Noise

Noise is the unwanted sound dumped in the atmosphere. It has damaging psychological and physiological effects. It has now been admitted that the sound produced by several industrial machines, aeroplanes, motor-vehicles etc. when continued for longer duration at a high frequency may damage permanently the hearing capacity.

Sound is described in terms of be measured in decibels (dB). We hear ordinary conversation at 50 decibels. A prolonged noise at 95 dB produces deafness nervous tension and rise in blood pressure.

Loudness of sound generated by different sources

Effect of Noise Pollution: Noise pollution interferes with communication, causes loss of hearing, disturbs mental peace and affects health and even behaviours. Noise also cause mental stress, increase in the rate of heart beat and some time damages eyesight, brain & liver functioning, anxiety and in some cases fright.

Noise Pollution – Indian response

With a view to regulate and control noise producing and generating sources, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, for prevention and control of noise pollution in the country.

The Notification seeks to control noise in public places from various sources such as industrial activity, construction activity, generator sets, loud speakers, public address systems, music systems, vehicular horns and other mechanical devices in order to avoid any adverse effects on human health including physical and psychological impacts.