Lecture 4

NOISE POLLUTION
WHAT IS NOISE POLLUTION?
Sound that is unwanted or disrupts ones quality of
life is called as noise. When there is lot of noise in
the environment, it is termed as noise pollution.

Sound becomes undesirable when it disturbs the

normal activities such as working, sleeping, and
during conversations.

It is an underrated environmental problem because

of the fact that we cant see, smell, or taste it.

World Health Organization stated that Noise must

be recognized as a major threat to human well-
being
 Noise Pollution

Sound: is a mechanical energy from a

vibrating surface, transmitted by a cyclic series
of compressions and decompression of the
molecule of the material through which it
passes. Sound is expressed as Frequency in
hertz(cycles/sec).
Normal audible range is between 80-15000Hz.
 Noise Measurements
These are made in sound pressure level(SPL)
and expressed in DESCIBLE(dB).
 Sources

Airplanes

Motor vehicles

Industrial equipment
Mechanical and
electrical equipment
Sources of Noise Pollution
Transportation systems are the main source of noise
pollution in urban areas.

Construction of buildings, highways, and streets

cause a lot of noise, due to the usage of air
compressors, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks, and
pavement breakers.

Industrial noise also adds to the already unfavorable

state of noise pollution.

Loud speakers, plumbing, boilers, generators, air

conditioners, fans, and vacuum cleaners add to the
existing noise pollution.
 Effects of Noise Pollution
Interferes with communication.
May cause loss of hearing (Deafness).
Increase blood cholesterol level.
Causes headache , increase pulse rate and
blood pressure.
Affects nerves, emotions, personality.
A noise of 85-90 dB is the danger mark.
 Effects of Noise Pollution
EFFECT ON VEGETATION
Poor quality of Crops:- Now is well known to all that plants are
similar to human being. They are also as sensitive as man. There
should be cool & peaceful environment for their better growth.
Noise pollution causes poor quality of crops in a pleasant
atmosphere.

EFFECT ON ANIMAL
Noise pollution damage the nervous system of animal. Animal
looses the control of its mind. They become dangerous.

EFFECT ON PROPERTY
Loud noise is very dangerous to buildings, bridges and monuments.
It creates waves which struck the walls and put the building in
danger condition. It weakens the edifice of buildings.
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.
 Noise Pollution Control
Noise can be controlled by:

Control at source
Control in transmission path

Using protective measures

 Noise Pollution Control at Source
Noise can be controlled at source by:

Reducing noise levels from domestic sectors

Maintenance of automobiles

Low voice speaking

Selection and maintenance of machinery

Noise Pollution Control in transmission path

Change in transmission path will increase the

length of travel of wave and can get absorbed
in surrounding environment. Transmission
path can be changed by:
Installation of barriers
Design of building
Green belt development
The sound tube in Melbourne, Australia
, designed to reduce roadway noise
without distracting from the area's
aesthetics
 Noise Pollution Control by using Protective
measures
Use of protective measure and worker
exposure can be minimized by:
Use of ear plugs or ear muffs

Job rotation

Exposure reduction
 Preventive measures:
Prescribing noise limits for vehicular traffic
Ban on honking (usage of horns) in certain
areas
Creation of silence zones near schools and
hospitals
Redesigning buildings to make them noise
proof
Reduction of traffic density in residential areas
Giving preference to mass public transport
system.
 Preventive measures:
Community development or urban
management should be done with
long-term planning, along with an
aim to reduce noise pollution.

Social awareness programs should

be taken up to educate the public
about the causes and effects of
noise pollution.