Sound is essential to our daily lives, but NOISE is not.
Noise is generally unwanted sound, or sound which produces unpleasant effects and discomfort on the ears, e.g. vehicle horns, loudspeakers etc.
NOISE POLLUTION AFFECTS BOTH HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR. Noise pollution can cause hypertension, cardiovascular issues, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing problems, trouble communicating, sleeping disorder, and other harmful effects. Sadly noise also has a huge effect on pets – making them fearful and or more aggressive in households where there is constant noise.
1. Industrialization - big machines, compressors, generators, exhaust fans, grinding mills etc.
2. Poor Urban Planning – Leads to congested houses, large family’s sharing small spaces which lead to frequent fights over basic amenities, parking etc. – this noise pollution disrupts the environment and society.
3. Social Events: Noise is at its peak in most of the social events e.g. marriages, parties, pub, disc or place of worship.
4. Transportation: Large numbers of vehicles on roads, aero planes/helicopters flying over houses, underground trains, all produce heavy noise.
5. Construction Activities - mining, construction of bridges, dams, buildings, stations, roads etc. takes place in almost every part of the world on an on going basis - too noisy.
6. Household- household gadgets such as mixers, grinders, pressure cooker, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, music sound systems, TV’s etc.
7. Household animal – constant barking.
EFFECTS OF NOISE ON WILDLIFE
Wildlife populations around the globe continue to diminish in size, due to the impacts of human encroachment and environmental pollution. Human-induced noise pollution is one of many factors contributing to the depletion of wildlife populations.
- Hearing loss, due to high noise levels
- loss of habitat and territory
- loss of food supply
- behavioural changes in mating predation and migration
- changes in interspecies relationships
- masking, which is the inability to hear important environmental cues and animal signals
- increased heart rate and respiration and general stress reaction
- Altered predator-prey balance, increased competition for food and shelter
Sources:
http://www.naturesounds.org/conservENW.html
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php
