Environmental Issues - Noise Pollution

Noise is defined as any unpleasant/loud undesired sound interfering with one's hearing and concentration and the pollution caused due to noise is termed as noise pollution.

Noise pollution occurs when there is a lot of loud or continuous noise that causes negative effects on the environment and people's health. It can damage hearing, sometimes leading to deafness. It can also make people feel restless, irritable, and mentally tired. It's hard to concentrate in noisy places.

Causes of Noise Pollution: Loud noises from vehicles, factories, construction sites, and loud music are common sources of noise pollution. 

Measures for preventing noise pollution:

• Avoid Unnecessary Horns
• Control Volume Indoors
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Regulate Construction Sites
• Community Awareness Programs
• Restrict Loudspeakers
• Acoustic Design in Architecture
• Factories, airports, and transport stations should be built away from residential areas.

• Noise pollution is an undesirable high level of sound. Included as an air pollutant under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, amended in 1987.
• Sources - machines, transportation, construction sites, industries, festivals and public functions.
• Exposure to 150 dB or more causes permanent hearing loss. Other effects - sleeplessness, increased heartbeat, altered breathing, psychological stress and negative impact on the child's learning.
• Control measures - sound absorbent materials, muffling noise, and horn-free zones near schools and hospitals.
• Supreme Court banned loudspeakers at public gatherings after 10 pm. The government has rules against firecrackers and loudspeakers.