ExecutiveChronicles | How Noise Pollution Can Reduce The Impact Of An Invisible Threat | One of the greatest threats to people that exist today on our planet is atmospheric pollution which has contaminated many areas. Who has stated that is one of the worst threats that people have faced the EEA has also agreed, stating that premature deaths numbering in the thousands, along with over 70,000 people in hospitals, have been victims of noise pollution just in Europe.
Acoustic
WHO has specifically stated that people who hear sounds that are in excess of 75 dB can be harmed, and even worse when these noises exceed 120 dB. This could be related to aeroplanes in the sky, drilling noises caused by people working on roadways, or simply individuals that are honking their horns… Noise has really become a problem. In certain metropolitan areas, acoustics, the previously mentioned form of noise pollution, can be very damaging to human beings, even though coronavirus led to its reduction over the last few years. The European Environment Agency has referenced well over 70,000 people who have been admitted into hospitals, and over 16,000 people have died in Europe because of this problem.
Animals, along with humans, can also phase difficult situations and health issues as a result of noise pollution. The National Park Service, which is in America, has stated that wildlife has been adversely affected by noise pollution over the last few decades. Experts have also shown that the breeding cycles of certain animals have been interrupted, leading to their potential extinction.
What exactly is noise pollution?
It should be noted that not every type of sound is regarded as noise pollution. WHO references this as any sound that exceeds 65 dB. When it does exceed 75 dB, going all the way up to 120 dB, this is where you’re going to start having problems. As long as the 65 dB level is not breached, people can function better and sleep better at night, especially if noise levels are maintained at 30 dB limits or less.
What causes noise pollution and what are the sources of noise pollution:
Traffic Noise
In most cities, you are going to experience noise pollution. For example, in a metropolitan area where people are constantly honking their horns, this can be noise in around the 100 dB range.
Air Traffic Noise
This type of noise will not be as bad in metropolitan areas because planes cannot fly directly over the cities, but when this occurs, 130 dB is to be expected.
Construction Sites
Car park construction, and also building construction sites, can become very noisy, particularly when working on resurfacing projects for roads. When using certain types of equipment, such as a pneumatic drill, it can be heard in excess of 110 dB. If you need help controlling noise in your area, an acoustic consultant can help.
Nightlife And Catering
If you frequent restaurants, bars, or even if you are out on a terrace, you may quickly experience noise levels of 100 dB or more, even if the weather is nice outside. Clubs and pubs are just simply noisy.
Animals
The noises that certain animals can make can also be somewhat deafening including dogs that are barking which can reach 80 dB levels.
How noise pollution can affect you
You can develop conditions such as tinnitus, or even go deaf, listening to these noises constantly which are definitively going to harm your ears, especially if you are older or younger. Here are some of the main causative factors to consider:
Physical
Physical symptoms that you may experience may include headaches, high blood pressure, racing pulse, respiratory agitation, and many other symptoms including heart attacks, colitis, all of which will stem from loud noises.
Psychological
Depression, fatigue, and stress can develop as a result of listening to loud noises for both animals and human beings.
Sleeping Disorders
If you are constantly listening to noises above 45 dB sleeping regularly may not be possible. WHO has recommended not listening to sounds above 30 dB. There are loud noises that can affect your behaviour, making you more irritable or perhaps even aggressive.
Concentration And Memory Problems
There are certain noises that you may hear that will affect your ability to focus, causing performance levels to diminish. It can also affect your memory, affecting people going to school adversely when they are trying to study.
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