Beyond Weather: What is Noise Pollution?

Regular exposure to noise may result in various mental and physical health issues.

All of us have heard about the negative effects of air pollution: it is visible as smog, we feel the bad air in our nose and mouth and observe the worsening of the Air Quality Index right after the monsoon.

But noise pollution is a truly invisible danger, however all of us are exposed to it every day!

Noise pollution is any unwanted sound which disturbs the health of humans and other living beings. Sounds that reach 85 decibels or higher can harm a person’s ears.

Most familiar sounds which exceed this level in almost all Indian cities are non-stop construction activities (sounds of hammers, drilling and earth movers at work), rail and road traffic along with honking, loud music and processions.

Birds and animals use sounds for communicating, mating and navigation. It is next to impossible for them to accomplish these tasks in the deafening noise of our urban areas.

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules define permissible levels of noise pollution depending on residential or industrial area from 45 decibels to a maximum of 75 decibels.

What can you do to avoid creating more noise pollution?