AIR POLLUTION Air pollution is defined as “the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more contaminants, such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour, in quantities, of characteristics, and of duration such as to injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property, or which unreasonably interferas with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property”. Composition of dry air at MSL in percentage. Nitrogen 78.08 Oxygen 20.94 Argon 0.9340 Carbon dioxide 0.0315 Neon 0.0018 Helium 0.0005 Methane 0.0001 to 0.00015 Krypton 0.00011 Nitrous oxide 0.00005 Hydrogen 0.00005 Xenon 0.000008 Aerosol. ‘Aerosol is a dispersion of solid or liquid particles of microscopic size in gaseous media, such as smoke, fog, or mist. Dust. Dustis a loose term applied to solid particles larger than colloidal particles and capable of temporary suspension inair or other gases. Dusts do not tend to flocculate except under electrostatic forces; they do not diffuse but settle under the influence of gravity. (Size : 1-200 ym) Droplet. A droplet is a small liquid particle of such size and density as to fall under still conditions but which may remain suspended under turbulent conditions. Fly-ash. Fly-ash is the finely divided particles of ash entrained in fuel gases arising from the combustion of fuel. The term is generally applied to the gas-borne ash from boilers using pulverised fuel (coal) firing. Fog. Fog is a loose term applied to liquid dispersed aerosols in air by condensation. Fume. Fume is the solid particles generated by condensation from the gaseous state, generally after volatization from ‘melted substances, and often accompanied by a chemical reaction such as oxidation. (Size: 0.1 to 1 ym) Mist. 5 Misti loose term applied to dispersio Eee Particles a here, the dispersion large size. ( : 5100 um) Particle. Fi ‘A particle is a small discrete mass 0 Smoke. Smokeis finely di incomplete combu: other combustible Soot. Soot is collection of, ‘tar’ formed in tl carbonaceous material. ‘Vapour, Vapour is the gaseous fo exists in a liquid or solid state. CLASSIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTION. ‘Air pollution exists in three distinct categories (1) Personal air pollution. ‘This refers to exposure of an individual to dust, fumes and gases. For example, when a person indulges in cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking. 2) Occupational air pollution. This represents the type of exposure of individuals to potentially harmful concentration of aerosols, vapours and gases in their working environment. 3) Community air pollution. ‘This represents the most complex of the three varieties since it involves pollution from a variety of sources and contaminants and factors which cause adverse social, economic and health effects. Not only does community air pollution affect many individuals, but it can also exert a significant impact on man's total environment including plants, animals, property and the weather itself. SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION. There are two main sources of air pollution. (2) Natural air pollution sources. The atomosphere is polluted is al causes, polluted due to following natur () Wind-blown dust i) Somke, fly-ash, gases from forest fires (i) Micto-organisms (2) Gases and odours from swamps and marshes (@) Fog (vi) Volcanic ash and gases solid or liquid matter, :yided aerosol particles resulting from ‘sion. Iéconsists mainly of carbon and ‘material. (Size: 0.01 to 1 ym) particles of carbon impregnated with fhe incomplete combustion of rm of matter which normallynutans from various natural sources : Proliant ‘Natural sources SO, Volcanoes biological action in swamp areas * CO Forest fires, ocean i 5 . : or Bacterial action in soil “NH, Biological decay _ dross ons + (CHy etc) Biological processes Hi ological decay release fromoceans + O,Oxygenandozonein -Made Sources. a aires ofpollution due to man’s activities. : Category Examples Pollutants Source rast producing [Crushing process grinding,|Road mix plants Constuction [Mineral and organic particulates Demolition | work Grain elevators Home oven, power plants ‘Oxides of sulphur, oxides of nitrogen. ‘Carbon monoxide, Smoke, flyash, organic [Motor vehicles Cars, buses and trucks vapour, metal oxide, particles and odours [Refuse buming Open buming of refuse Manufacturing |Metallurgical plant Smelters, steel mills, non-ferrous|Metal fumes, lead, arsenic and zinc| processes industries, etc. of sulphur. fluorides and oxides (Chemical plants [Petroleum refineries, HS, oxides of sulphur, fluorides, ulp mills, _fertiliser| ia Ee er const mae |etBinic vapour, particles, odours [Agricultural [Crop spraying, dusting| Pest and weed control ‘Organic phosphates, _ chlorinated activities dusting | hydrocarbons, arsenic, lead Field burning ‘Smokes, fly-ash and soot [Nuclear energy [Ore preparations (Crushing, grinding, activities] Uranium and dust beryllium: screenin, [Nuclear fissions Nuclear|Nuclear reactors Atmospheric | Agron-4l Radioactive fallous explosions [device testing EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION. (0) Effect on vegetation. Vegetation exposed to atmosphere containing heavy amounts of sulphur dioxide is severly damaged. It is also affected by ozone and nitrogen dioxide. (2)Effect on human beings and animals. People suffer from respiratory diseases when exposed toatmosphere in which the concentration of sulphur dioxide is in excess of safe limits, and their visibility is affected when exposed to higher temperature. The death rate of people suffering with cardiac or Pulmonary diseases, when exposed to atmosphere Pee with sulphur dioxide, is found to be Due to incomplete combustion of fuels from petrol engines, industrial operations, etc., carbon monoxide eareiated. When air containing CO is inhaled, the depaombines with the haemoglobin of the blood, aa tissues of oxygen. Ithas been found that ui ‘the carbonyl haemoglobin saturation level of ‘about 20%, it harms the heart and also impairs itisfeorestticting the oxygen. When in excess of 10%, und to cause headaches. Gout nitrogen dioxide level in the air is above has haw limits, respiratory illness among children observed, When oxygen content in the air is above 500 mg/m®> and photochemical action is high, people have been found to have asthmatic attacks. Irritation of throat, nose or eyes are some other minor problems experienced in these conditions. In general, air pollution decreases visibility. Itis also found that it makes the town or city more cloudy, more foggy and is subjected to more acid rains. (3)Effect on materials. Air pollutants affect materials in the following ways and cause economic losses (Abrasion ( Deposition of materials (iii) Direct chemical attack (io) Indirect chemical attack (0) Corrosion Effects of air pollution on materials. |Air Pollutants _| Effect on materials Pe pe SO,, acids, gases | Tamishing of surface, loss of metal, etc. % [Paints |SOz, HS and|Discolouration particulates fodiles [SO,, acid, gases [Reduction in tensile eI Ee [ae [Ceramics Pao PissolowstonAIR-POLLUTION CONTROL. | | | ‘The following methods are useful in controlling air pollution (1) Control of air pollution by zoning. In this method adopt th» zoning system at the planning stage itself. A separate zone or area is set aside for industries thereby reducing the ill effects of air pollution on the urban dwellers, The zoning of the industries is done based on the type of industries, their functions, etc. Every city has its own zoning rules. Zoning of the industries may be based on @ Functions : These include industries such as linkages for industry, sidings, etc. (ii) Performance : Here the industries are classified according to their nuisance value. (@) Traffic congestion (®) Abnoxious and hazardous (© Industrial nuisance such a smoke, noise, dust, odour, ete. Separate areas may be earmarked according to their performance as stated. In India, the zoning system varies from city to city. For instance, in Industrial Estate of Bangalore, three zones are provided for light, medium and large industries. Further, large industries are not encouraged. In Delhi also large industries are not permitted, 2) Air-pollution control at the source. ‘The air-pollution problems can be minimised at the source by the following four ways: (Raw material substitution : If one raw material results in a pollution problem while a substitute material does not, obviously the substitute would bemore desirable. The raw material may contain an ingredient which is not essential but is a Pollution source. If the non-essential ingredients can be removed prior to processing the raw material, the pollution potential can be minimised, ©. use low-sulphur fuels to replace high-sulphur fuels. Gi Process modifications, Pollution reduction can frequently be achieved by new or modified Processes. €., use of exhaust hoods and types of industrial ovens ii) Equipment alterations. Equipment alterations such as the use of floati roof tanks rather than vented tanks can cut. down, on evaporation losses. Newer types of equipmem are less pollution-prone. e.g, basic oxygen furnaces that are replacing the open-hearth furnaces in the steel industry, Pose less of a pollution problem. (io) Removal of pollutantsat source: Sometimecosty control equipment is necessary to remove pollutants from themain gasstream. Insuchcases itis simpler to remove pollutants at the source. It is normally more economical to remove these pollutants while they are present in relatively higher concentrations rather than at some point away from the source where the pollutants are diluted by gases from other processes or air. (3) Controlling Air Pollution by Devices, Due to different process in industries, various type of gases are liberated alongwith particulates. To arrest these entering the atmosphere, control devices are used depending on the collection capacity and processes used by the particular industry. Types of devices used for dust collections based on the method of their removal. (@ Internal separators. These devices separate the dust in the gases. These are manufactured in various shapes and sizes. Following types are commonly used : (@) Gravity-settling chamber. This consists of a chamber in which the dust is separated from the gas by reducing the velocity of the gas. Dust-laden Hopper for dust collection Fig. Gravity settling chamber Due to this, the dust particles settle down in the chamber. As the size of the chamber for very low velocities of the as required is very large and cost is prohibitive, the velocity in the chamber is generally kept between 0.3 to 3.0 m/sec. By this the coarser particles ar removed. The gravity-settling chamber are capable of removing only the large particles of size 25 to 50 um dia,: When a gas travels in a double vertex, o Cyeerticles contained in the it are separated. a eiare| ‘works on this principle. ‘The gas is first allowed to spiral down at the inner surface and thenit spirals upwards at the central portion ofthe cyclone, Due to inertia, the dlust particles tend to settle on the surface of the cyclone wall Fromhere they are led away tothe receiver. Ww Clean air outlet Dustladen airlet ‘Eddy current }— Main vortex. Vortex core Dust outlet Cyclones are very efficient and can handle a number of operations. They are suitable for temoving particles of size of 10-40 um. (0 Fabric filters : Here, the gas with the dust is allowed to pass through a fabric (cloth) to which the dust gets attached. If the gas is flowing at low velocity and contains considerable amount of larger particulates, these settle down by sedimentation. Fine particles are also attached to the fabric due to electrostatic charges. Compressed Filtered gas air { [ val bags Entry of gas with dust These bags are fitted with hopper at bottom. The &as enters from the bottom through the hopper. The heavy particles settle down in the hopper due to Sravity. Finer particles are deposited on learing te wor’ the fabric of the bag. For cl ‘direction. compressed air is blown in the reverse Wet-collection devices: ee ere Wet washers and scrubbers are devices using “ phases of gas and liquid. The object of the scrubbe! Oe washing device is to transfer suspended particulal is ing liquid which can readily ‘matter in the gas to the scrubbing liquid w! ready removed by the gas cleaning device. This leaves | he ga clean to pass onwards to the process for which it is ping used, or alternatively to be discharged to the atmosphere. Two common wet-collectors used are: . @) Cyclonic scrubbers : In this device, the aerosol is admitted in a centrifugal fashion (Fig 4). Water is impinged at the entrance of the gas. Plates are Provided to remove the moisture from the gas after the dust is removed. This should be followed by a control equipment like a gravity-settling chamber or cyclones, Dust particles of size 5 um can be separated with 90% efficiency in a cyclonic scrubber. It can clean about 2000 litres of gas per minute. —_ Plate water . = =: oJ Sludge Fig. Cyclonic scrubber ©) Venturi scrubbers. The venturi scrubber consists of a venturi throat through which the dirty gas passes at a velocity of 3400 to 12600 mm per minute. Water is added in the direction of flow so that the water. ‘enters at the throat. Fig. Venturi scrubberThe venturi scrubber can clean about 4000 litres of gas per minute. The efficiency is about 99% and can clean very fine particles. If the moisture has to be removed from the gas, a cyclonic separator is used after the venturi scrubber. (ii Electrostatic precipitator. ‘The electrostatic precipitator is a device by which the dust in a gas is removed by electrostatic attractions. The gas is allowed to enter the electrostatic precipitator through narrow vertical gas passages which are formed by parallel rows of grounded collecting electrodes. Insulated high- voltage wires of about 40-50 kV are placed in the centre of each passage. The dirty gas thus passes between the high-voltage wires and the grounded plates. Baffles > cas onttet Hoppers Fig. ESP Electrodes with dust collecting hoppers The high voltage in the wires produces billions of electrons and bombards the gas molecules, which become positive and negative ions. The Positive ions return to the negative wire electrode and gain electrons while the negative ions combine with the dust particles and make them. negative ions. The negatively charged dust particles collect at the positively charged plates. ‘When the thickness of the dust layer increases to more than 6 mm, the electrical attraction becomes weak. A sharp gap is given which causes the dust layer to separate and fall down into the hopper. The electrostatic precipitator has an efficie1 of 99.9% and can clean up to 150,000 litres of gas per minute at a temperature of 600°C. (4) Air pollution control by stacks. ©) When small quantities of air pollutants are released ata source, these can be absorbed without Producing noticeable pollution. However, if the quantity of pollutants released is large, and the air has a limited capacity, the pollution becomes high. Ifthe pollutants are carried away to some distance or taken to high altitudes, they are reduced in concentration by diffusion and dilution. The pollutants are taken to high altitudes by means of stacks. Diffusion of pollutant in air depends on the following factors: (@ Atmospheric temperature (ii) Speed and direction of wind The height and diameter of stack required is designed to keep the ground level concentration within permissible limits. The concentration at ground level varies inversely with the square of the stack height and is maximum at a distance of 5-10 m stack height. Some authors suggest the following + The height of the stack must be 2.5 times the height of the surrounding buildings and * The velocity of the exit gases should not be more than 20 m/sec. Air pollution control by vegetation. To reduce the spreading of air pollutant emanating from industrial sources, growing green vegetation around the industry has been recommended by many scientists. Studies (Waren 1973, Fleming 1967) indicate that there are large differences among Species vis-a-vis the response to air pollutants. Hence cultivation of pollution resistant species represents the best possibility of reducing injury by ait pollutants. The degree of resistance depends on of pollutant. aedNOISE POLLUTION qaracterstcof an environment, ands usually ssse unwanted sound, The unwanted sound soins produces several undesirable effects on our a eattt, and itcan therefore, be called a pollutant, oes vrise can also be defined as that unwanted sound tant which produces undesirable physiological and FF poogical effects in an individual, by interfering with le social activities like work, rest, recreation, sleep, etc. risa generalised fact that noise of sufficient intensity and suntan can induce health problems like temporary and some- tines permanent hearing loss, besides causing several other diseases like general annoyance, irritation, disturbance, peaiaches insomnia, fatigue, mental torture, nausea, high blood pressre hgh pulse rate, grenter perspiration, ec. Chracteristics of Sound and its Measurement. Weknow that sound is produced in the environment by altemating pressure changes in the air, and is caused by the vibrations of solid objects or separation of fluids, as they pass over, around, or through holes in solid objects. ‘These vibrations cause the surrounding air to undergo compression, then rarefaction, again compression, then, rarefaction, and so on. Such alternating compression and rarefaction of the surrounding air produces sound waves which propagate in the form of sinusoidal path, as shown inFig, (a) and (b). Fig. (a) shown the time between the successive peaks or troughs of oscillation is called the period (P), and its inverse, which represents the number of times a peak arrives in one second, is called the frequency (f). Hence Period (P) Amplitude (A) Zero pressure ‘Time ‘Sound Pressure (p) @ a (>) shows the distance between successive peaks or uughs is called the wave length (A), which is related to “quencey (f)by the relation Zero pressure Distance Sound Pressure (p) © 1 aes where C= velocity of the sound wave. The amplitude (A) of the wave is the height of the peak sound pressure measured above or below the zero pressure line. The equivalent pressure of sucha sine wave is represented by root mean square pressure (P,_,) 25 Pins = We = 45 ff mae where py) = pressure at any time t. The rms. sound pressure is, thus, obtained by adding the squares of amplitude values at small time intervals, and dividing the total by the averaging time, and finally taking the square root of the total. This works out equal 5 fora regular sine wave. The sound pressure (P,,.) is further related to atmospheric pressure and barometric pressure by the equation Sound pressure = Total atmospheric pressure — barometric pressure Power of sound (W): It is defined as the rate of doing work by a travelling sound wave in the direction of propagation of the wave. ‘The energy transmitted by a sound wave in the direction of its propagation is thus, defined as its power, and is represented in watts in S.L units. Sound intensity (1): Itis defined as sound power averaged over the time, per unit area normal to the direction of propagation of thesound wave. Intensity and power of a sound wave are related by the equation. where, I intensity of sound wave in watt/m? W = power of sound wave in watts a = unit area perpendicular to the direction ‘of wave motion. Sound intensity (1) is further related to r.m.s. sound pressure by the equation 1a Bin p.C where, p,,s= 1-08. sound pressure in pascals (Pa) = density of air or medium in which sound wave is travelling in kg/m? C= velocity of sound wave in m/s. The density of air (p) and the speed of sound (C) used in the above equation can be known if the temperature of air is known. In other words, given the temperature and pressure of air, the density of air can be determined from the standard tables; and the speed of sound in air at 101.325 kPa may be determined by the equation C= 2005/7 where, T= absolute temperature in kelvin (K) and Cisin m/s. LEVELS OF NOISE. The sound pressure of the faintest sound that can be heard by anormal healthy individual is about 20 micro- pascal (1 - Pa), and the loudest sound produced by a Saturn rocket at the lift off stage is about 200 Pa. This astronomical variation in sound pressure (varying from 20 pt - Pa to 200 Pa) is usually avoided by expressing sound pressure on a scale based on the log of the ratio of the measured sound pressure and a reference standard pressure, Measurements on this scale are called levels. somdierel) | loge aa (bels) where, Q = measured quantity of sound pressure, or sound power, or sound intensity Q, = reference standard quantity of sound Pressure, or sound power, or sound intensity, as case may be L = sound level in bels (B) The unit of sound level is tums out to be a rather large unit, a smaller unit of decibels (4B) is generally used. 1 1dB = 0? Hence, when sound level is expressed in de ‘cibel: above equation reduces to Ss the Q L = 101og,) 9- (a8) * The reference standard quantity Q, in the above equation is taken to be equal to 20 4 Pa, when soung pressure is measured. Sound pressure level, Prms L, = 10. logy (2a, or L, Prms sen (2) The sound pressure levels so measured are reported as dB re: 20 uPa. Similarly, the reference standard quantity Q, in the above equation is taken tobe equal to 10"! watts, when sound power is measured. Sound power level, Ww L, = 10 log [75 The sound power levels so computed are reported as 4B re: 10°? W. Similarly, the reference standard quantity Qyis Ww. taken to be equal to 10 —>, when sound intensity m level is measured. Sound intensity level, I Ly = 10 logiy (2a) Out of the three terms given above, sound pressure level on reference scale of 20 uPa, is usually adopted to express sound levels in decibels. AVERAGING SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. ‘The average value of the various recorded sound pressure levels (L,) at a particular place over a given period cannot be computed by simple averaging due to log scale involved in their values. Average pressure level, tek a mi = Wlog 37 Diao! nel where, I, = Averagesound pressure levelin dBre:201P# N = Number of measurement readings. L, = nth sound pressure level in dB re. 20 Ps 2 1,2,Bocsuue Neyrs OF SOUND. (9 Continuous noise, a itis an uninterrupted sound level that varies less than5 dB during the entire period of observation, A running fan is an example of such a sound, {i Intermittent noise. Itisa noise which continues for more than 1 second and is then interrupted for more than 1 second, A drilling machine used by a dentist Produces such typeof sound. (ii) Impulse noise. Itis characterised by a change of sound pressure of atleast 40 dB within 05 second with a duration of lessthan one second. Thenoise produced from fring of a weapon would fall in this category. NOISERATING SYSTEMS. Annoise may consist of different types of sounds with different pressure levels operating for different time intervals. The frequencies ofthese sounds may also vary. The combined resultant noise will infact be responsible for determining the human response and degree of annoyance caused by it. The combined impact of different sound pressures lasting for different periods is therefore attempted to be worked out by using some statistical measures, such as Ly and L,, systems. Lyconcept. The parameter Lis a statistical measure indicating how frequently a particular sound level is exceeded. The value of Ly will represent the sound pressure level that will exceed for N% of the gauging time. When Ly.is plotted against N (where N = 1,2,3, cumulative distribution curve, is obtained. L, concept. 100%), L,,is defined as the constant noise level, which, over a siven time, expands the same amount of energy, as is Table (a). Noise standards laid down by U.S. federal highway admis i e expanded by the fluctuating levels ms the This value is expressed by the equation: : L; jen Wi Ly = 1log Y10)9 x4 isl same time. where, n = total number of sound samples L,=noise level of any ith sample t, = time duration of ith sample, expressed as fraction of total sample time. The equivalent noise level (L.4) constitutes an important Parameter for evaluating the impact of fluctuating noises ofall kinds, such as from aircraft, street and road traffic, rail traffic, industrial machines, sports stadiums, play grounds, etc. Moreover, the duration in hours, over which L,, is worked out for a given site, is further mentioned in bracket, such as L,.@) Which means that L,, is based on 8-hour measurement; when, however, no such time is mentioned, then L,, always corresponds to one hour measurement. NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS. The prescribed noise standards generally puta limit either on L,, or Ly values. Different such limiting values are then prescribed for different areas, ©. example, VIP and serene areas will impose lower limiting values as compared to those for commercial or industrial areas within a city. The usually prescribed limiting L,, values for different areas of a city is of the order of 40 to 70 decibels, Table (a) and (+) show two sets of noise standards, which have been laid down in USA. The first standards developed by U.S. Federal Highway Administration are the levels prescribed for newly planned highways through different types of areas. These levels are above those that would be absolutely harmless, but are below those of many existing highways. stration for highways in new delopments Land use Exterior design category noise level dB(A)* Description of land use category 4 57 60 VIP and other protected areas, where serenity and quietness is to be maintained e 67 70 Residence, hotels, schools, hospitals, picnic areas, play grounds, parks, ete, c 2 75 Developed lands and properties not included in A and B category, such ag commercial and industrial areas. it lands D No limit | No limit Undeveloped ; e 52 55 Public meeting halls, schools, libraries, (interior) | (interior) churches, hospitals, ete. “Either L,, or Lp, based on 1 hour samples, is to be used.ic and shows the limiting noise levels for differen, ieee cfimeas i ieee ei " Sues maintained for adequately safeguarding. ne feclth overlong periods (accounting annual average levelsinL, values) Bee ene Table (b). Average yearly energy Levels (L,,) identified as requisite to protect pul with an adequate margin of safety. To protect against both effects (b) ©) Residential with outside space and farm residences 45 Residential with no outside space 45 Lean @ 45 Laan Lean(d) () Since different types of activites for activity interference ma critical activity. ©) Based on lowest level. (© Based only on hearing loss, @ Ant, 60 4B. * Explanation of identified level levels a period of 0 years, as) Of 75 dB may be identified in day is low enough to result in neglig appear to be associated with diffe ry be difficult except in those cir Tent levels, identification of a maximum level ‘cumstances where speech communication is a these situations so long as the ‘exposure over the remaining 16 hour per ble contribution tothe 24-hour average, that is, no greater than an Ly fas per 1S. code Table (c). Acceptable noise levels for residential areas, saiios Faceplable outdoor noise levels in ls] “Acceptable indoor Teel for MT residential areas No. es of bull vation Noise levels Location dB(A) Farad areas 25-35 | 1. | Radioand TV studios guburban areas 30-40 | 2. | Musicrooms ; Urban Residential areas 35-45 2. | Hospitals, class rooms, auditoria Residential and business 40-50 | 4. | Apartments, hotels, homes } urban areas Conference rooms, small offices City areas 45-55 5. | Court rooms, private offices, libraries Industrial areas 50-60 | 6. | Large public offices, banks, stores, etc. 7. {Restaurants The acceptable outdoor noise levels in different types of residential areas, as well as the acceptable indoor noise levels for various types of buildings, as recommended by Indian standard code IS: 4954 — 1968, are given in table c. Inorder' to legally enforce control onnoise levels, the GOI has notified the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Under these Rules, Ambient Air Quality Standards in t of Noise, have been specified in respect of different types of areas uses (such as industrial area, commercial area, residential area and silence zones), as shown in Table (d) ‘Table (d). Ambient air quality standards in. respect of noise. cee Coleg | a Cay Of Aree/coae Limits in dB (A) Leq Day Time Night Time x Industrial Area a = B Commercial Area 6 55 c Residential Area ra A D Silence Zone 50 “0 Note: 1. Day time shall mean from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 2. Night time shall mean from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. 3. Silence zone is an area comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions, courts, religious places or any other area which is declared as such by the competent authority. { Mixed categories of areas may be declared as one ofthe four above mentioned categories by the competent, authority. SOURCES OF NOISE AND THEIR NOISE LEVELS Outdoor noise is usually produced by the following sources: () Trafic including air traffic, road traffic, and sea-shore and inland water traffic ) Industries ) Other miscellaneous activities TRAFFICNOISE Theamount and type of noise produced by traffic is largely dependent upon the type of traffic. ‘Table (e). Noise levels of different sources of traffic. ‘Source of Noise ‘Noise level in dB Air traffic @ Jet aircraft at take off stage at about 300m 100-110 (ii Propeller type aircraft at take off 90-100 stage at about 300m Rail traffic (at about 30 m) aed Heavy road traffic (highway) so-a0 Medium road traffic (main streets) aes Light road traffic (side streets)a Table (). GOI noise standards for different types of vehicles. sae] Type of vehicles ‘Noise evel mn aB 1] Two wheelers a 2 | Cars 2 3 | Passenger or commercial vehicles (upto 4 MT (Tonnes) 85 (i) between 4 MT to 12MT 2 (ii) More than 12 MT eu INDUSTRIAL NOISE, Another very important method for abating noise effects Noise isthe essential by-product of industry; its intensity and nature being dependent upon the type of the industry. Industrial noises are usually produced by rotating, reciprocating or any other types of machinery, orby high pressure high velocity gases, liquids or vapour involved in the industrial processes, The usual noise level of the industries is of the order of 60 to 95 decibels. Noise produced by other sources. Several other human activities, such as blarring of loud- speakers and sirens, shouting of hawkers, playing of children, general life and activity, ringing of temple and. church bells, etc. do produce noises of different levels, tones and spectra. NOISE ABATEMENT AND CONTROL Exposure of mankind to the day by day increasing noise. Nuisance must be reduced and abated, if its adverse effects on human health are to be controlled. The society must therefore be protected from the harmful effects of noise by devising and implementing ways and means for the abatement of noises. ‘There are certain noises which can be kept under control by legal laws and ordinances, and there are others which have to be damped and attenuated by the use of good technology and town planning, For example, the noises produced by motor vehicles can be controlled to some extent by proper maintenance of vehicles, which can be ensured only by prescribing maximum permissible noise levels for different types of automobiles, through Motor Vehicles Act. Similarly, Industrial noises, can be brought under the control of Factories Act by specifying maximum permissible noise levels and other checks. Similarly, public blarring of loud-speakers and playing of radio sets at loud levels can be prevented by general legal laws of public nuisance or laws specifically made for noise pollution. Yet however, there exist several other noises which have become part and parcel of our modern life. Alll such noises are to be reduced by better design technology to be used in the modern day gadgets like fans, air-conditioners, washing machines, refrigeratiors, mixers and grinders, etc. ‘on mankind is to use proper town planning techniques, and thus, to ensure construction of houses and offices away from the major sources of noise. Proper segregation, zoning and separation of residential complexes from the commercial and industrial ones, by means of physical barriers, roads, railway lines, parks or green belts, do constitute an important aspect of such good town-planning. The noises produced by automobiles and trains, being the biggest noise nuisance in a modern city life, canbe abated by construction of walls on both sides of roads and railway lines. Raising of such obstructions and barriers in between the noise sources (automobiles) and residences, may considerably reduce the noise levels reaching the residences. Attenuation of up to 15 decibels is possible in this manner. When D2 Rand R >> H, the noise reduction may also be calculated by the equation: (3 Hw } Noise reduction (dB) = 10 log,.| —aR~ where, H = height of the barrier wall. 2. = wavelength of sound. D = distance between barrier and the receiving point. Raising of thick and high vegetation and tree growing along sides of roads and railway lines, offers offer cheaper barriers to cause such noise reductions. Locating the noisy sources on the downwind side of the residences, may be another important consideration in good town planning, because noise will then travel farther in the downwind direction away from the residences. Noise levels in residential buildings can be reduced tosome extent by offsetting the building from the main or street roads by a suitable distance. The farther is this distance, the better will be the attenuation, because the intensity of noise gets teduced with increase in distance.