NOISE P O LLU T I ON

Most of us are very used to the sounds we hear in everyday life. Loud music, the
television, people talking on their phone, the traffic and even pets barking in the
middle of the night. All of these have become a part of the urban culture and
rarely disturb us. However, when the sound of the television keeps you from
sleeping all night or the traffic starts to give you a headache, it stops becoming
just noise and start turning into noise pollution. For many of us, the concept of 
pollution is limited to nature and resources. However, noise that tends to disrupt
the natural rhythm of life makes for one solid pollutant.

By definition, noise pollution takes place when there is either excessive

amount of noise or an unpleasant sound that causes temporary disruption in
the natural balance. This definition is usually applicable to sounds or noises
that are unnatural in either their volume or their production. Our environment is
such that it has become difficult to escape noise. Even electrical appliances at
home have a constant hum or beeping sound. By and large, lack of urban
planning increases the exposure to unwanted sounds. This is why
understanding noise pollution is necessary to curb it in time.
A noise problem starts with a noise source such as a stream of traffic on a
highway. The noise is transmitted through a path and then arrives at the receiver.
The noise will be perceived as a problem when the noise is so high as to be a
nuisance to the receiver. The severity of the problem depends on the strength of
the noise source (such as heavy or light traffic) or the length of the path, that is,
how large is the separation between the noise source and the receiver.
1. Noise PollutionNoise Pollution
2. DefinitionDefinitionNoise pollution can be defined as “ unwanted, unpleasant sound that
causes discomfort for all living beings” Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with
normal activities, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life.
3. Decibel (dB)Decibel (dB) The unit used to measure the intensity of a sound On the decibel
scale, the smallest audible sound is 0dB Normal conversation sound ranges from 35 to 60dB.
4. NoiseNoise Distance affects the intensity of sound If you are far away, the power is greatly
diminished Any sound above 85 dB can cause hearing loss! The loss is related to the intensity
and length of exposure
5. Common Sounds and theirCommon Sounds and their decibel ratings:decibel ratings: Near
total silence - 0 dB Normal Conversation - 60 dB A lawnmower - 90 dB A rock concert or a jet
engine - 120 dB A gunshot or firecracker - 140 dB
6. Sources of NoiseSources of Noise • Industrial
7. Industrial NoiseIndustrial Noise • Caused by different machines of numerous
factories, industries and mills • It causes particularly from mechanical saws and
pneumatic drill. • In Chennai 20% of industrial workers are affected by Hearing
problem • Example: In steel industry, workers near the heavy industrial blowers are
exposed to 112dB for 8 hours
8. Transport NoiseTransport Noise • Transportation systems are the main source of
noise pollution in urban areas. • It includes Road traffic, Rail traffic, Aircraft noise. •
In metropolitan cities- 90dB
9. Neighborhood NoiseNeighborhood Noise • It includes disturbance from
household gadgets and community. • TV,VCR, Radio, Telephones, Loudspeakers etc.,
10. Health EffectsHealth Effects Noise pollution adversely affects the lives of
millions of people. Studies have shown that there are direct links between noise
and health.
10. Health EffectsHealth Effects Noise pollution adversely affects the lives of millions of
people. Studies have shown that there are direct links between noise and health.
11. Health EffectsHealth Effects • Contraction of Blood Vessels. • Excessive secretion of
adrenalin hormone- High BP. • Blaring sounds causes mental distress and heart attacks,
neurological problems, birth defects. • Impairment of hearing.
12. Noise-Related IllnessesNoise-Related Illnesses High blood pressure Speech
interference Sleep Disruption Insomnia Depression Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
13. Control MeasuresControl Measures 1.Source control Source modifications such as
acoustic treatment to machine surface, design changes, limit the operational timings.
Roadway noise can be reduced through the use of noise barriers, speed limits, and traffic
control technology Aircraft noise can be reduced by: quieter jet engines, and rescheduling
take off and landing times
14. Control MeasuresControl Measures 2.Transmission path intervention Industrial noise
can be reduced by installing noise barriers in the workplace Residential noise (power
tools, loud radios) can be controlled though local laws and enforcement.
15. Control MeasuresControl Measures • Planting bushes and trees in and around sound
generating sources is an effective solution for noise pollution. • Regular servicing and
tuning of automobiles can effectively reduce the noise pollution. • Buildings can be
designed with suitable noise absorbing material for the walls, windows, and ceilings. •
Workers should be provided with equipments such as ear plugs and earmuffs for hearing
protection.
16. Control measuresControl measures • Similar to automobiles, lubrication of the
machinery and servicing should be done to minimize noise generation. • Soundproof doors
and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise from outside. • Regulations should
15. Control MeasuresControl Measures • Planting bushes and trees in and around
sound generating sources is an effective solution for noise pollution. • Regular
servicing and tuning of automobiles can effectively reduce the noise pollution. •
Buildings can be designed with suitable noise absorbing material for the walls,
windows, and ceilings. • Workers should be provided with equipments such as ear
plugs and earmuffs for hearing protection.
16. Control measuresControl measures • Similar to automobiles, lubrication of the
machinery and servicing should be done to minimize noise generation. • Soundproof
doors and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise from outside. •
Regulations should be imposed to restrict the usage of play loudspeakers in crowded
areas and public places
THANK YOU