Noise Pollution: Its Causes, Types, Effects, and Solutions

What's the concept of noise pollution? What are its types and causes? and what are the most important solutions that help reduce or limit it? This is the focus of our discussion in this article, dear readers. So, tune in with us.

The concept of noise pollution:

Noise pollution is a type of atmospheric/vibrational pollution in the form of waves - a group of disturbing unwanted noises emanating from machines, people, or animals. Noise pollution can affect health and cause multiple physical pains. It's worth noting that noise pollution comes second, directly to water pollution in terms of its prevalence and spread.

Internationally recognized noise ratio:

Sound intensity level is measured in decibels, and the globally determined noise rate is:

1. From (20 to 35) dB is acceptable in hospital areas.
2. From (30 to 40) dB is acceptable in educational areas.
3. From (25 to 40) dB is acceptable in residential areas.
4. From (30 to 60) dB is acceptable in commercial areas.
5. From (40 to 60) dB is acceptable in industrial areas.

What are the types of noise pollution?

There are 3 types of noise pollution:

1. Temporary pollution causing physiological damage:

It's the individual's specific and temporary exposure to the source(s) of noise pollution. For example, exposure to crackers and fireworks can cause damage to the middle ear.

2. Chronic pollution:

It's the individual's constant and continuous exposure to sources of noise pollution, which can result in permanent hearing impairment.

3. Temporary pollution that does no harm:

It is the individual's temporary exposure to sources of noise pollution. This can lead to a slight weakness in the hearing, but everything returns to the normal situation after a very short period of time, for example, exposure to the noise of crowded places and streets.

What causes noise pollution?

There are many reasons that lead to noise pollution. The most important of which are:

1. Manufacturing operations:

The majority of laboratories and factories use very large and huge equipment and machines that produce a great deal of noise, as well as a number of other machines that also contribute to the production of noise pollution. Among them:

• Exhaust fans.
• Generators.
• Compressors.
• Mills.

So, workers in such factories had to wear earplugs to prevent noise damage.

2. Social events:

Social event venues, such as wedding venues, ceremonies, temples, or bars, as well as popular markets where some sellers use loudspeakers to display their goods are considered as sources of noise pollution.

3. Construction and Urbanization:

The world needs continuous construction activities to accommodate population growth and traffic congestion. However, these activities include many operations in which equipment and machinery are used resulting in massive noise pollution, including:

• Dam construction.
• ‎Mining.
• Construction of stations.
• Building bridges.
• Construction of tunnels and roads.

4. Air Traffic:

Air traffic contributes significantly to the increase in noise pollution. The sound generated by the movement of just one aircraft produces an estimated 130 dB noise. Accordingly, one can predict the amount of noise emanating from air traffic around the world.

5. Animal sounds:

Animal sounds also contribute to noise pollution. For example, barking dogs produce a noise estimated at (60 to 80) dB.

6. Transportation:

The various means of transportation like cars, buses, subway trains, etc., contribute greatly to the increase in noise pollution.

7. Household appliances:

Household appliances we use in our daily lives are also factors that contribute to noise pollution. While they may seem harmless , they actually have long-term effects, such as vacuum cleaners, TVs, washing machines, electric hair dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, blender, grinder, and other household appliances.

8. Noise pollution in the oceans:

There are several causes of noise pollution in the oceans, most importantly are:

8.1. Military sonar:

Low- and medium-wave sonars contribute to noise pollution. They emit frequencies of more than 100 waves per second. It's worth noting that sonars are used in military training and searching for enemy submarines. Therefore, they're used for several continuous hours.

8.2. Explosives:

Their use is limited to the defense forces and the army for several purposes, but unfortunately they cause high levels of noise pollution.

8.3. Air guns:

They are used in the exploration of oil and gas at the bottom of the oceans and seas, such as seismic air guns, in addition to devices used in geophysical scanning of the seabed.

8.4. Cargo ships:

Ships used to ship goods make sounds that spread over large areas, and the frequency of these sounds is low. It's estimated between 10 Hz to 1 kHz. It's worth mentioning here that about 90% of goods around the world are shipped by steamships and ships.

What are the appropriate solutions to control and limit noise pollution?

Unfortunately, there aren't many solutions to control or limit noise pollution, but governments can take a number of measures and procedures that contribute effectively to achieving this. This includes:     

1. Compulsory exclusion of residential areas from areas of noise pollution, such as airports and train stations.
2. Establishing laws to control sound levels in gathering places, such as bars, gyms, party venues, markets, and others.
3. Imposing fines on anyone who exceeds noise limits.
4. Removing public speakers, and refraining from using annoying alarms unless extremely necessary.
5. Planting trees in residential areas and gardens, as they are able to absorb noise.
6. Building hospitals and schools in quiet areas, away from sources of noise pollution.
7. Constructing airports, railways, and factories away from cities.
8. Requiring factory and construction workers to use sound-suppressing headphones.

What are the effects of noise pollution on our health?

Noise pollution causes a great deal of damage to our health. The most important of which are:

1. Hearing Impairment:

Noise pollution severely affects the human sense of hearing. As long-term exposure to sources of noise pollution can cause damage to the  eardrum. This leads to a permanent impairment or complete loss of hearing.

2. Sleep Disorders:

People exposed to noise pollution constantly suffer from sleep disorders, which affects their health and mood, and results in poor performance and productivity in various tasks. In addition, they have general fatigue, mood swings, and lack of interaction and communication with other people. Although noise levels at night are lower than during daylight hours, their side effects remain during sleep.

3. Heart disease:

Lengthy exposures to noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease . Noise above 60 dB can lead to many cardiovascular diseases, such as: increased heart rate, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat, or heart attacks.

4. Other Damages:

• Reducing stomach secretions, and delaying the occurrence of contractions.
• Chronic respiratory diseases.
• Headache, ringing in the ear.
• Negative impact on pregnant women, as well as the development of the fetus.
• Negative impact on diabetics due to disturbances in blood glucose level.
• Emotional instability, anxiety.
• Poor concentration, low productivity and ability to work.
• Increased mental disorders among people with mental illnesses.

Conclusion:

Thus, dear readers, we've explained the concept of noise pollution, its types, causes, solutions, and the most important damages resulting from it that affect human health.