ZOOLOGY : NOISE POLLUTION

Noise pollution is defined as the unwanted sound dumped into the

atmosphere that leads to health hazards.

MEASUREMENT OF SOUND
The common scientific acoustic unit is the Decibel.
1 Decibel = 10log10  [INTENSITY MEASURED / REFERENCE INTESITY]

SOURCES OF SOUND
1/ TRANSPORT : Transport noises include road traffic noise : It is
generated by the vehicles playing on the road .  Traffic noise is created by
continuous running of vehicles and produces disturbance to more people
than any other noise source. Vehicles noises are generated through engine
; horn ; body parts of the transport ; engine and fiction of tyres on road.
2/ AIRCRAFT NOISE : Aircraft noise varies from road traffic noise in the
sense that it is not continuous but intermitted . Over the last decade there
has been increased nuisance of noise from the subsonic aircrafts for
several reasons. There are peak noise levels when aircrafts are flying over
head or taking off and landing at airports.
3/ RAIL TRAFFIC NOISE : Noise from trains is not a serious nuisance
compared to the previous types of traffic noises. The probable reason
being that the rail noise is generally of lower frequency than that of road
vehicles and also not most railway track runs vehicles through rural areas.
However, buildings located besides railway tracks and where engine
testing and shunting is carried out, are exposed to noise menace . The
introduction of diesel and all-electric locomotives have somewhat reduced
rail traffic noise.
4/ OTHER TRANSPORTS : Noise emitted from other transports such as
ship, bullock-cart, rickshaw, and cycle bell etc. and not significant .
However, houses situated near the dock area and shipping yard may be
affected by noise.
5/ INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS : Industrial noise are the various types
of noise emitted from the working of machineries in industries. The nature
of noise is complex and varies with the : (a) Design , (b) Direction of
movement of working parts . and (c) The method of mounting of
machineries . Noise from machinery are often produced three stages : (a)
Initial disturbance at the point of origin of the sound , (b) Amplification ,
often caused by the resonance of the machine parts of the workpiece on
the floor , and (c) Radiation of the sound to the surrounding environment.

OTHER SOURCES OF NOISE

1/ LOUD-SPEAKERS : For every occasion, whether it is religious or other
public or private purposes, the use of loud-speakers is a common practice .
Blaring loud-speakers during festivals , melas , election etc. produce noise
ranging from 55dB to 90 dB , ignoring the orders of the courts.
2/ CONSTRUCTION WORKS : Noise produced during construction of
roads , bridges , residential and commercial complexes etc. had been very
disturbing for the general public.
3/ CROWDED MARKETS : Crowded markets in various cities have
become a source of noise pollution. Chattering , bargaining by buyers and
peddlers , stopping and starting of vehicles etc. create a lot of noise.
4/ THEATERS, CIRCUS AND CARNIVALS : Various amusement places
like theater , circus , carnival , dance hall , discotheque etc. are all sources
of noise pollution to the neighbourhood.
5/ ATOMIC EXPLOSION : Lot of noise is emitted from the site of
experimental atomic explosion but these sites are situated in deserted
areas.
6/ RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS AND RITUALS : Various religious festivals
such as Deepawali , Durga puja , Ganeshotsav etc. involve a lot of noise.
Noises from various religious rituals like Yajna , Kirtan , Koran path ,
Akahandapath , Gurubani , Azan , Navaratri etc. are sometimes loud and
unbearable.
The noise generated form bursting of crackers during Deepawali and other
celebrations are often deafening and may cause heath problems.

EFFECT OF NOISE POLLUTION

The effect of noise pollution are numerous . All the hazardous effects of
noise pollution are :
A. HEARING DAMAGE FROM NOISE EXPOSURE : Undoubtedly
noise can damage the ear and cause temporary or permanent noise
induced hearing loss , depending upon the intensity and duration of the
sound level. Continuous period of high intensity noise level of  >90 dB in
the mid-high frequency range for more than a few minutes , then the
auditory sensitivity is reduced - an effect called the TEMPORARY
THRESHOLD SHIFT.
Other than progressive hearing loss there may be instantaneous damage
or "acoustic trauma" . It is generally caused due to very high intensity ,
impulse type noise, that can result from sudden excessive noise of about
150 dB or more like in case of an explosion.
B. PATHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS :
Pathological effects from particular noise frequencies are :
1. High frequency or ultrasonic sound above the normal audible range
can affect the semicircular canals of the inner ear and cause nausea or
dizziness.
2. Mid-frequency noises are known to cause resonance in skull and so
affect the brain and nervous system with consequent effects upon
thinking and coordination of the limbs.
C. EFFECT ON WILDLIFE : Effects of noise pollution on migratory birds
is exemplified by the decline in number of migratory birds to habitats
which have become noisy. Zoo animals are reported to be affected from
traffic noise and they subsequently become dull, inactive and show other
health deterioration.
D. EFFECT ON NON-LIVING THINGS : High intensity noises result in
breaking of window pane, loosening of wall plaster , cracks on walls and
other effects.
 CONTROL OF NOISE POLLUTION
(1) CONTROL OF NOISE GENERATION AT THE SOURCE : A
number of measures has been taken up to reduce noise generation at
source . They are :
1. Modification of car engines and should be properly lubricated.
2. Modification of aircraft machines.
3. Introducing less noisy machines in place of more noisy ones.
4. Banning the use of air horns.
5. Proper lubrication of wheels , designing and fabrication silencing
devices and their use in various appliances
(2) SETTING UP OF STATUTORY LEGAL BODIES FOR
MONITORING NOISE PROBLEMS : Statutory legal bodies for
monitoring noise problems should be set up in major cities ; silent zones
should be set up; prohibition of entry of heavy vehicles in some central
areas to be maintained.
(3) CONTROL OF TRAFFIC FLOW : Noise pollution can be controlled
through proper traffic flow, control of traffic speed through speed breaker,
banning of silencer-less vehicles , prohibiting the use of old and mutilated
vehicles etc. Many of these are considered to be adopted on emergency
basis in all major Indian cities.
(4) CREATION OF VEGETATION BUFFER ZONES : It has been
noticed that roadside planting of noise-absorbing foliage , like Ashok ,
Banyan , Neem , Casuarina , Tamarind , Coconut etc. can absorb sound of
at-least 6-10 dB.
(5) PROTECTION OF EXPOSED PERSONS : Workers exposed to noise
pollution of  > 85 dB in factories , airports etc. should use devices such as
ear plugs and ear muffs to reduce noise pollutions hazards. The general
public should always try to avoid such noisy areas.
(6) EDUCATION AND AWARENESS : People must be educated
through books, newspapers , articles , radio , TV , popular lectures etc.
about the health hazards of noise pollution.