Day 74 – Q 1. What is noise? What are different grades of noise pollution? What measures can be taken to control that?
1. What is noise? What are different grades of noise pollution? What measures can be taken to control that?
Introduction
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Sound which pleases the listeners is music and that which causes pain and annoyance is noise. At times what is music for some can be noise for others. Excessive noise in the ambient atmosphere causes fatigue, sleeplessness, hearing disorder, hypertension, etc.
Grades of ambient noise pollution are as following according to noise pollution control and regulations Rules 2000;
- Industrial areas 70-75 dB
- Commercial areas 55-65 dB
- Residential areas 45-55 dB
- Silence zone 40-50 dB
- Indoor limit <30 dB According to WHO
Noise greater than 75 dB over a long exposure can cause hearing damage.
Control of noise pollution
At source
- Strict imposition of noise limit over loudspeakers and automobiles.
- Design equipment to reduce vibration.
- Regular maintenance of machines and automobiles.
- Restrictions on burning firecrackers and honking in silent areas.
In transmission
- Construction of green mufflers by planting trees
- Construction of physical concrete barrier.
At receiver
- Proper use of noise control equipment such as earplug, noise cancelling headphones etc.
- Job rotation so as to reduce exposure time in noisy industrial places.
- One of the best examples of noise pollution control is the concept of silent airport at IGI airport New Delhi wherein information is dissiminated through SMS rather than announcing over loudspeakers, similar initiative can be made at other public places.
Conclusion
It is hence necessary to control the nuisance of noise pollution to reduce negative health impact on people especially in cities so as to ensure a peaceful standard of living for the citizens and to ensure a happy and prosperous life.
Best Answer: Point_Nemo
