Noise Pollution: An Overview
The advancements in science and technology have brought us numerous physical comforts. However, this progress has also led to the problem of noise pollution, stemming from factories, transportation, and various forms of entertainment. This is a direct consequence of technological advancement. Noise pollution is also referred to as sound pollution or "vaak, vani, or shor pradushan" in Hindi.
Constant noise is a form of torment that negatively affects a person's emotional and intellectual state. It can lead to decreased memory and difficulty concentrating. Intermittent or sudden noise can be even more harmful than continuous noise.
Definition of Noise Pollution
According to Ratham Harry, "Sound emitted from any source, when it becomes unbearable, turns into pollution."
Any sound that begins to impact human health, efficiency, and mind is considered noise pollution. On June 8, 1972, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated at the Stockholm Pollution Control Conference that noise pollution is the most challenging of all pollutants, yet controlling it is relatively simple.
Definition of Noise
In common terms, noise is defined as unwanted sound. Thus, the difference between noise and sound lies only in intensity. Sound that is intense and undesirable is called noise. In other words, any sound that hinders mental activities is noise.
Definition of Sound
Sound is a form of energy that requires a medium to travel. Sound is always associated with some kind of movement, such as walking, running, playing, and vibrations. Since sound is related to motion, and motion is related to energy, sound is a type of energy.
Sources or Factors of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution originates from various sources and factors. The primary sources include factory machinery and the sound emitted from different types of vehicles. Additionally, sources like pumpsets, flour mills, radios, televisions, stereos, speakers, loudspeakers, public address systems, demolition of structures, power-driven machines, hospitals, cinemas, circuses, schools, hostels, courts, restaurants, canteens, loud music, and clubs contribute to noise pollution.
The sources of noise pollution can be broadly classified into the following categories:
(I) Natural Sources
Natural sources of noise pollution include loud sounds that occur naturally. Humans are not responsible for their origin. The sounds produced by these sources are irregular, and their impact on humans is usually temporary. Some examples include:
- Thunderstorms
- Strong winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
- Lightning
- Severe storms
- The sound of water falling from great heights
- Tides
- Forest fires
(II) Artificial Sources
Industrialization and urbanization, driven by physical development, have introduced many artificial elements into human life. Numerous amenities designed for human comfort have unfortunately led to the problem of noise pollution in our environment. Artificial sources of noise pollution can be further divided into three subcategories:
(1) Industries and Machinery:
In the present era, industrialization is rapidly increasing in various countries. The number of different factories, mills, and industrial cottage industries is growing rapidly, with large-scale machinery and equipment being installed. All these machines, engines, and equipment generate significant noise pollution.
The polluted noise produced by industries and factories is often continuous. Workers and other individuals in these environments are constantly affected as long as the machines are running. This continuous noise is extremely harmful. Workers may experience hearing loss, and their health and mental well-being can be affected.
Besides industries, machinery and equipment used in construction activities such as building construction, bridge and road construction, and various other construction works also continuously contribute to noise pollution.
(2) Means of Transportation:
Noise pollution from various modes of transportation can be studied under three main sources:
(i) Land Transportation:
Noise pollution generated by land transportation is often more impactful, widespread, and persistent compared to many other sources. Millions of people living and working along roadsides, as well as those traveling on the roads, are severely affected day and night. This pollution impacts not only individuals in industrial cities but also those in towns and villages.
The main contributors to noise pollution on roads include buses, trucks, tractors, cars, motorcycles, scooters, and trains on railway tracks. Heavily loaded trucks are particularly impactful, generating noise levels exceeding 100 dbA ('A' is used in measuring high-frequency noise). When convoys of heavily loaded trucks roar through the streets, people standing nearby often have to cover their ears and eyes.
In today's era of development and industrialization, the use of personal vehicles has increased so dramatically that it has created a severe noise pollution problem.
Poorly maintained, old vehicles without silencers create ear-splitting noise as they speed on the roads, affecting both pedestrians and those residing along the roads. In most major cities, the average noise level from various transportation sources on the roads is around 90 db.
(ii) Air Transportation:
Individuals working and living near airports are constantly exposed to the intense noise generated by aircraft during takeoff and landing. Today, the use of high-speed aircraft is increasing daily in every country. There's a human tendency to cover greater distances in the shortest possible time. The use of supersonic and subsonic aircraft, which are even faster than jet planes, is becoming more common. The noise from supersonic aircraft is many times louder than that of jet planes, reaching levels of 150-180 db in the nearby atmosphere. This increases even further during flight. According to scientists, 150 db can cause rapid deafness, 160 db can cause bodily irritation, and 180-190 db can even lead to death. In battlefields, cannons, tanks, and aircraft can produce even higher levels of noise, often exceeding the speed of sound.
(iii) Water Transportation:
Various means of transportation operating in water bodies such as rivers, seas, and oceans also contribute to noise pollution. Although the pollution caused by them is less impactful than other modes of transportation because people living along the water sources are often at a considerable distance, passengers traveling on these vessels are still affected. The main sources of noise pollution in water transport include boats, motorboats, ships, and submarines.
(3) Means of Entertainment and Social Activities:
Various means of entertainment, such as cinemas, theaters, circuses, radios, televisions, gramophones, loudspeakers, discos, speakers, and stereos, can create noise pollution when played at very high volumes. The high-frequency sounds produced by these sources, although sometimes necessary for the enjoyment of music, are generally noisy. While some individuals have a preference for loud sounds, for others, it constitutes noise pollution.
In our country, it is very common to broadcast loud music and devotional songs through loudspeakers at social gatherings and religious places. Additionally, loud music is played, and a large number of firecrackers are set off during festivals like weddings, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Holi, and Diwali. The noise produced by these activities is extremely intense and distressing. Loud speeches and slogans through loudspeakers during elections, strikes, advertisements, and other occasions also generate noise pollution.
Scientific and technological development has undoubtedly enriched our lives in many ways, but it has also created challenges like noise pollution. The uncontrolled noise emanating from factories, vehicles, and means of entertainment has serious effects on our physical and mental health. Deafness, mental stress, heart disease, and negative impacts on the nervous system are some of the major adverse effects of noise pollution. It is important to understand that there are both natural and artificial sources of noise pollution. While we have no control over natural sources, concrete efforts can be made to reduce noise generated from artificial sources, especially industrial activities, transportation, and social events. By increasing awareness at individual and collective levels, adhering to noise control regulations, and adopting noise-reducing technologies, we can tackle the problem of noise pollution. A quiet and healthy environment is not only essential for our physical and mental well-being but also contributes to building a more peaceful and harmonious society. Therefore, recognizing the harmful effects of noise pollution and taking active steps to reduce it is our collective responsibility.
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