Noise pollution refers to the excessive, upsetting, and disruptive noise that machines or animals create. Aircraft, rail, automobiles, and construction sites cause the most noise pollution. Noise pollution occurs both indoors and outdoors. Other sources of noise pollution include fireworks, air horns, dogs, audio equipment, mechanical equipment, building or car alarms, and appliances. Noise pollution was largely ignored until the mid-1970's when the government started placing regulations on industries that significantly contributed to noise pollution.

What Are the Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health?

Noise pollution can have a negative impact on both the psychological and physiological health of humans. It has been documented to increase the stress and hypertension in individuals, which can lead to additional health problems such as depression, panic attacks, and forgetfulness. Excessive noise is also a cause of sleep deprivation and hearing loss in individuals who are continually exposed to loud noises.Noise Pollution

What Are the Effects of Noise Pollution on the Environment?

Noise pollution not only negatively impacts humans, it also affects animals. Animals whose environment is bombarded with excessive noise have been shown to have an increased risk of death. The over-exposure to noise harms the hearing of animals that rely on acoustic detection of predators to remain alive. It can also negatively impact the reproductive cycle of animals that rely on sound for finding or attracting a mate. In the maritime environment, whales have been found to be negatively affected by military sonar transmissions, which result in increased beachings and death.

Using Technology to Reduce Noise

Over the past two decades, industry and government have introduced technology that reduce overall noise pollution levels. Noise barriers along major highways and Interstates are now required by code in order to reduce the ambient noise that busy motorways produce. Additionally, changes in roadway construction textures, heavy vehicle travel limitations, and speed limit restrictions have helped to further reduce the noise pollution that vehicles generate. Aircraft noise has also been mitigated via the adoption of quieter jet aircraft engines and the altering of flight paths to avoid significantly populated areas when possible.

Although significant progress has been made to reduce noise pollution levels across the world, it still has a negative impact on society. Industries continue to seek other means of reducing noise levels that construction equipment and vehicles produce. This is being done in order to continue to reduce the harm that noise pollution does to the environment.