide their attention to a given extent between the noise and the task. The disparity could be up to 12% improved efficiency for those working in a generally quiet environment (Kryter, 1970).

In addition to affecting the efficiency of a worker, noise can also affect the reaction time of an individual to visual stimuli (Kryter, 1970). If noise is persistently availed and the individual is presented with visual stimuli to react to, the noise may cause the individual to lengthen the reaction time, the individual may also react too fast to such stimuli or get used to the noise and not be affected at all (Kryter, 1970).

The three instances of noise affecting the reaction of the individual may not be desirable during certain circumstances. An individual’s ability to react to stimuli should not be interfered with in any way. The danger posed by altering an individual’s reaction time can be appreciated better in circumstances where the stimulus that necessitates the reaction can cause fatal injury to the victim. The victim may end up suffering serious injuries or dying prematurely.

Besides these two, noise also has an effect on the learning of an individual so that it distracts the individual in a way that s/he is not able to learn, as would be the case in a quiet environment. In a study by Kryter (1970), the individuals used a lot of muscular effort, and their breathing was accelerated too in the presence of noise, as compared to quiet environments.

This study clearly shows that noise may have a non-desirable effect on the speed of learning because even if an individual learns, there is a time difference in the individual learning from a quiet environment and the one in a noisy one. Fast learners are considered intelligent, and most education systems tend to favor such individuals. The effect of noise can thus lead to the classification of some individuals as being less intelligent when in actual sense they are victims of a noise-polluted environment.

Kryter (1970) further noted that noise affected the intelligence of an individual so that when an intelligence test score was taken in a noisy environment, it had a detrimental effect on the results. This observation can be attributed to the fact that noise interferes with the ability to concentrate, as would be the case in a quiet surrounding. Studies carried out to find out if the noise had a bearing on the mental and muscular effort exerted while undertaking a task also indicated that there was a negative effect (Kryter, 1970).

There was an increase in speed by up to 4.3% for typists working in relatively quiet environments and what is more surprising is that they consumed less oxygen by up to 19% less than their counterparts working in a noisy environment (Kryter, 1970). Although some indications suggested otherwise, it was notably clear that noise indeed had an effect on the muscular and mental effort exerted to accomplish a task.

These examples are clear testimonies to the effect that noise can have on human beings. Although there are instances of noise showing a positive effect, the magnitude of such effects is negligible, if compared to the cases in its negative effects (OECD, 1991). However, an important point to note is that whether the effects are negative, which is mostly the case, or positive, studies demonstrate beyond any doubt that noise pollution will, in one way or another, affect an individual’s perception of his or her surroundings and that is not desirable.

The preceding parts of the essay extensively dealt with noise pollution, but at this point, there is a need to develop a clear distinction between these two concepts. Sound refers to stimulation caused in ears by the vibration of any surrounding medium. Sound pollution is thus any departure of this sensation from its desirable quality. Based on the manner in which the two terms are used in everyday activities, it is almost impossible to alienate one from the other, yet the two terms mean two distinct things. Therefore, noise is a type of sound whose effect is always undesirable to a listener. In reference to traffic, not all forms of sound produced by traffic can be classified as noise. Only those that in one way or another cause discomfort to individuals’ ears qualify as noise.

This essay is focused on traffic noise in urban settings; therefore, it is important to understand the various forms of sounds that emanate from traffic and what qualifies them as noise pollution from the onset. It should be clear at this point that it is not possible to mention noise without touching on sound because noise is a certain type of sound, but one can easily examine sound without necessarily touching on noise. This distinction should help in the succeeding part of the deliberations of this essay.

In an urban setting, traffic is inevitable for motorists are part of the economy of any setting. Some cities have attempted to tackle the problem of excessive numbers of motor vehicles by touting bicycles as alternatives with considerable success. However, this move is not possible everywhere; therefore, traffic noise will always be a problem to be solved. Among the many forms of sound produced by vehicles, the following can be classified as noise; the honking of horns, the squealing of tires, sirens, raving engines, and banging doors among others. These examples do not exhaust the list, but outline some of the most common sounds that emanate from traffic.

Several reasons underscore why sounds can be classified as noise and thus eventually cause noise pollution. The unexpectedness of a particular form of sound may qualify it as noise due to the annoying effect that this scenario causes the listener (Kryter, 1970). When a driver suddenly steps on the brake pedal to avert an impending accident, the squealing of tires may cause an annoying effect to a listener who may not be watching the scene, and s/he is thus caught off-guard by the sound. The case may be slightly different for a person who watches the scene from beginning to end because for him or she, the squealing of the tires is registered in mind as being necessary under such circumstances. The distinction between sound and noise is thus evident in the perception of the same sound by the two individuals.

The intensity and loudness of a sound qualify it as noise even in circumstances where it is clearly known that it is necessary. A police or ambulance siren may be anticipated at any time, but still, it irritates people due to its intensity and loudness. The loudness is necessary for traffic to clear the way, especially in the case of an ambulance, but this element makes it more undesirable to the listener. The more intense a sound is, the more irritating it is (Rosen et al., 1962). When the sound of an ambulance siren is compounded by the rave of its engine and honking horns, the sounds form a typical scenario of traffic noise in an urban setting, and this is what forms noise pollution from traffic.

In addition to these two, another quality of sound that makes it qualify as noise and thus pollute the acoustic environment is its inappropriateness (Truax, 2001). In an environment where quietness and calm are desired, when there is penetration by sound from a given source, it is immediately considered noise, and thus it serves to pollute that environment. This scenario happens when the peace and quietness that initially prevailed are destabilized by the sudden presence of undesired sound.

A good example of this scenario is in school or library buildings that are proximate to roads. Although the designers incorporate sound absorbing elements to muffle any noise that may interfere with students or readers, sound may still penetrate as noise to cause disturbance and discomfort based on its loudness and intensity. The idea of the inappropriateness of the sound in these settings stems from the fact that these places require total quietness so that when a tire squeal gets to the ear of a learner who is trying to internalize a concept; it tends to draw the learner’s attention to an unnecessary occurrence.

This discussion clearly indicates that noise pollution occurs when a non-desired sound penetrates a given acoustic space but fails to give instances in which it can be said that sound pollution has occurred. At this point, sound pollution shall thus be briefly put into perspective. In reference to traffic noise, it may not be possible to construct the idea of sound pollution clearly, for the way traffic sounds come out is not anyone’s concern. Sound pollution can clearly be examined under conditions where the quality of a sound being produced is of concern to the listener; for instance, in music. In music, a singer, a producer, and a listener are all concerned with the quality of the sound produced. This assertion means that anything that affects the sound so that it does not come out as it should is polluting the sound.

This can best be understood from a mechanical perspective where the sound is viewed as the wave. Therefore, when there is interference with the wavelength or amplitude of a sound wave in any way, it changes from how it is expected to sound to a different form of sound, which may not be desirable by a listener. This scenario underscores how sound pollution takes place. It can be seen that sound and noise pollution are two distinct concepts, but what should be noted even at this point is that the polluted sound becomes noise.

Urban traffic noise may not necessarily cause any form of sound pollution because no one pays attention to the difference between how certain sounds should come out and how they do come out. The quality of sound seems to matter only in music and other instances such as auditions where the quality of an individual’s vocals determines his or her suitability for a particular task. The case is different in normal life situations where the quality of sound does not matter because it seems not to add any value to the acoustic environment. For instance, a tire squeal may not concern anyone at all apart from the fact that it may announce an emergency of some sort.

When a vehicle suddenly stops, it implies that either an accident has occurred or it nearly occurred. The quality of the sound produced by the tire squeal may not concern anyone at all. Traffic noise thus exclusively amounts to noise pollution in any environment including habitually noisy environments. However, ways of reducing the risk posed by noise pollution to human health should be sought because whether in a habitually noisy environment or a quiet one, noise pollution still affects human health. Polluted sound translates to noise, which makes it equally dangerous to human health, and thus it should be avoided.

Kryter, K. (1970). The effects of noise on man. New York, NY: Academic Press. Web.

OECD. (1991). Fighting noise in the nineties . Paris, France: OECD Publications. Web.

Rosen, S., Bergman, M., Plester, D., El-Mofty, A., & Satti, M. (1962). Presbycusis study in a relatively noise free population in the Sudan. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 71, 727-43. Web.

Schafer, R. M. (1994). The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and the Tuning of the World. Rochester, VA: Destiny Books. Web.

Truax, B. (2001). Acoustic Communication. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Web.

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Essay on Noise Pollution for Students and Children
Essay on Noise Pollution: Noise pollution is a form of pollution which has become very deadly nowadays. This pollution is increasing only and creates an unsafe environment. Noise pollution is when the level of noise increases more than the normal level. When the amount of noise exceeds, it becomes dangerous for living beings.
Noise Pollution Essay for Students in English
According to the WHO, noise pollution is a noise above 65db, which can severely affect both humans and animals. A noise beyond 75 dB can be painful and will affect the person severely. It is impossible to see the danger posed by noise pollution. On land and under the sea, you can't see it, but it still exists.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is an invisible danger. It cannot be seen, but it is present nonetheless, both on land and under the sea. Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.Sound is measured in decibels.There are many sounds in the environment, from rustling leaves (20 to 30 . decibels) to a thunderclap (120 ...
Essay on Noise Pollution: 100, 300 and 500 Words
300 Words Essay on Noise Pollution. Noise pollution is a pervasive and often underestimated environmental issue that has a significant impact on the quality of life in urban areas. It refers to the excessive, unwanted, and disruptive sounds that fill our surroundings, leading to a wide range of physical, psychological, and social problems.
Noise Pollution: Effects, Causes, and Potential Solutions Essay
Effects of Noise Pollution. The first and also foremost reason why noise is an important issue in neighborhoods lies in the inevitable fact that noise pollution can have negative effects on our physical health. Living in a noisy area can affect the quality of people's sleep, daily activities, and even general physical health factors.
Noise pollution
Noise pollution also impacts wildlife. A wide range of animals, including insects, frogs, birds, and bats, rely on sound for a variety of reasons.Noise pollution can interfere with an animal's ability to attract a mate, communicate, navigate, find food, or avoid predators and thus can even be an existential threat to vulnerable organisms. The problem of noise pollution is especially serious ...
Noise Pollution Essay
500 Words Essay On Noise Pollution. The spread of noise with varying implications on human or animal activities is known as noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution. Machines, transportation, and propagation systems are the main global sources of outdoor noise. Noise pollution is carried on by numerous noise sources ...
Noise pollution
Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise or sound with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life, most of which are harmful to a degree.The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation systems. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise disintegration or pollution, side-by-side industrial and residential ...
Essay on Noise Pollution for Children and Students
Noise Pollution Essay: Noise is unpleasant sounds that disturb us all. However, it has now become a major problem all around the world. Noise pollution refers to an unwanted and dangerous level of noise created in the environment. Also known as sound pollution, it has harmful effects on all living beings. Noise pollution has many sources ...
The Effects of Noise Pollution
The effects of noise pollution seem to be really destructive, as they deteriorate people's quality of life. Various accidents in the workplace also occur because of noise pollution. The employees' effectiveness and accuracy depend upon sound level they work within. Increased negative reactions are also caused by high sound levels; so, to ...
Noise and Sound Pollution
Introduction. Little sound and noise we all require to live in the society but when this noise and sound becomes unbearable and very loud, it turns to noise and sound pollution. The word noise originated from the Latin term "nausea", meaning uncalled for. "Noise is defined as unwanted sound; sound, which pleases the listeners is music and ...
Essay on Noise Pollution : Causes, Effects & Solutions
Noise pollution is a type of pollution that does not directly affect the environment but has adverse effects on the hearing abilities of the inhabitants of our ecosystem. Hearing of an organism is directly linked to the nervous systems internally. Hence noise pollution affects the mental health and disturbs the delicate balance of an individual ...
Noise Pollution: Environmental Impact and What You Can Do
Over 100 million people in the European Union are exposed to traffic noise above 55 decibels (dB), according to a study looking at noise pollution and its health effects. Noise over 70 dB over a ...
Essay on Noise Pollution for Students In English
500+ Words Essay on Noise Pollution. Noise is one of the most undesirable byproducts of the modern mechanised lifestyle. Noise is undesirable and unwanted sound that is produced by man-made sources such as construction sites, industries, transport vehicles, etc. It affects human health and well-being and also contributes to the deterioration of ...
What Is Noise Pollution
This essay will define and explain noise pollution, exploring its sources, types, and effects on health and the environment. It will discuss the various causes of noise pollution, such as urban development, transportation, and industrial activities, and the ways in which it impacts human health, wildlife, and overall quality of life.
Essay on Noise Pollution [Edit & Download], Pdf
Essay on Noise Pollution In the modern world, the cacophony of sounds from vehicles, industrial activities, and urban development has become a constant backdrop to our lives. This relentless barrage of noise constitutes what we know as noise pollution, an environmental and public health issue that is often overshadowed by other forms of ...
What are the health effects of noise pollution?
With continued exposure to noise pollution, a person's sensitivity to stress increases. People living with noise pollution may feel irritable, on edge, frustrated, or angry. If a person feels ...
Noise Pollution Essay
Noise pollution is a serious concern, and hence, we must try to prevent it. But before we see how it can be controlled, we will see its effect on us in this short essay on noise pollution. Noise pollution causes hearing problems if we get exposed to a high volume of sounds continuously. It also has the potential to damage our eardrums ...
Essay on Noise Pollution
250 Words Essay on Noise Pollution Introduction to Noise Pollution. Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise or sound pollution, is an often-overlooked form of pollution that has profound impacts on human health and ecosystems. It is primarily caused by transportation systems, industrial processes, and recreational activities. ...
Air and Noise Pollution Exposure in Early Life and Mental Health From
Data represent an annualized mean of day and night noise pollution, categorized according to low to medium (<55 dB: the European Environment Agency's threshold 40), high (55-60 dB), and very high (>60 dB) noise. eFigure 1 in Supplement 1 shows the correlation between noise pollution, NO 2, and PM 2.5 across time points.
What Noise Pollution Is Doing To Us
Scientific reports show that noise pollution is associated with many health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, and low birth weight. And appraising the sonic landscape is not a trivial question of independent tastes and preference, but of importance to the collective as well. Our cultures are determined by the spaces we have ...
Noise Pollution Essay
Noise Pollution Essay. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Noise pollution can be also known as environmental noise or sound pollution. It is when sounds within a surrounding that is too much, not essential, or unnecessary sounds that ...
Essay on Noise Pollution for Children and Students
Noise Pollution Essay 1 (100 words) It is considered as the environmental pollution caused in the environment by the excess level of noise through many sources. Noise pollution is also known as the noise disturbance. Excessive noise is harmful to the health and cause imbalance to the human or animal life. It has been a massive environmental ...
This Silk Creates Noise-Canceling Vibrations
A Vibrating Curtain of Silk Can Stifle Noise Pollution. Inspired by headphone technology, silk sewn with a vibrating fiber acts as a lightweight sound barrier. Harsh and unwanted sounds are almost ...
How early-life exposure to air and noise pollution impacts youth mental
The impact of prenatal and early life exposure to noise and air pollution on mental health outcomes. ... Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report
Kids in Noisy Neighborhoods May Face Mental Health Risks
New research on thousands of British children suggests that exposure to noisy neighborhoods could raise a child's odds for anxiety. Noise can interrupt sleep or impair a child's cognitive development, perhaps upping anxiety. Air pollution during gestation or infancy was also linked to mental health issues. WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2024 (HealthDay ...
Noise Pollution: Urban Traffic Noise
Noise pollution has been found to have several adverse effects on the health and well-being of man. Its effects range from damaging ears to have a causal effect on some complex health conditions that have been witnessed in some people. To begin with, noise pollution causes reduced working efficiency as noted by Kryter (1970).
A Review of the Characteristics of Light Pollution: Assessment ...
Light pollution from the use of artificial lighting poses significant impacts on human health, traffic safety, ecological environment, astronomy, and energy use. The advancement of characteristics of light pollution assessment technology has played a significant role in shaping prevention and control policies, thereby enabling measures, such as environmental standards and legislation and ...
Cyclists' exposure to air and noise pollution, comparative approach in
Study of cyclists' exposure to air and noise pollutions in seven cities. Comparative modeling approach based on extensive and uniform data collections. Weak correlation between exposure to noise and NO 2. More pronounced impact of micro-scale environment factors on noise exposure. Relative potential exposure maps built from model predictions for planning issues.

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