How Does Noise Pollution Affect Cities?
Other People Are Reading
-
What Is Noise Pollution?
-
According to Princeton University WordNet, noise pollution is a term used to encompass levels of ambient sound that are potentially aggravating or annoying. Another name for it is sound pollution. Pretty much any sound that is unwelcome and grating qualifies.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says, "Noise in our environment affects physical heath. Noise also has psychological and social implications and affects our well being and quality of life." It's one of the more pervasive pollutants in America today, and may be a contributor to hearing loss over time.
What Does Noise Pollution Do?
-
In a city environment, noise pollution has many negative consequences. A study done at the United States Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan, in 2000, showed that city residents had increased levels of hearing loss and anxiety due to the continual sound of aircraft. Also reported were lower birth weights for newborns and higher rates of disobedience in young schoolchildren.
A National Institutes of Health report found that low-level noise can lead to "elevated blood pressure, loss of sleep, increased heart rate, cardiovascular constriction, labored breathing and changes in brain chemistry." These can have long-term effects that hamper daily living, social interaction and mental health.
-
How Can I Fight the Effects of Noise?
-
There are many ways to combat noise pollution and its effects. Many in Japan wear earplugs during the day to deaden and mute ambient sound. If earplugs don't seem like a good option, consider taking time out to go to quiet locales with low levels of traffic and lots of nature. Look into noise-canceling headphones, and listen to any personal music systems at a sensible volume. To reduce noise damage at work in noisy environments, wear protective ear equipment.
There are community organizations in big cities that regularly lobby airports and jet manufacturers for quieter, less abrasive-sounding flight technology. Airports have changed flight patterns because of citizen protest. If there are cabs or people that honk horns, consult with city council members to impose penalties for excessive abuse. Taking small steps in cities will help to combat the overall urban noise pollution problem.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit 2008 booleansplit / Creative Commons
