Noise Pollution

Noise pollution might not be as apparently detrimental to health as air or water pollution, but it can be highly disruptive, according to Ember. Some degree of ambient noise is to be expected, especially in city life. However, there is a difference between manageable or tolerable noise, and noise pollution. Noise pollution is defined as noise that is either excessive or unpleasant, and which causes “temporary disruption in the natural balance,” (Ember para. 2). The causes of noise pollution include electrical appliances, factory equipment, vehicles, and social congestion. The effects of noise pollution include stress, impaired hearing, and disruptions to the local ecosystem. Becoming more aware of the causes and effects of noise pollution should inspire changes to urban planning and design.
Some of the known causes of noise pollution in cities include electrical appliances and vehicles. Therefore, noise pollution does not just take place outside the home, but also inside as people rely heavily on devices like computers, phones, and kitchen appliances that give off a humming sound even when they are not in use (Ember para. 7). When they are being used, home appliances like dishwashers, microwaves, blenders, and washing machines can be loud and annoying. Televisions also add to the overall noise level in the room. The noise from vehicles might not take place inside the home but can penetrate the home and make it difficult to sleep or hear properly. Ambulances, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, busses, and trains are all sources of vehicle noise pollution (Ember para. 6). Honking and other behaviors associated with vehicles can also be disruptive.
Other causes of noise pollution include construction, factory work, and social congestion in city centers. Construction can take place in any area, urban or otherwise, which is why even people living in rural areas need to be aware of the potential for noise pollution (Ember para 6). Although it only takes place during the day, the noise from construction can be especially loud. People who work in factories or any noisy workplace are exposed on a daily basis to noise pollution (Ember para. 3). Even if they wear protective gear, factory workers run the risk of being exposed to more noise pollution than people who work in an office environment. People living in cities also contend with social congestion: living close to neighbors, bars, and restaurants where people congregate. Socializing might be fun, but it can also cause noise pollution (Ember para. 5).
The effects of noise pollution include harming local wildlife, hearing impairment, anxiety, and stress. Noises disrupt the ways animals behave, how they sleep, and how they eat. Birds and other creatures may be less likely to nest in places where there is a lot of noise. Therefore, noise pollution can have a detrimental effect on the environment and local ecosystem (Ember para. 8). Exposure to excessive pollution can also damage the ears over time, causing hearing impairment or even permanent hearing loss (Ember para. 9). This is especially true for those who work in loud environments. Noise pollution can also cause other physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue, leading to long term health issues (Ember para. 10). Likewise, noise pollution can cause stress, anxiety, and loss of sleep, all of which can cause severe and chronic health problems (Ember para. 10). Exposure to too much noise can lead to loss of productivity, inability to concentrate, or irritability that causes problems in interpersonal communications.
Because of the wide range of ill effects associated with noise pollution, it cannot be taken for granted. Noise pollution is a preventable problem and a major public health concern. With a few simple steps, people can reduce noise pollution. For example, shutting off appliances, refraining from the use of horns, and other methods will help reduce contributions to noise pollution and create a safer, healthier, more enjoyable environment for all living creatures.





Works Cited

Ember, Joan. “Understanding Noise Pollution.”