[Biology Class Notes] on Effects of Noise Pollution Pdf

Pollution is defined as the introduction of impurities into a natural environment, which hampers its quality. Depending on the nature of the contaminants and the environment where they are introduced, one can categorize Pollution accordingly. 

 

In this article, you will become familiar with the fundamental causes and effects of Noise Pollution and will also find out about effective preventive measures in brief.

 

With that being said, let’s proceed to find out more about the impact of Noise Pollution.

 

What is Noise Pollution?

It is defined as the unwarranted and excessive sounds in the environment which tend to interrupt the normal flow of activities. Needless to say, they have an unpleasant impact on the environment and its habitants. 

 

It is noteworthy that the permissible Noise limit in residential areas is around 55dB during the day hours while 45 dB for the night hours. Anything beyond the allowable limit is considered Noise Pollution.

 Test Your Knowledge 1: What is Noise?

1. A source of stress 

2. Unwarranted sound 

3. An irritant 

4. All of these. 

Test Your Knowledge 2: _____ is used to measure the intensity of sound.

1. Frequency meter 

2. Sound level meter 

3. Both A and B 

4. Neither A nor B. 

 

What are the Causes of Noise Pollution?

The following are some of the prominent causes of Noise Pollution – 

1. Industrialization.

2. Poor and inadequate urban planning.

3. Transportation.

4. Social events.

5. Construction activities.

Test Your Knowledge: Sound is measured in:

1. ppm 

2. Decibel 

3. Hertz 

4. None of these.

On that note, let’s quickly check out the consequences of Noise Pollution and find out ways to prevent them.

 

What are the Effects of Noise Pollution?

The harmful effects of Noise Pollution are not just limited to human beings; it can also have an impact on animals and the environment on the whole.

 

These pointers highlight the major effects of sound pollution. 

1. Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Here’s how sound Pollution impacts human beings –

1. Increases stress.

2. Causes irritability.

3. Soars blood pressure. 

4. Affects the sleep cycle.

5. This leads to hearing impairment.

6. Damages cognitive functions.

The image below shows a pictorial representation of how Noise Pollution affects humans.

 

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2. Effects of Noise Pollution on Animals

These are some common impacts of sound Pollution on animals –

1. Hampers their prey-predator behavior and increases their risk of death.

2. Hampers their ability to navigate.

3. Damages their hearing ability.

4. Hampers their reproductive ability.

5. Lead to unusual changes in behavior. 

DIY: Find out the other effects of Noise Pollution on the environment and add them to the list above. 

 

Measures to Control Noise Pollution

Following are some of the most effective measures of controlling Noise Pollution.

1. Usage of earplugs, Noise proof helmets, headphones, ear-muffs in a noisy workspace to limit occupational exposure.

2. Installation of noisy equipment in soundproof rooms.

3. Using machines and equipment that emit less sound or using silencers to control Noise at the source.

4. Implementing silence zone protocols near hospitals, educational institutions and residential areas.

5. Insulating sound at construction units.

6. Planting shrubs and trees to buffer Noise.

7. Adopting stringent policies to curb Noise Pollution.  

Find out more about what Noise Pollution is and its effects by enrolling for our live online classes. Also, by accessing our study solutions and chapter-wise notes, you will be able to strengthen your knowledge about other topics quite effectively.