Question

Write four causes of noise pollution and explain control of noise pollution.

Answer 1

Noise pollution can be defined as excessive or unwanted sound which has a deleterious effect on human health and also the environmental quality.

Complete Answer:
Noise pollution has constantly been increasing past few years due to increase in vehicles, aircraft, neighbourhood noises, etc. The word noise is derived from a latin word ‘nausea’ which means sickness in which a person feels like vomiting.

The intensity of sound is measured using Decibels or dB. The normal hearing range is 0-20 dB. Anything above 20 dB can be characterised as noise pollution.

Now, coming to the causes of noise pollution, the causes of noise pollution are,
(I) Construction sites: Mining, construction of building/ houses contribute largely to noise pollution
(II) Vehicles: As the population has been increasing over the years, so has the number of vehicles on road. Honking and movement of vehicles contribute to additional noise in the environment.
(III) Industrialisation: In industries, heavy machines are used like for example mills, generators, exhaust fans, etc, and they all produce a lot of unwanted loud noise
(IV) Events: Music concerts, weddings, etc are a source of high volume music as loudspeakers are used and they can lead to unwanted disturbance to the people living in the neighbourhood

Control of noise pollution:
- More trees should be planted, as trees help in absorbing sound
- Music in wedding and concerts should be played at a normal and desirable limits
- Honking should be avoided near hospitals, school, etc
- Sound proof systems must be installed in hospitals, industrial buildings, etc

Note: Noise pollution has an affect on human health in the following ways,
(I) Hearing loss: Exposure to loud noise for prolonged period of time can lead to loss of hearing
(II) Sleeping disorders: Excessive noise can hamper good night sleep and cause lack of sleep which can result in low energy and fatigue throughout the day
(III) Hypertension: A direct effect of noise pollution can cause increase in blood pressure