Understanding the Impact of Noise Pollution on Health and Environment
Noise pollution is a prevalent issue affecting our health and environment. It includes unwanted sound that disrupts daily activities, leading to various health problems like hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and more. This pollution stems from both outdoor sources like construction and road traffic, as well as indoor sources like appliances and electronic devices. The effects of noise pollution can be detrimental, impacting physical and psychological well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life.
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Presentation Transcript
Environmental Health Khizar Nabeel Ali
Pollution Pollution means any contamination of air, soil, water and environment. Even loud noise and sound is also part of pollution
Noise Pollution In simple terms, noise is unwanted sound. Sound that is unwanted or disrupts ones quality of life such as working, sleeping, and during conversations is called as Noise. When there is lot of noise in the environment, it is pollution. termed as noise
Properties of sound Sound is a sensation caused in the ear by the vibration of the surrounding air or other medium. Loudness/Intensity: It depends on the amplitude of vibration and measured in decibels [dB].
Sources of Noise Pollution Outside Construction Road traffic Airport Factories / Industries Inside Phone TV s / radio Appliances Power tool / generators lawn movers etc Main sources is due to increasing population and urbanization.
Health Effects Actuallywe hearwith our brains, notwith ourears alone Earcells send impulses to brain Earcells are extremely delicate Damage toearcells can result in hearing loss Trauma permanent Noise induced damage - gradually become permanent. Exposure & Time based
Health Effects According to the USEPA, there are direct links between noise and health. Also, noise pollution adversely affects the lives of millions of people Noise pollution can damage physiological and psychological health. High blood pressure, stress related illness, sleep disruption, hearing loss, and productivity loss are the problems related to noise pollution. It can also cause memory loss, severe depression, and panic attacks.
Other Problems of Noise Pollution Hearing impairment Mental illness Digestive problems Temporary or permanent deafness Aggressive behavior Sleep interference Stress High blood pressure
EFFECT OF NOISE ON PUBLIC HEALTH Globally, some 120 million people are estimated to have disabling hearing difficulties. In the USA in 1990 about 30 million people were daily exposed to a daily occupational noise level above 85 dB (production and manufacturing industries). In Germany, noise-related hearing impairment that results in 20% or more reduction in earning ability in 1993, nearly 12 500 new such cases were registered.
Noise standard of Pakistan In Pakistan there is no legislation to deal with the noise emanating from railways engines , air craft or industrial orconstructionactivity. Public complaint are often received by federal & provincial environmentprotectionagencies. in absence of national standard for noise . These agencies are handicapped to takeany legal action. The situation is getting worse with increasing in trafficdensity on city roads.
Pak-EPA The agency (PAK-EPA) exercising its power under clause (d) of section 6(1) of the Pakistan environmental ordinance (PEPO), 1983 with approval of established national environmental quality standards (NEQS) exhausted and noise. Pakistan environmental protection protection for motor vehicles
National standards for noise limits No national prescribed for residential area, industrial area , commercial area orsilence zone . standards for noise limits No national survey has been conducted to assess noise level in cities. However random tests in different cities showed that the noise level in most of the areas was high as 70-90 dB much higher the acceptable limits.
WHO Guideline on Community Noise, 1999 Sound levels greater than 100 dB should be limited in duration and frequency Impulse noise exposure should neverexceed 140 dB in adults 120 dB in children Levels greater than 165 dB, even for a few milliseconds, are likely cochleardamage (WHO Guidelineon Community Noise, 1999) to cause acute
Effects on Animals Damage to hearing Can reduce chances of survival Kangaroo rat Physiological response Harmony imbalance Chronic stress Behavioral response Pains & Escape behavior Responses Result in: Decrease Food intake Loss of energy Abandonmentof offspring injury
Effect on marine life Marine Mammals use Echolocations Sonar Explosive testing Whales & Dolphins Death occurring Beaching Themselves Military sonar has been responsible for the deaths of possibly thousands of dolphins and whales.
Solution for Noise Pollution These are the set of strategies to reduce pollution from noise Avoid or limityourtime in noisy areas. Check homeappliances regularly. Use silencer in motor bikes. Regular service and tuning of vehicles.
Solution for Noise Pollution Plants are Buffers against noise pollution. So increased plantation can reduce noise pollution Buildings can be designed with suitable noise absorbing material for the walls, windows, and ceilings. Workers should be provided with equipments such as ear plugs and earmuffs for hearing protection.
Solution for Noise Pollution Lubrication of machinery parts to reduce noise Legislation against use of horns and loud speakers especially in crowded areas Airports and factories should be located away from residential areas
Solution for Noise Pollution Community management should be done with long-term planning, along with an aim to reduce noise pollution. development or urban Social awareness programs should be taken up to educate the public about the causes and effects of noise pollution. Role of Public health Professionals
Class Activity Article Discussion & Documentary
