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Help Save Nature

Help Save Nature

7 Corrective Solutions That’ll Help Combat Noise Pollution

Mitigation measures for noise pollution begin from self-awareness and the tasks each individual can perform. They aim in containing, absorbing, and canceling the sources of unwanted noise. HelpSaveNature takes a look at such remedies that have been implemented.

Noise Pollution Solutions

According to the Environmental Protection Agency of United States, approximately 5 million children suffer from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

Noise pollution in simple terms can be defined as the generation of more-than-tolerable and displeasing sound in the environment affecting its components. Among the various sources of this type of pollution, automobiles, aircraft and other transport systems contribute the maximum sound production. Other noise pollution causes include industrial machinery, office equipment, vehicular horns, car alarms, sirens, bursting of firecrackers, and audio speakers.

Excess noise has a major impact on humans and animals, affecting them in their behavioral and physiological health. Living in a noisy neighborhood or visiting discotheques frequently leads to stress, restlessness, sleep disorders, and hearing loss in humans. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise exacerbates hypertension and cardiovascular symptoms. Considering these noise pollution effects on human health, it is high time that we should enforce noise pollution solutions.

Remedial Measures for Noise Pollution

Unlike the other types of environmental problems such as air and water pollution, noise or sound is transient or short-lived. Compared to other pollutions, reduction and control of pollution cause due to noise is considered subjective and tough to monitor. Nonetheless, it is still an achievable target. The following is a list of various ways that will help you combat this form of pollution.

Analysis of Domestic Sound Levels

In order to put a check on the decibels, one should start by monitoring the noise levels at one’s house. Usage of equipment that we use on daily basis such as washing machines, mixers and grinders, vacuum cleaner, radio, television and the like can be operated on a minimal level, thereby cutting down on disruptive sound generation.

Automobile Servicing

As mentioned already, automobiles account to the highest production of noise. Regular servicing of the vehicles is an effectual measure to lower the intensity of sound produced by them. If the silencers of vehicles are maintained at regular intervals, the amount of production of noise reduces at a faster rate.

Machine-Quality Maintenance

Similar to vehicles, the quality of machines should be optimized, so as to reduce sound production. Sound reaches an alarming and potentially threatening stage beyond 80 decibels. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 30 million Americans are exposed to noise pollution at workplaces. Lubrication of the machinery and servicing should be done to minimize noise generation. This also helps in improving the shelf life of the machine. Production of hybrid and electric cars can also aid in lowering the noise levels.

Soundproofing Buildings and Houses

Soundproof doors and windows can be installed to block unwanted noise from outside. The design of your house or building can be incorporated with noise absorbing materials available in the market. These soundproofing options are of utmost importance for complete relaxation, especially if you are staying in a crowded city area.

Sound masking, an exact opposite implementation of soundproofing, helps ‘mask’ the already existing noise by using the method of active addition of noise. This active addition overlaps or masks the troublesome surrounding noise and thus results in a peaceful environment. Various apartments, offices, restaurants, and hotels have implemented this technique using devices such as the white noise machine , to drown out the disturbing noise levels in the surrounding areas.

Tree Plantation

Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is another effective solution for noise pollution. Dense shrubs and trees block sound passage, thus avoiding disturbance to the surrounding areas. This greenbelt development is among one of the statutory ordinances that have to be followed by industries wherein they have to develop a green cover that is 4 times the amount of pollution generated, which includes excessive noise.

Prohibition of Loudspeakers

Using loudspeaker in public areas is another major cause of noise pollution. This should be banned at any cost for the welfare of the people. Strict laws should be imposed against those who violate and play loudspeakers in crowded areas and public places.

Factory Location

Industries, especially the ones involving manufacturing of products that generate a large amount of sound generation, should be set up in the outskirts of a city and away from its permissible sound limits. Installation of sound detectors and buffers will help in analyzing the sound frequencies on a regular basis.

Along with the aforementioned measures, the government or the city council have implemented certain measures in terms of long term planning and development of the city. Thus it is our responsibility to abide by the enforced rules and regulations which will aid in bringing down the pollution levels to a large extent.

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7 Ways on How To Reduce Noise Pollution Effectively in Your City

Air pollution is one of the major health and environmental concerns in cities. However, another concern that’s plaguing cities is the invisible threat called noise pollution. Although it sounds harmless, the European Environment Agency says that long-term exposure to noise pollution can cause 12,000 premature deaths and 48,000 new cases of ischemic heart disease annually in Europe alone.

What is noise pollution?

Noise pollution is excessive amounts of noise from a wide range of sources in cities. These include aircraft, trains, automobiles, motorcycles, construction equipment, home appliances , loud music, nightlife, and even barking dogs. Transport, machines, and propagation systems are the main causes of outdoor noise globally.

When exposed to noise pollution for long periods, people could experience damaged eardrums, loss of hearing, increased blood pressure, headache, sleep disturbance, and fatigue. Noise pollution can also make pets and animals more aggressive. 

Other studies also showed that noise pollution can cause negative effects on a person’s cardiovascular system and metabolism, reduced cognitive performance in children, and severe annoyance and sleep disturbance. Some of the world’s noisiest cities include Mumbai, Cairo, New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

How to reduce noise pollution in cities

1. ride electric vehicles.

One of the ways on how to reduce noise pollution on roads is using electric vehicles, such as electric cars , electric scooters, and electric buses. These vehicles do not contain an engine, which makes them a quiet alternative to traditional vehicles. 

Besides this, electric vehicles don’t need to use fuel, so it doesn’t emit any harmful gases into the atmosphere. These are not only noise-free vehicles but also eco-friendly and sustainable ways to travel .

Invest in electric cars, use electric scooters for commuting, or support and push for electric buses in your city. This will reduce noise pollution and promote sustainable mobility in cities .

2. Lubricate machines frequently

Whether it’s a car, scooter or construction machine, lubricating machine parts will not only maintain the machine but also reduce the noise from its moving parts. After all, lubricants prevent the moving parts from rubbing against each other, creating noise, and breaking down.

This is especially helpful for construction work since it creates one of the loudest noises in cities. Equipment operators should frequently inspect their machinery and lubricate them regularly or as needed. 

3. Replace old vehicles

One significant source of noise pollution in cities are old vehicles. Because of the old engine and moving parts, it creates more noise than new vehicles. Lubricants may somehow lessen the noise, but ultimately, it is already the engine itself that causes the noise. Sometimes, old vehicles can even create deafening sounds. Replacing old vehicles with new ones will lessen noise pollution and lower soot emissions in cities.

4. Turn off electrical appliances

When appliances and electrical items are not in use, they still produce that can be barely audible or quite high-pitched. Moreover, game systems, televisions, and computers can contribute to noise pollution when played in a high volume setting.

To reduce noise pollution at home and avoid contributing to the overall noise, turn off and unplug appliances when not in use, and keep sounds and music at moderate volume. Doing this regularly will also help you reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill, which is a win-win for all.

5. Create a “no horn zone”

When you think of cities, the sound that immediately comes to your head is loud horns from cars and trucks. After all, horns from these vehicles are one of the major contributors to noise pollution in cities. 

Residents should urge cities or municipalities to implement “no horn zones” to prevent drivers from honking their vehicles, especially for no reason. These zones can be placed within or near schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

As a driver, it is also your responsibility to reduce this noise pollution by using vehicle horns accordingly. This way, there’s less stress on the road and less disturbance within homes and establishments.

6. Plant trees

Living in cities means that there’s less flora in the area. Planting more trees , plants, or bushes on your property can help reduce noise levels in cities. Vegetation does this through sound attenuation, a phenomenon that reduces sound intensity. 

Parts of trees and plants absorb and deflect sound energy, reducing noise from transportation, machines, and more. Moreover, rustling leaves, creaking stems, and the sounds of birds and wildlife all help mask noise pollution.

If you live in an apartment, growing plants in pots on the balcony or indoors can also help reduce noise pollution. Having more plants and trees is also a great way to clean the air in cities.

7. Be a good neighbour

Finally, it’s everyone’s responsibility to be mindful of their surroundings. Make sure not to disturb neighbours with loud parties and barking dogs, among others. Moreover, keep your doors shut or soundproof your home if you really need to amp up the volume on your radio or TV. Being mindful of each other will be an easy and practical way to reduce noise pollution. 

Living a peaceful city life

Although the hustle and bustle make cities what they are, people don’t need to live in a noisy environment all the time. Moreover, notice how lessening noise can also help reduce energy consumption and air pollution . Reducing noise pollution will not only affect people but also the environment.

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how to solve noise pollution problems

how to solve noise pollution problems

How to Solve Noise Pollution

How to Solve Noise Pollution

People pay attention to other types of pollutions — like the notable effects of air and environmental pollution — but the dangers associated with noise pollution are often overlooked. The effects of noise pollution can be quite harmful, and it’s important to consider ways to reduce these effects. Here, we’ll outline important noise pollution facts, as well as some ideas on how you can control noise pollution in your environment.

What Is Noise Pollution?

Life is inevitably noisy. Listening to the sounds of birds chirping and pleasant chatter makes life more enjoyable — but unwanted and intrusive sounds have the opposite effect. Noise pollution is an excess of unpleasant sounds. They interfere with daily functioning, such as sleeping, conversing or the ability to concentrate on hobbies or work.

Unfortunately, some of these sounds are unavoidable, especially for those living in an urban environment. But, there are ways you can limit the effects of noise pollution and take back control of your daily routine.

What Are Some Common Causes of Noise Pollution?

One person’s desirable sound can be another person’s noise. For example, your neighbor may feel like a rockstar as he bangs his drumsticks on his drumset, but his less-than-palatable music only serves as a disruption to your movie night or studying.

Other common causes of noise pollution include:

traffic

Basically, if a noise interferes with your daily routine, it’s considered noise pollution.

How Do These Noise Pollutants Affect You?

Noise pollution has many detrimental effects. Prolonged exposure to noise pollutants can cause:

Noise pollutants also impact wildlife and the environment. As an example, whales use sound to communicate and find food. Submarines, which use SONAR, jeopardize whales’ survival by interfering with their use of sound and potentially leading to physical injuries or death.

Many people don’t realize the effects noise pollution has on them. Today, listen carefully to your surroundings and take note of any noises you hear that interrupt your routine. You may be surprised at how many interruptions you recognize once you’re aware of these effects.

How Can We Solve Noise Pollution?

At Soundproof Cow, our sound technicians supply a herd of DIY-soundproofing materials you can use to reduce noise pollution.

The goal of soundproofing is not to eliminate sound completely. Rather, its goal is to either eliminate, absorb or redirect sound waves for optimal audible sound. By putting up soundproofing equipment in your environment, you may find it easier to think, hear and communicate — even if there’s a lot of loud noise happening outside or upstairs.

Consider these soundproofing tools when eliminating noise pollution in your work or home:

1. Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation

If you’ve ever installed traditional insulation, you know how frustrating it can be to work with. Consider an upgrade from traditional insulations to our  Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation . This soundproofing insulation is made of 80% recycled, high-density cotton. We also leave out harmful chemicals, unlike other soundproofing insulation alternatives. The Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation is so natural, you can install it with your bare hands!

Our soundproof insulation is suited for residential and commercial interior and exterior walls, floors, ceilings and attic spaces. You can install it to block out any exterior noises or traveling interior sounds. Installation is easy, requiring only a utility knife, straight edge, tape measure and a marker. For more information, check out our  Quiet Batt™ installation instructions .

2. Acoustic Panels

A powerful complement to the Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation is our  sound-absorbing acoustic panels .

Sound waves travel every which way around your room. Think of what would happen if you threw a bouncy ball full-force at a wall in an empty room. It would bounce off other walls, floors and even the ceiling. Sound waves travel in a similar way, stopping when they lose force or if something stops them.

Place acoustic panels on the walls strategically to help absorb extraneous sound waves to limit the amount of noise pollution in a room. We have three acoustic panel options:

Each panel is designed to match the unique aesthetics of your room, so you don’t have to sacrifice functionality with appearance. And installation is easy! Each panel can be custom-made to your room’s specifications. Once it arrives at your doorstep, all you have to do is hang it up appropriately, and you’re done.

3. Udderly Quiet™ Acoustic Cloud

Accompanying our family of fabric wrapped acoustic panels is our newest addition, the  Udderly Quiet™ Acoustic Cloud . Ceilings are major culprits of  airborne and impact noises . The difference between the two is:

Our Udderly Quiet™ Acoustic Cloud hangs from your ceiling to absorb both of these sounds. And, like acoustic panels, the Acoustic Cloud is easy to install and is custom-made for your room.

4. Door Sweeps and Seals

Doors are major culprits for sound pollution in residential and commercial settings. Sound waves bounce around in their hollow cores, amplifying any sound and easily transferring it into a room. Doors also have an open perimeter in the space between the door and the doorframe where sound waves sneak through. To solve these problems, we created an easy solution — our  Soundproof Cow door sweeps and seals .

Application is easy, and everything you need comes in our convenient  Quiet Door Soundproofing Kit .

Browse Soundproof Cow for More DIY-Soundproofing Tools and Tips

At Soundproof Cow, our Account Managers have spent the past 23 years studying the art of soundproofing. Our focus is on our customers. We want to offer you DIY-soundproofing equipment and unparalleled customer service aimed at improving your quality of life without the hassle associated with other soundproofing alternatives.

If you’re looking for other methods and tips to reduce noise pollution in your home or work environment, browse our website.  Fill out our online questionnaire , and our soundproof technicians will help you get started. For even faster service, give us a call at  1-866-949-9269 .

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About Kellen Beaver

Soundproof Cow Representative Kellen

Kellen has been a member of the sales team for over a decade. Prior to delving into the soundproofing realm, he was a jack of all trades in the service industry, working both front and back of the house jobs to various degrees. This diversity in experience makes it easy to relate to the needs of a large customer base. He understands noisy environments as well as the importance of aesthetics in a space. Adding something that doesn’t fit the look can be intrusive, so knowing that acoustical needs must fit the interior design is something he’s become very well-versed in. Most of this planning comes from working with both the owner/operators as well as their design team and architects. He has been able to adapt his knowledge in the restaurant industry into projects involving schools, office buildings and large medical facilities when the situation calls for it.

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11 Ways To Prevent Noise Pollution [List]

ways to reduce noise pollution that aren't covering your ears like this guy is

What Is Noise Pollution?

According to the Environmental Prevention Agency, sound becomes noise when the sound becomes annoying. Consequently, people define noise.

The decibel level of a sound is an objective gauge of when sound has become noise, and when noise has become noise pollution.

A normal conversation is about 60 decibels of sound. At 70 decibels, the noise has the potential to harm your hearing if it’s prolonged.

To be pollution, the noise must have a harmful effect on human life. An individual living amidst constant noise pollution has a lesser quality of life – and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease – than someone who does not. It doesn’t just affect adults but children and fetuses too . This is due to the stress that can be caused as well as the potential harm to your sense of hearing.

11 Ways To Prevent Noise Pollution

Aside from potentially causing hearing loss, noise pollution can lead to sleeplessness, loss of productivity in work and play and a loss of relaxation. Clearly, these are potential risks to your health. What can you do to prevent it?

How to Reduce Noise Pollution in Your Neighborhood

How to Reduce Noise Pollution at Home

There is a science to soundproofing and Sun and Sound Window Inserts are the experts. Learn more about the science of soundproofing .

Now That You’re An Expert in the Prevention of Noise Pollution

This is one source of pollution that we can have a great handle on right now today. It’s not a matter of reduce, reuse and recycle to save the environment; it’s a matter of putting the “shhhhh” on. This one is easy to do, and it doesn’t have to be achieved some time in the hereafter that we attain a handle on noise pollution.

Contact Sun and Sound today to learn how you can minimize the sound that leaves your home as well as the sound that comes in. Our window inserts block 95% of high-pitched noise and 75% of low-pitched noise. We use laminated glass window inserts instead of acrylic for even more soundproofing power.

Live a noise-pollution-free life. Reach out to Sun and Sound to reduce noise pollution at home.

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Noise Pollution: what it is, causes, effects and solutions

Noise pollution, noise pollution: how to reduce the impact of an invisible threat.

Atmospheric pollution is not the only type of contamination that is harming living beings on the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is one of the most dangerous environmental threats to health. And according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), noise is responsible for 16,600 premature deaths and more than 72,000 hospitalisations every year in Europe alone.

acustica

Drivers honking the horn, groups of workers drilling the road surface, aircraft flying over us in the sky... Noise, noise and more noise. Cities have become the epicentre of a type of pollution, acoustics, which, although its invisibility and the fact that coronavirus crisis reduced it until almost yearn it, is severely damaging to human beings. So much so that the European Environment Agency estimates that noise is responsible for 72,000 hospital admissions and 16,600 premature deaths every year in Europe alone.

Not only does it hurt humans, it is bad for animals, too. According to the National Park Service (NPS) in the United States, noise pollution has an enormous environmental impact and does serious damage to wildlife. Experts say noise pollution can interfere with breeding cycles and rearing and is even hastening the extinction of some species .

WHAT IS NOISE POLLUTION?

Not all sound is considered noise pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution. To be precise, noise becomes harmful when it exceeds 75 decibels (dB) and is painful above 120 dB. As a consequence, it is recommended noise levels be kept below 65 dB during the day and indicates that restful sleep is impossible with nighttime ambient noise levels in excess of 30 dB.

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how to solve noise pollution problems

CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION

There are many sources of noise pollution, but here are some of the main ones:

 Traffic noise

Traffic noise accounts for most polluting noise in cities. For example, a car horn produces 90 dB and a bus produces 100 dB.

 Air traffic noise

There are fewer aircraft flying over cities than there are cars on the roads, but the impact is greater: a single aircraft produces 130 dB.

 Construction sites

Building and car park construction and road and pavement resurfacing works are very noisy. For example, a pneumatic drill produces 110 dB.

 Catering and night life

Bars, restaurants and terraces that spill outside when the weather is good can produce more than 100 dB. This includes noise from pubs and clubs.

 Animals

Noise made by animals can go unnoticed, but a howling or barking dog, for example, can produce around 60-80 dB.

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EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

As well as damaging our hearing by causing — tinnitus or deafness —, constant loud noise can damage human health in many ways, particularly in the very young and the very old. Here are some of the main ones:

 Physical

Respiratory agitation, racing pulse, high blood pressure, headaches and, in case of extremely loud, constant noise, gastritis, colitis and even heart attacks.

 Psychological

Noise can cause attacks of stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety and hysteria in both humans and animals.

 Sleep and behavioural disorders

Noise above 45 dB stops you from falling asleep or sleeping properly. Remember that according to the World Health Organization it should be no more than 30 dB. Loud noise can have latent effects on our behaviour, causing aggressive behaviour and irritability.

 Memory and concentration

Noise may affect people's ability to focus, which can lead to low performance over time. It is also bad for the memory, making it hard to study.

Interestingly, our ears need more than 16 hours' rest to make up for two hours of exposure to 100 dB.

SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE NOISE POLLUTION

International bodies like the WHO agree that awareness of noise pollution is essential to beat this invisible enemy. For example: avoid very noisy leisure activities, opt for alternatives means of transport such as bicycles or electric vehicles over taking the car, do your housework at recommended times, insulate homes with noise-absorbing materials, etc. Educating the younger generation is also an essential aspect of environmental education .

Governments can also take measures to ensure correct noise management and reduce noise pollution. For example: protecting certain areas — parts of the countryside, areas of natural interest, city parks , etc. — from noise, establishing regulations that include preventive and corrective measures — mandatory separation between residential zones and sources of noise like airports, fines for exceeding noise limits, etc. —, installing noise insulation in new buildings, creating pedestrian areas where traffic is only allowed to enter to offload goods at certain times, replacing traditional asphalt with more efficient options that can reduce traffic noise by up to 3 dB, among others.

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how to solve noise pollution problems

how to solve noise pollution problems

What are the Methods of Reducing Noise Pollution?

What are the methods of reducing noise pollution?

Noise pollution is one of the major environmental problems. It has so many bad effects primarily on human health. To prevent this, dealing with noise pollution has become a major issue for city management. There are certain actions to deal with noise. As Hatko Sound Barrier Company, we compiled these reducing methods for you in this article. These actions are mostly managerial-level solutions, but there is some work for all individuals. So, what are the methods for reducing noise pollution? Here are the details.

The first and most effective method of dealing with noise is using noise barriers. As the Hatko Sound Barrier Company, we are working in this field for many years. So we have lots of experience with noise barriers. The main purpose of noise barriers is to enclose the noise where it is created and keep the harmful effects from the rest of the city. It has been proved that these products reduce the noise level by up to %90. And, of course, noise barriers are effective for not only highways but also for railways and some parts of the airports. This way, none of the vehicles affects the health of the living forms around.

So, noise barriers are the most effective solutions. But there are more than 7 methods to reduce noise. Now we will talk about these methods. They are more like precautions. So here they are.

Methods for Reducing Noise Pollution

Reducing Noise Pollution

Noise pollution mostly happens around certain parts of cities; airports, industrial facilities and factories, highways, railways, and some public areas. So, according to us, these actions we list below are not just for luxury, they are compulsory.

It is possible to diminish the noise to acceptable levels with these precations. At this point, quality becomes an important matter. If the governments will use noise barriers, they should prefer to use top-quality products to get the best results. As Hatko Sound Barrier Company, we recommend our products because we serve the best quality materials. We are the only firm that has 6 different certificates for our products.

Although there are so many regulations about diminishing noise pollution, there are problems with the execution. Sometimes, some major cities give the required importance for noise, but most others don’t. So, the regulations should be held at the country level and governments should give the necessary importance to this problem.

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Noise Pollution

Noise pollution can cause health problems for people and wildlife, both on land and in the sea. From traffic noise to rock concerts, loud or inescapable sounds can cause hearing loss, stress, and high blood pressure. Noise from ships and human activities in the ocean is harmful to whales and dolphins that depend on echolocation to survive.

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Construction Noise Pollution

A man working with a jackhammer in a construction site. Noise pollution becomes and increasingly larger issue in big cities.

Photograph by Construction Photography/Avalon

A man working with a jackhammer in a construction site. Noise pollution becomes and increasingly larger issue in big cities.

Noise pollution is an invisible danger. It cannot be seen, but it is present nonetheless, both on land and under the sea. Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.

Sound is measured in decibels . There are many sounds in the environment, from rustling leaves (20 to 30 decibels ) to a thunderclap (120 decibels ) to the wail of a siren (120 to 140 decibels ). Sounds that reach 85 decibels or higher can harm a person’s ears. Sound sources that exceed this threshold include familiar things, such as power lawn mowers (90 decibels ), subway trains (90 to 115 decibels ), and loud rock concerts (110 to 120 decibels ).

Noise pollution impacts millions of people on a daily basis. The most common health problem it causes is Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. These health problems can affect all age groups, especially children. Many children who live near noisy airports or streets have been found to suffer from stress and other problems, such as impairments in memory, attention level, and reading skill.

Noise pollution also impacts the health and well-being of wildlife. Studies have shown that loud noises can cause caterpillars' dorsal vessels (the insect equivalent of a heart) to beat faster, and cause bluebirds to have fewer chicks. Animals use sound for a variety of reasons, including to navigate, find food, attract mates, and avoid predators. Noise pollution makes it difficult for them to accomplish these tasks, which affects their ability survive.

Increasing noise is not only affecting animals on land, it is also a growing problem for those that live in the ocean. Ships, oil drills, sonar devices, and seismic tests have made the once tranquil marine environment loud and chaotic. Whales and dolphins are particularly impacted by noise pollution . These marine mammals rely on echolocation to communicate, navigate, feed, and find mates, and excess noise interferes with their ability to effectively echolocate.

Some of the loudest underwater noise comes from naval sonar devices. Sonar , like echolocation , works by sending pulses of sound down into the depths of the ocean to bounce off an object and return an echo to the ship, which indicates a location for object. Sonar sounds can be as loud as 235 decibels and travel hundreds of miles under water, interfering with whales’ ability to use echolocation . Research has shown that sonar can cause mass strandings of whales on beaches and alter the feeding behavior of endangered blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ). Environmental groups are urging the U.S. Navy to stop or reduce using sonar for military training.

Seismic surveys also produce loud blasts of sound within the ocean. Ships looking for deep-sea oil or gas deposits tow devices called air guns and shoot pulses of sound down to the ocean floor. The sound blasts can damage the ears of marine animals and cause serious injury. Scientists believe this noise may also be contributing to the altered behavior of whales.

Among those researching the effects of noise pollution is Michel Andre, a bioacoustics researcher in Spain who is recording ocean sounds using instruments called hydrophones . His project, LIDO (Listening to the Deep Ocean Environment), collects data at 22 different locations. Back in the lab, computers identify the sounds of human activities as well as 26 species of whales and dolphins. The analysis aims to determine the effects that underwater noise is having on these animals. Andre hopes his project will find ways to protect marine animals from the dangers of ocean noise.

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Can we fix our ocean noise problem?

Southern resident killer whale off San Juan Island, Washington (Credit: M Malleson/Getty)

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, a great lull fell over North America, above and below the water.

Understandably, fewer people were traveling by air. But ship traffic was also significantly reduced, even as far north as the Bay of Fundy in Canada. As a result, underwater noise in the bay dropped by an incredible six decibels , and sounds at pitches below 150 hz were significantly reduced.

The area is frequented by North Atlantic right whales, so scientists at Duke University decided to see if the quieter waters had any impact on the giant mammals. Sure enough, after analysing their feacal matter for stress hormones , they found the lower human-caused ocean noise was leading to lower stress levels.

Marine animals like whales use sound to do everything from communicate and travel to look for food and find safe environments. "Sound travels faster and further in water than in air, and marine animals take advantage of it," says Lucille Chapuis, a sensory ecologist at the University of Exeter.

Over the past 50 years, increased shipping has contributed to a 30-fold increase in the low-frequency noise present along major shipping routes – Lucille Chapuis

But this also means that when there's a near-constant hum of underwater noise pollution from things like boat traffic, it can severely impact their way of life. "Over the past 50 years, increased shipping has contributed to a 30-fold increase in the low-frequency noise present along major shipping routes," says Chapuis.

Imagine your upstairs neighbour was having work done on their apartment and you had an important work presentation to give over a video call. You'd find it quite difficult to hear and communicate with your colleagues and do a proper job. That's what marine animals who live or migrate near anthropogenic noise endure most of the time.

For decades now, scientists around the world have been studying just how impactful this noise can be on marine animals. Now, they are beginning to identify the measures that, if widely adopted, could save many species from the impacts of this overlooked form of pollution.

A resonant problem

Anthropogenic ocean noise comes from a huge variety of sources, from military sonar and aircraft landings, to the construction of offshore wind farms and seismic surveys used to explore for oil and gas. But the most common source is boats, specifically from their propellers.

When propellers, especially older ones, turn at high speeds, they can create a drop in pressure on the reverse side on the backside of the propeller that results in a lot of bubbles, and low-frequency noise – an effect called cavitation . Cavitation also makes boats less efficient because the propeller is expending a lot of energy, some of which isn't helping to push the boat forward.

This low-frequency sound has a long range, so it can disrupt marine animal communication across a wide area. Bottlenose dolphins, for example, use all sorts of sounds to communicate with each other, some detectable by other dolphins over 20km (12 miles) away , and are often impacted.

A researcher deploys a hydrophone on a coral reef in Sulawesi, Indonesia (Credit: Tim Lamont/University of Exeter)

A researcher deploys a hydrophone on a coral reef in Sulawesi, Indonesia (Credit: Tim Lamont/University of Exeter)

"We [have] found that dolphins adjust their calls when it is noisy underwater, most likely so they can be heard better by other dolphins," explains Helen Bailey, research professor at the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science. "This is similar to when we shout louder when we are talking in a noisier bar."

By "adjust" she means simplify, as anyone might do to try to relay a message when there's a lot of ambient noise. In a 2018 study on the subject led by Bailey, the researchers recorded underwater noise caused mainly by boat traffic in the western North Atlantic up to 130 decibels, on par with a busy highway. If dolphins are regularly trying to communicate with such interference, it's safe to assume a lot gets lost in translation.

I think sound is as important to whales as all of our senses put together. [T]hey can feel it vibrating throughout their whole body – Rob Williams

Chronic, low-frequency sound also impacts the ability of young fish to find home. Juvenile fish use sound to suss out their ideal marine ecosystem. They listen for a diverse soundscape , which indicates that there's abundant resources for lots of different life. When anthropogenic sounds block these natural soundscapes, they may end up in inhospitable environments . (Sadly, at the same time, mass bleaching events are killing off fragile coral reef systems, leaving less life to make sounds there and attract the juvenile fish – a harmful feedback loop which can further damage the resilience of reefs .)

Noise pollution is an especially big problem for whales, who regularly use sound to touch base with each other. One 2012 study of blue whales found the mid-range sound from ships' sonar overlaps with their calls to each other, forcing them to repeat themselves as if they were losing connection on a mobile phone.

"[I]t literally shrinks the whales' world," says Rob Williams, marine biologist and founder of Oceans Initiative , a non-profit working to protect marine life. Williams believes anthropogenic ocean noise is just as much a threat to whales as deforestation is to grizzly bears – it fundamentally impacts every aspect of their way of life. "I think sound is as important to whales as all of our senses put together," he says. "[T]hey can feel it vibrating throughout their whole body."

Williams has studied killer whales for decades, including the southern resident killer whale in the northeast Pacific Ocean, which is among the world's most critically endangered animals due to a dwindling food supply, pollution and ocean noise.

According to a 2017 study Williams co-authored , anthropogenic ocean noise can keep these whales from feeding as much as they normally would if the noise was not present.

"We're showing that when boats are too close, and the boats are making noise, the killer whales are spending 18-25% less time feeding than if there were no boats around," he explains. Williams says the team also found that the whales' calls only reached about 62% of the distance they would in a marine environment not populated by boats and ships.

Ocean noise also impedes killer whales' ability to catch chinook salmon and herring, their primary food sources. A recent study that evaluated the behavior of these two prey fish found that they often react to boat noise as if it were a predator by fleeing or changing migration patterns, making it harder for the killer whales to catch them.

Bottlenose dolphins, who can make sounds detectable by other dolphins over 20km (12 miles) away, are affected by ocean noise pollution (Credit: A Rosenfeld/Getty)

Bottlenose dolphins, who can make sounds detectable by other dolphins over 20km (12 miles) away, are affected by ocean noise pollution (Credit: A Rosenfeld/Getty)

Anthropogenic noise affects other prey fish in different ways. A 2016 study found damselfish don't hear their predators approaching as well when motorboat noise is present – making them more susceptible to being eaten. In fact, more than twice as many fish were eaten when motorboats were passing than when they weren't, which suggests anthropogenic sound is directly linked to an increase in fish mortality.

It's difficult to assess exactly how detrimental anthropogenic noise is to all ocean wildlife since it appears to impact some species more than others. Most studies on the subject, however, suggest that the auditory interference inhibits marine animals' abilities to hear and react to biological sounds, which in turn decreases their ability to survive. And, in the case of critically endangered species, like the southern resident killer whale, experts like Williams believe such an impediment could ultimately put the species on a fast track to extinction.

A n easy win?

The flip side of the ocean noise problem is that it is one of the few human-fuelled pollution sources that has several relatively straightforward solutions.

Sound emanating from ships is by far the most common culprit, so conservationists believe it should be addressed first. One of the easiest ways to do that is to simply get ship and boat traffic to slow down when moving through areas rich in marine life – a strategy which could also help to cut carbon emissions from ships . Major ports in the US Pacific Northwest and Vancouver have already enacted slow-down programs, and a recent study found that the effort is making a significant difference.

"Something as simple as slowing down a few knots makes a major drop in the noise level. And we've just shown that it not only drops the noise level, but when ships slow down, the killer whales are feeding more," says Williams.

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Unlike other conservation efforts, which can require years of development, noise-reduction programs like these are relatively low-lift. And their impact can be felt right away. "We don't have to wait decades to fix this," says Williams. "What's beautiful about working on ocean noise is that if we reduce the source, [the benefits] take effect immediately."

Moving ship lanes away from areas populated by sensitive species like killer whales could also be beneficial, Williams adds. But in order for noise abatement endeavours to have a widespread effect on marine life, they will have to be backed by sweeping public policy.

And while slowing ships down is a good start, scientists agree ships ultimately need to be built and retrofitted with noise abatement in mind. A first step in that direction could be changing ship building requirements so the parts that make the most noise, like the engine and propeller, are designed to be quieter.

"The Navy and others have learned how to do this, but it has not [yet] been required for commercial vessels," says Hildebrand.

Studies have shown damselfish are more susceptible to being eaten when motorboat noise is present, as they don't hear predators (Credit: E R Degginger/Alamy)

Studies have shown damselfish are more susceptible to being eaten when motorboat noise is present, as they don't hear predators (Credit: E R Degginger/Alamy)

The International Maritime Organization has also made building quieter ships part of its mission , and in 2014 outlined simple guidelines for engineers and manufacturers to follow. That said, NGOs such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have noted the voluntary guidelines put out by the IMO have been largely ineffective at curbing anthropogenic ocean noise , and are calling for mandatory limitations . Natasha Brown, an IMO spokesperson, says the IMO's guidelines are currently under review, providing an opportunity for member states and NGOs to submit proposals for further work and action on underwater noise. "For mandatory measures, this would need to come from a proposal from an [IMO] member state or states," she adds.

Retrofitting ships would also help to reduce ocean noise. This tends to be more expensive than adjusting designs and parts for new ships, but it could be worth it if only the most problematic ships are targeted. One of Williams' studies on noise emanating from a fleet of 1,500 ships found 50% of the noise was coming from only 15% of the vessels. So retrofitting just those ships with new, noise-reducing propellers would make a significant difference in the fleet's overall sound impact.

Creating a financial incentive for private companies to build, buy and operate quieter ships could be another useful approach. Design adjustments already on the market, such as propellers which reduce cavitation, can also make ships more efficient and reduce carbon emissions, says Williams. For companies looking to go greener, that added benefit may be what tips the scales.

Quietening a noisy landscape

While boat noise is the most common form of anthropogenic ocean noise, other sources also create problems.

The construction and operation of offshore wind farms is among them. Many major structures offshore are built using pile drivers, which can cause sudden bursts or pulses of loud underwater sound.

Louder or higher frequency sounds like these may do more immediate damage to nearby marine life than the more chronic, lower-frequency sounds, says John Hildebrand, a professor of oceanography at the University of California. "At high intensities it may be that the noise creates physiological damage," he says.

One way to reduce this noise is to create a bubble curtain around the sites. It's just as it sounds, "a series of bubbles that form almost a wall and block some of the sound being emitted from a source," explains Bailey.

However, Chapuis notes that the operation of the wind farms also produces "a constant, low frequency sound, which can represent a chronic source of noise, even if the levels are not that high". Some researchers argue this noise should be addressed in the planning of where wind turbines are placed , as well as in the environmental impact assessments of individual projects.

Aircraft can also produce significant underwater noise , especially when they regularly take off and land at airports near bodies of water. Moving runways further away from areas that are home to sensitive marine life could help curb the problem.

As long as humans are around, the noises they bring with them will likely remain a part of ocean soundscapes

Military sonar is another source of anthropogenic ocean noise that can sound so similar to whale calls that it confuses them, leading them to lose their sense of direction – thought to be one reason why whales end up stranded on beaches. One potential solution is for the military to reduce the need for sonar by instead eavesdropping on natural sounds from marine animals as a way of detecting underwater threats .

Underwater mining for fuels like oil and gas can also produce bursts of ocean noise. Sometimes, excavation teams set off large explosions, or use seismic air guns in sharp bursts from a ship above to push through the ocean floor.

Hildebrand argues that restrictions are needed for such noise exposure of marine animals, "in much the same way that OSHA [the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration] limits human exposure to high levels of noise". Restrictions could include decibel limitations at certain points in bodies of water where vulnerable marine habitats exist, regulated by environmental government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US.

These agencies could also provide guides for different industries to reduce their sound emissions. Seismic survey noise, for example, can be tempered by releasing the air in more continuous, lower frequency pushes over longer periods of time – a process called marine vibroseis.

A hydrophone listens for clicking sounds made by sperm whales near Pico Island, Portugal (Credit: wildestanimal/Getty)

A hydrophone listens for clicking sounds made by sperm whales near Pico Island, Portugal (Credit: wildestanimal/Getty)

Focusing on one source of ocean sound pollution or one impacted species at a time won't make much of a difference on a global scale. But considering the overarching environmental impact, followed by the creation of a multipronged plan of action, might. In order to best assess what progress is being made and where work still needs to be done, monitoring soundscapes around the world must be part of that plan.

Carbon Count

The emissions from travel it took to report this story were 0kg CO2. The digital emissions from this story are an estimated 1.2g to 3.6g CO2 per page view. Find out more about how we calculated this figure here.

Hildebrand has called for a long-term, global ocean noise monitoring system that's accessible to anyone anywhere. Not only would researchers be able to better track changes this way, activists or politicians looking to push for policy change could also easily refer to real-time problem areas.

Ocean soundscape research is still a relatively new field, but scientists within it are always looking for ways to get more data, and better, more affordable listening technology. "We've developed this acoustic prospecting toolkit where we can just give someone a $1,000 (£815) Pelican case [a durable, waterproof case for sensitive items] and they can go and do spot recordings in some remote parts of the world," says Williams.

Chapuis says scientists are also actively encouraging the development of low-cost, underwater recorders so that more research can be done, and more people can discover "the fascinating sounds which can be heard underwater".

As long as humans are around, the noises they bring with them will likely remain a part of ocean soundscapes. But like any other type of harmful pollution, ocean noise needs to be regulated in a meaningful way if we are to keep marine animals' sound-driven worlds from shrinking away.

* This article was updated on 18 July 2022 to make clear that the acoustic pollution around coral reefs can trigger harmful feedback loops. An earlier version of this article stated it was a negative feedback loop.

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how to solve noise pollution problems

How to solve the noise pollution prevention and control law?

2022-01-23T21:56:28.589Z

The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law will come into force on June 5 this year   Treating both symptoms and root causes, maintaining harmony and tranquility of living environment   core reading   The 32nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress recently passed the "Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China". clearly

how to solve noise pollution problems

  The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law will come into force on June 5 this year

  Treating both symptoms and root causes, maintaining harmony and tranquility of living environment

  core reading

  The 32nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress recently passed the "Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China". clearly stipulated.

  What are the new features of the revised Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law?

In the next step, what aspects will the relevant departments mainly start from to further strengthen the control of noise pollution?

  The harsh sound of interior decoration, noisy square dancing, disturbing traffic noise, nighttime construction at construction sites... Noise pollution is closely related to the people and has always been a hot issue of concern to all sectors of society.

  Gao Hucheng, chairman of the National People's Congress Environment and Resources Protection Committee, introduced that with the development of my country's economy and society, the situation of noise pollution prevention and control has also undergone major changes. The polluted areas have expanded from cities to rural areas, and new noise sources such as high-speed rail and urban rail transit Continuing to appear, outdoor activity noise and indoor noise pollution are also increasingly frequent and diverse.

  According to the relevant person in charge of the Atmospheric Environment Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, according to incomplete statistics, in 2020, the national ecological environment, public security, housing and urban-rural construction departments received a total of about 2.018 million noise complaints and reports, of which social life noise complaints and reports were the most. , about 1.083 million, accounting for 53.7%; followed by construction noise complaints and reports, about 691,000, accounting for 34.2%.

  The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law will better meet the growing needs of the people for a harmonious and peaceful environment.

 Increase the objects of prevention and control, adjust the scope of application, and improve the regulations on the responsibilities of the government and its related departments

  The current Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Noise Pollution has been implemented since 1997, with a total of 64 articles in eight chapters. The revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution has a total of 90 articles in nine chapters.

  The relevant person in charge of the Department of Atmospheric Environment of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment introduced that there are gaps in the management objects and scope of the Environmental Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law.

Mainly reflected in the fact that noise in rural areas, urban rail transit noise, noise from shared facilities and equipment in residential areas, and environmental vibration are not included in the scope of legal supervision.

  In response to this outstanding problem, the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law has increased the objects of noise pollution prevention and control, and expanded the scope of application of the law: revise the definition of industrial noise, and extend industrial noise to the sounds produced in industrial production activities that interfere with the surrounding living environment; Noise definition, increase urban rail transit noise; expand the applicable geographical scope, and extend the provisions that industrial noise, construction noise, traffic noise and social life noise are only applicable to urban areas to rural areas.

  The relevant person in charge of the Atmospheric Environment Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said that the prevention and control of noise pollution involves many departments, and there are problems such as unclear responsibilities, multiple management, management dislocation, and absence.

Noise pollution control is a local authority, but some local governments do not pay enough attention to noise pollution control.

  In response to this problem, the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law has improved the regulations on the responsibilities of the government and its relevant departments: it stipulates that people's governments at or above the county level shall incorporate noise pollution prevention and control work into their national economic and social development plans and ecological environmental protection plans; The State Council stipulates that the responsibilities of relevant departments for the supervision and management of noise pollution prevention and control shall be clarified, and a coordination and linkage mechanism for noise pollution prevention and control shall be established as needed; The people's government at the city or county level where the area with the acoustic environment quality standard is located shall promptly formulate an acoustic environment quality improvement plan and its implementation plan, and take effective measures to improve the acoustic environment quality.

 Make clear regulations on square dance noise disturbance, vibration and other issues

  "In the past, the prevention and control of noise pollution was mainly based on discharge standards and end-of-line management, and the comprehensive application of management measures such as planning control, source prevention and control, pollution discharge permit, automatic monitoring, and social governance was insufficient. The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law has made clear provisions for these measures. ” said the relevant person in charge of the Atmospheric Environment Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

  Source prevention and control is one of the most effective ways to prevent and control noise pollution. The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law strengthens the requirements for source prevention and control.

The first is to improve the product noise limit system. For industrial equipment, construction machinery and other products that may cause noise pollution, noise limits are required to be specified in their technical specifications or product quality standards; the second is to increase planning and prevention requirements and add industrial noise. , Traffic and transportation noise planning and control requirements; the third is to increase environmental vibration control standards and measures to prevent noise pollution from the source.

  Wang Canfa, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law, pointed out: "The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law incorporates vibration into the scope of legal norms, and puts forward requirements for reducing vibration in industrial production, building construction, highway, railway and urban rail transit operations, which is conducive to reducing vibration. management and resolution of related disputes.”

  The noise of square dancing has attracted much attention. How does the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law solve this problem?

"With regard to the problem of square dancing noise disturbing people, the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law takes into account the interests of all parties and clarifies the rights and obligations of all parties." Professor Zhu Xiao, deputy dean of the School of Environment, Renmin University of China, said that the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law stipulates that in the streets , squares, parks and other public places to organize or carry out entertainment, fitness and other activities, shall abide by the regulations of the public place administrator on the activity area, time period, volume, etc., take effective measures to prevent noise pollution; shall not violate the regulations to use audio equipment to generate excessive volume .

If you violate the regulations and refuse to make corrections despite persuasion and education, the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law stipulates that a fine may be imposed.

Clarify legal responsibilities, increase penalties, and implement noise pollution prevention and control actions

  "The Environmental Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law mentioned fines 14 times, but did not specify the range of the amount of fines. Some clauses did not have corresponding penalties. The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law further clarified legal responsibilities and increased penalties." Ministry of Ecology and Environment The relevant person in charge of the Department of Atmospheric Environment said.

  The Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution stipulates that if the emission of noise has caused serious pollution, and is ordered to make corrections and refuses to make corrections, the competent ecological environment department or other departments responsible for the supervision and management of noise pollution prevention and control may seal up and detain the places, facilities, equipment, and equipment that emit noise. tools and items.

  "Increasing the punishment will prompt the noise-emitting units to pay more attention to the impact of noise on the surrounding environment. The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law stipulates the range of fines, which also provides more basis for law enforcement." Wang Canfa said that complaints about noise caused by nighttime construction In the past, because there was no means of sealing and detaining, the management department had no way to stop noise pollution immediately; the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law stipulates compulsory measures for sealing and detaining, which enriches the means of law enforcement, and can achieve immediate results in the prevention and control of noise pollution.

  "The Law on the Prevention and Control of Noise Pollution stipulates that any unit or individual has the obligation to protect the acoustic environment, and at the same time has the right to obtain information on the acoustic environment, participate in and supervise the prevention and control of noise pollution. This is very important." Ma Jun, director of the Beijing Public Environmental Research Center, believes that , Air pollution control and water pollution control have made significant progress, of which information disclosure has played a very positive role.

At present, it is still difficult for the public to effectively obtain noise monitoring data. It is recommended that all localities and departments implement the requirements of the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law and improve them as soon as possible.

  The "14th Five-Year Plan" and the outline of the long-term goals for 2035 clearly propose to strengthen the control of environmental noise pollution.

  The relevant person in charge of the Atmospheric Environment Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment introduced that in the next step, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment plans to strengthen noise pollution control from the following aspects: First, take the implementation of the Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law as an opportunity to strengthen legal publicity and implementation.

This year, it is planned to cooperate with the National People's Congress Environmental Protection Committee and relevant departments to train noise management personnel of local people's congresses and ecological environment departments on noise pollution prevention and control laws and supporting systems, so as to improve the level of noise management in various places.

At the same time, it is widely publicized to the society in the form of knowledge questions and answers.

The second is to speed up the resolution of prominent noise problems that the masses are concerned about, implement noise pollution prevention and control actions, and actively promote social co-governance.

The third is to improve the noise regulation and standard system, further strengthen the noise monitoring work, and improve the supervision capacity.

  Our reporter Liu Yi

Source: chinanews

All news articles on 2022-01-23

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how to solve noise pollution problems

Aircraft Noise Pollution: The Problem and Solutions

Aircraft noise pollution is a problem that is often overlooked. Many people think that it is not a big deal, but they are wrong. This type of pollution can have a serious impact on our health and quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss the problem of aircraft noise pollution and some of the solutions that have been proposed. We will also talk about how you can help reduce the amount of noise that your neighborhood receives from aircraft traffic.

The Problem

Aircraft noise pollution is a problem that affects people in many different ways. For some people, it can cause hearing loss or sleep disturbances. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. In addition, aircraft noise can be extremely annoying and disruptive. It can make it difficult to concentrate or study, and it can reduce the quality of life for those who live near airports.

There are several things that contribute to aircraft noise pollution. The engines on planes produce a lot of sound, and when they are flying overhead, the noise can be quite loud. Additionally, airport traffic has been increasing over the years, which has led to more airplanes flying at lower altitudes. This means that people living near airports are being exposed to more aircraft noise.

There are several things that can be done to reduce the impact of aircraft noise pollution. The first step is to educate people about the issue and raise awareness. Next, airport authorities can work on improving the sound insulation of buildings near airports. Additionally, they can create new flight paths that minimize the amount of noise that is heard by residents living nearby. Finally, airlines can invest in quieter planes, which would help to reduce the overall level of noise emitted from airports.

Children’s learning is affected by chronic aircraft noise exposure

A number of studies have investigated how aircraft noise affects children’s learning, and all concluded that exposure to aircraft noise at school or at home is linked with lower reading and memory abilities.

Aircraft noise can also have a negative impact on the development and learning of children. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to aircraft noise can lead to lower test scores and increased behavioral problems. It can also cause difficulties with language development and memory recall. In addition, it has been linked to an increase in stress levels and cardiovascular disease.

The negative effects of aircraft noise are well-documented, and it is important for both airport authorities and airlines to take steps to reduce the amount of pollution that is being emitted. By working together, we can create a world where everyone can enjoy the benefits of air travel without having to suffer from the accompanying noise pollution.

Sleep: What It Does for Your Body and Health

Sleep is a biological need that is both active and vital. Undisturbed sleep of sufficient duration is critical for daytime alertness, performance, and health.

There are a number of ways that airport authorities can reduce noise pollution. One is to invest in new technologies that mitigate the sound of aircraft engines. Another is to work with airlines to ensure that they are flying their aircraft as quietly as possible. Finally, airports can create buffer zones around the airport perimeter to help muffle the sound of planes taking off and landing.

All of these solutions are important, but it will take a concerted effort from everyone involved to make a real difference. By working together, we can make sure that our airports are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

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how to solve noise pollution problems

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Air pollution in the 1950s.

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Argument Against Headphones

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The Importance Of Obnoxiously Loud People

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Music has a great affect on how a person acts and how a person thinks. It develops good and bad character traits. Music is not just different sounds and noises with lyrics set to them; it carries various beats and melodies that affect our emotions. Certain strong tempos and beats can heighten adrenaline and make someone energetic and joyful. No one actually knows the real influence of music. A few types of music that affect the brain are classical, pop, and jazz.

Persuasive Speech: Music Heals

Assalamualaikum and good day, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Nur Shila binti Khairul Hisam and it is really great to see you all here today. Before I start, let’s have a quick question and answer. Do you ever realize that music has its own healing power to human being? I have a quote from Bob Marley who says that, “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”. Therefore, I am standing here to hopefully persuade all of you regarding the benefits of music that you could experience in your life. Basically, there are many benefits of listening to music but today, I am going to focus only three significant reasons of how music can be a healer in our life. First and foremost, it may seem typical but music really can make you happy. Besides, music also can enhance your performance during a workout. Last but not least, music can be a factor to improve sleep quality.

Solution Of Air Pollution

In order to solve such a problem, a strong understanding is needed. Air pollution is one of the various forms of pollution. It is the presence of foreign toxic substances or pollutants into the air. There are many different types of air pollutants that are introduced into the air such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and, nitrogen dioxide. Moreover, pollutants fall under the two categories: primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants are gases or particles like intentionally emitted from human behavior, for example: vehicles exhausts emit

Benefits Of Listening To Music Essay

Listening to music gives humans huge amount of benefits towards their personal life. A lot of students listen to music to, help reduce stress, boost up their mood and provides motivation in their daily life. Music is an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and affection in significant forms through the components of rhythm, melody, harmony, and colour. Some students use music to overcome the emotional effects of stress or anxiety when engaged in their leisure time, such as studying for a test or quiz, completing homework or assignments that they were given by teachers or lecturers, or while reading and writing. Most of the student choose to listen to their favorite genre of music when they study or do their homework without understanding

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5 ways to solve the problem of noise pollution

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Noise from neighbours

Sound travelling through the walls can be a real issue if you live in an apartment, a terraced, or semi-detached home. There are a couple of ways to combat this kind of noise pollution. Adding a layer of soundboard to shared or party walls will make a difference to sounds coming from your neighbours. This is similar to internally insulating your home in that a layer of acoustic plasterboard is fitted to the shared wall.

You do not need a specialist to do this work and it is something that can be done by a good contractor. Bear in mind that you will need to replace skirtings and cornicing once the work is complete and you will also need to decorate the room, so may need to hire a painter too.

If this all seems like too much disruption you could think about rearranging your furniture. Built in wardrobes in a bedroom along the party wall will help to block noise. And for book lovers bookshelves are fantastic at absorbing sound, as long as they are filled with books.  

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Noise pollution within the house

Think about the layout of your home. For example, is you bedroom positioned directly over a noisy part of the house? Could you move things around so this isn’t the case? If not consider installing some insulation in the floor between your bedroom and the room below.

Make sure your internal doors are good and solid. Hollow-core doors offer little  protection from noise pollution and switching them to solid doors will make a huge difference to the amount of sound travel within your home.

It you have timber floors on an upper floor you can have an acoustic underlay installed. This is what is used in apartments and does help with dampening the sound of footsteps. For an additional measure lay rugs in the upper rooms to further minimise noise.

Another place to consider some sound-proofing is a utility space, particularly if it is next to an open-plan family area. A good option here is to opt for building the walls in blockwork rather than timber stud if you are starting from scratch. Alternatively you could add a layer of sound board, which is an acoustic plasterboard to dampen noise

Noise pollution from appliances

Noisy appliances

Noise pollution from appliances can cause disturbance, especially in an open plan space. The good news, however, is that there are quiet options now for most appliances large and small. Everything from dishwashers to washing machines as well as silent coffee machines and kettles are now available.

Not surprisingly, these quiet appliances are at the upper end of the price scale but they are well worth the investment if you find yourself turning up the TV to hear what’s going on over the sound of someone making a cup of tea.

Water pumps for showers or pressurised water systems can also cause disturbance depending on where the are located in the home. The pressurised system which activates the pump every time a tap is turned on, or a toilet is flushed can be a real problem if the pump is housed near the bedrooms.

Ideally the pump should be positioned as far away from the bedrooms as possible. Somewhere like a utility room is ideal and again make sure the room is sound insulated.

And if all else fails invest, as I did, in a pair of noise canceling earphones which are a great investment and terrific for traveling. And for night time a white noise machine can help mask any noise that might otherwise disrupt your sleep.

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Lightning Problem Solving

How to Solve Any Noise Problem

Today we’re going to talk about noise problems. (A topic you’re VERY familiar with if you happen to be a parent…)  Whether you’re dealing with a wind noise, a squeak, a creak, a hum, a buzz, or a tizzle, you’ll find that ALL noise problems have 2 things in common.

Video: How to Solve Noise Problems

What Makes a Noise?

Noise problems are always the result of:

YOUR JOB is to find where the contact is and what is moving.

Noise problems always have 2 things in common – they are always the result of Contact and Movement.” Click To Tweet

Are You Sure that’s IT? Sounds so Simple!

Here are a few quick pointers on things to observe while you dig for the culprit.

First, compare the non-noisy parts. Check to see if they have contact or movement or what they are lacking.

Watch me Solve THIS Tricky One

I once had a shifter noise where if you held your hand in front of the part it acted as a megaphone and you could hear the noise. But the people who drove with their hands over the shifter couldn’t hear the noise. Knowing the right questions to ask, I was able to find root cause within hours – after the engineer had worked that project for weeks!

This information I’m giving you might sound simple, but it’s so valuable for finding the root of your noise problems lightning fast!

But I’ve Already Tried Keeping it Simple!

It’s much easier to solve a project if you have a variable measurement system instead of either “noise” or “no noise.

Now for the Moment of Truth

Once you find the difference between the good parts and the noisy parts, build 3 the bad way and 3 the good way. Run them through a test. If the 3 bad ones are noisy and the 3 good ones are quiet, most likely you have the root cause and your problem is solved!

If you want more tricks of the trade, be sure to watch my video Broken Parts, 5 Steps to Solve FAST!

Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time, happy problem solving!

If you have any pointers on solving noise problems lightning fast please feel free to share them in the comments below!

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Author:  Tom

Raised on a family farm in rural Minnesota, Tom is a strong believer in the merit of honest, hard work. But his passion to work smarter, not just harder, drew him to engineering where he has spent his career as a problem-solver, always looking for yet a faster, better way to make companies more profitable than ever. "Every problem that I have solved I looked back and asked myself, 'how could I have solved it 1 day faster?'” With extensive expertise in various problem-solving methodologies, Tom has dedicated himself to re-inventing problem-solving. He has discovered that, by using his lightning problem-solving methods, up to 90% of all manufacturing problems can, and should, be solved in only 3 days! Tom's years of practical, hands-on experience worldwide, has made him an authority on all things related to problem-solving and lean manufacturing.

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Suggest ways on how to protect human ear from noise pollution?

Question: Suggest ways on how to protect human ear from noise pollution?

There are several ways to protect the human ear from noise pollution. One simple method is to avoid exposure to loud noise whenever possible. This can be done by wearing earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, such as construction sites or concerts. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from loud noise sources, such as speakers or engines, can help reduce the risk of hearing damage. Lastly, regular hearing checks can help detect any early signs of hearing loss, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of further damage.

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How to Prevent Noise Pollution in Construction

How to Prevent Noise Pollution in Construction

Noise pollution is an invisible danger that affects millions of people each day. From loud rock concerts to highway traffic, noise pollution can take many forms. Construction-related noise pollution is one of these categories and can contribute to wide-ranging dangers such as elevated blood pressure in adults and disruption to the routines of local wildlife.

While noise pollution is a real problem in construction sites, there are a variety of ways that you can reduce your work site’s sound output. For example, workers can ensure they choose appropriate construction equipment for the job and ensure that all equipment is functional before use.

Dive into more of the ways you can reduce noise pollution on the job below, or skip straight to the infographic with tips to combat noise pollution in your community.

What Is Noise Pollution?

The term “noise pollution” includes any type of sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and wildlife. The severity of noise pollution is measured through decibels.

A general rule of thumb is that excessive noise is considered anything causing or exceeding 85 decibels of sound over an 8 hour period. OSHA recommends that employees wear hearing protection devices at this level of sound exposure to protect them from the harmful effects of noise pollution.

What Are the Effects of Noise Pollution?

Other than being a nuisance, noise pollution as a result of construction projects can have damaging effects on people and the environment. Here are a few of the ways that noise pollution can harm you and your community.

Noise pollution is dangerous to everyone and can lead to developmental or psychological problems.

The Two Types of Noise Control

Noise controls are used to protect workers from hazardous noise exposure. These controls likely won’t eliminate noise on-site but will help to minimize the damage that excessive noise can cause. Even reducing construction site noise by a few decibels can greatly improve hearing conservation.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls isolate people from the noise hazard. Certain pieces of equipment help reduce the noise by enclosing or re-routing the path of noise from the source.

A few examples of engineering controls include:

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are changes in the way people work. These controls are less about the equipment within a construction site and more about optimizing the work schedule to lessen noise effects on workers.

A few examples of administrative controls include:

8 Ways to Reduce Noise Pollution on the Job Site

There are a variety of ways that you can lessen your worksite’s noise pollution output. From making a conscious effort to reduce noise in the design stage to optimizing job site equipment to be less noisy, here are eight ways to explore minimizing noise pollution.

1. Eliminate Noise During Design

One of the best ways to reduce noise exposure is to consider noise in the project design phase . This can be done by choosing equipment that reduces the noise level and by eliminating design flaws that can amplify noise.

Here are a few ways that you can optimize your work site to reduce noise before starting construction:

2. Add Noise Barriers

Noise barriers block the direct path of sound waves from the source of noise, protecting workers and the community from noise exposure. They do not eliminate noise, but they help to reduce the level of noise.

Noise barriers work by enclosing the source of sound within sound-absorbing materials like mineral wool. A few examples of machinery you may want to add noise barriers to include saws and jackhammers.

3. Use Sound-Absorbing Materials

Sound-absorbing materials can be helpful in reducing construction noise. Materials such as metal, wood and concrete are sound-reflective materials that sound waves bounce off of. Instead, opt for materials such as carpet, foam padding or fiberglass insulation that absorb sound. Place these types of materials on floors, ceilings and walls to help reduce sound reverberation.

A worker installs sound-absorbing insulation.

4. Choose Less Noisy Equipment

There’s no getting around the fact that construction equipment can be loud, but there are ways to choose equipment that is quieter.

A general rule of thumb is that electronic-powered equipment is quieter than diesel-powered equipment. Similarly, hydraulically powered equipment is quieter than pneumatic power. It’s important to note that quieter machines or processes can cost more because manufacturing tolerances on the machines are tighter, gears mesh better, quieter cooling fans are used.

5. Optimize Your Current Equipment

If you’re looking for ways to reduce the noise levels of your current equipment, there are a few modifications to consider. A popular option is to use acoustical silencers in intake and exhaust systems, such as internal combustion exhaust systems or air conditioning systems.

There are also steps you can take to ensure your equipment runs smoothly. Ensure that bolts are tightened, parts are well-lubricated and check for wear and tear on equipment to reduce excessive noise while also protecting your employees from injury .

6. Ensure Proper Saw Cutter Practices

One of the louder pieces of equipment on a construction site is often the concrete saw. You can reduce noise caused by a concrete saw by choosing a blade with the largest amount of teeth and a smell width between teeth and choosing a blade with the smallest possible gullets. You should also make it a practice to check the water supply to the blade is sufficient and make it a habit to change the blade when it starts to show signs of wear.

7. Offer Personal Hearing Protection for Workers

Protect your workers from the effects of excessive noise by offering them hearing protection devices. There are several methods to determine the noise level on a job site. One option is to use an app to get an idea of how loud around different equipment and in different areas of the work zone. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s Sound Level Meter app is one option.

There are three basic types of hearing protection to consider:

You could also double up on hearing protection by wearing ear plugs underneath ear muffs.

Ear muffs, ear plugs and canal caps help to protect hearing on the job.

You should also take into account the noise reduction rate of the different hearing protection devices when choosing the right method for workers. The noise reduction rate (NRR) is a unit of measurement used to determine the effectiveness of hearing protection devices to decrease sound exposure.

8. Schedule Work to Control Workers’ Exposure to Noise

Another way to manage workers’ exposure to noise is to plan the work schedule to limit the number of people on-site when there are noisy tasks happening such as a jackhammer or concrete breaking. Moving workers from a high-noise job to a low-noise job can also reduce the negative effects of noise exposure.

Bottom Line: Reducing Noise Pollution Benefits Workers and the Community

Noise pollution is not as obvious of a danger as other types of pollution, where the effects can be seen in growing landfills or floating islands of trash. However, noise pollution is a very real danger that impacts millions of people on a daily basis.

Implementing measures on the worksite to minimize noise pollution can make a positive impact on workers and the community. For more ways to protect your workers and the environment, explore these additional tips below.

reducing-construction-noise-pollution-infographic

Additional sources: World Health Organization | The Indian Journal of Pediatrics

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How can the government reduce noise pollution?

Jan Simonsen

What can governments do about the noise crisis?

Woman can't sleep because of noise from neighbor's TV

One of the biggest issues the world faces today is noise pollution. It is a plight that contributes to about a million deaths each year, and affects the lives of an even greater number of people 1 .

Despite this glaring problem, people continue to mindlessly honk the horns of their vehicles, and yell at increasingly high volumes, furthering the destructive power of noise pollution. On top of that, loud music pervades restaurants and bars 2 , while hospitals regularly suffer from noise levels above 100dB 3 , well above the recommended levels of less than 30dB.

So, what should governments do about this?

The truth is, steps have already been taken by governments around the world to control noise pollution.

One example revolves around planning policy and building regulations. In the UK, The National Planning Policy Framework incorporates provisions on noise, demanding that local planning policies should protect against noise giving rise to “significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life,” and recognising that planning policies should adequately identify and protect existing tranquil environments 4 .

Furthermore, the Building Regulations Approved Document E (Part E) requires all residential buildings (which encompass hotels, hostels, student accommodation, and nursing homes) to ensure a minimum level of sound reduction in specific aspects of a building. These aspects include sound mitigation of 43-45dB for airborne noise in walls, floors, and stairs (depending on building type); and 62-64dB for impact noise in floors and stairs. For reference, 50dB is the sound equivalent of a large office, while 60dB is comparable to a sewing machine.

Limiting excessive noise in public spaces

In addition to noise from internal spaces, a few more requirements are in place to limit noise entering buildings from the external environment. This is crucial in urban areas where residential buildings are frequently subject to a deluge of noise from the surroundings — whether it is traffic roaring through the neighbourhood, or the cacophony of human chatter on the streets.

RockWorld imagery, The big picture, street, urban, people, cross section

Other parts of the world have adopted similar approaches to dealing with noise pollution. In the United States, research and noise control programs are conducted in order to tackle the impact and complexities of the noise problem. Furthermore, information and educational materials are distributed to the public regarding the adverse effects of noise on health, along with the benefits of low-noise products and the most effective means for noise control 5 .

Meanwhile, Guangzhou — the noisiest city in the world 6 — also has significant laws and provisions in place to prevent and control noise pollution. These measures include the supervision and management of the prevention and control of environmental noise pollution throughout the country by local authorities. 

plane, aircraft noise, plane above house, germany

Other actions outlined in the aforementioned Chinese laws include taking into consideration the impact of noise in construction projects, bestowing an obligation to the public to protect the acoustic environment, encouraging scientific research relating to the prevention and control of environmental noise pollution, and promoting the adoption of technology that can aid in curbing noise pollution 7 .

how to solve noise pollution problems

There is still room for improvement

Despite these efforts, schools and hospitals tend to be overlooked when it comes to minimising external noise intrusion. Lax regulation in schools result simply in upper limits being set for indoor ambient noise levels, and limits to the noise caused by rain on roofs. In hospitals, acoustic requirements are set for noise intrusion from external sources, yet the noise pollution stems mostly from medical equipment, alarms, phones, the opening and closing of doors, staff activities, and visitors 3 .

This sees a dire impact on two groups of people who are in desperate need of a more nurturing environment — children, who are in the growing stages of life; and patients, who are undergoing a recovery process in hospitals. More needs to be done to combat noise pollution so that people can enjoy safe and healthy environments.

how to solve noise pollution problems

An effective method of safeguarding buildings from the threat of external noise is to make use of stone wool products. After all, stone wool structure can be engineered to withstand and reduce the detrimental impact of noise on people and buildings. This means that stone wool products form excellent insulation and acoustics tiles, making them effective solutions to mitigating noise pollution in buildings.

At the end of the day, governments need to recognise noise pollution as a serious problem, and implement strict regulations and practices to ensure a quieter, more peaceful environment for everyone to live in. 

As governments continue to develop and enforce noise standards and guidelines, we should not forget that we also need to do our part in abiding by these measures to limit noise.

1. World Health Organization, 2011, “Burden of Disease from Environmental Noise: Quantification of Healthy Life Years Lost in Europe”

2. Belluz, Julia, 2018, “Why restaurants became so loud — and how to fight back”

3. King's College London, 2018, “Noise pollution in hospitals – a rising problem”

4. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government UK, 2019, “National Planning Policy Framework”

5. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2017.

6. Gray, Alex, 2017, “These are the cities with the worst noise pollution”

7. Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, 1996.

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Not all noise is bad, as any lover of loud music would agree. But unwanted noise, otherwise known as noise pollution, poses a real threat to human health and well-being. Here are 5 facts about acoustics and stone wool!

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Check out our other articles on noise

Acoustics, blueprint, noise, sound

It’s no secret that noise is a bad thing. It can make us feel uncomfortable and annoyed, and it can even be detrimental to our health.

RockWorld imagery, The big picture, cross section, city, urban, street

The perils of noise pollution are well documented. Regardless of whether or not you are fazed by the statistics, the message is clear: we need to be more aware of the impact of noise pollution, and protect ourselves from its negatives effects.

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Did you know? Noise pollution costs the British economy around £20 billion annually in economic, social, and health costs. Whilst it may be an invisible threat, it is actually the second largest environmental causes of ill health!

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10 Solutions to Reduce Ocean Noise Pollution

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The average person associates the word “pollution” with carbon emissions, chemicals and debris. Pollution takes the form of smoke, exhaust from vehicles, oil spills and the discarded refuse that contaminates the country’s coastlines. By comparison, noise pollution doesn’t receive nearly as much attention.

Even so, noise pollution is just as dangerous as the more visible manifestations of pollution. In certain environments, noise pollution can even prove deadly. You don’t have to look further than our oceans to find an example of this, with ocean noise pollution causing the death of precious marine life, including whales.

Researcher Ken Balcomb found evidence for this connection when he sent specimens of beached whales to a lab for testing. Scans showed signs of hemorrhaging around the brain, and traces of blood around the whales’ ears led him to conclude that extreme noise-sonar tests from Navy warships were to blame.

However, Navy warships aren’t the only perpetrators behind this phenomenon. Over the last half-century, deep sea exploration and cargo shipping have increased by a significant margin. Background noise in the ocean has doubled every decade or so, creating difficult living conditions for marine mammals.

So how should we approach the issue of noise pollution in the ocean? Now that we understand the reasons behind the problem, how do we solve it? Here are 10 solutions which have the potential to prevent this form of pollution and restore balance to aquatic ecosystems around the world.

Solutions to Ocean Noise Pollution

1. large-scale sound maps.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seeks to document human-made noises in the ocean by collecting data to create the world’s first large-scale sound maps. Their objective is to better understand the nature of the problem and its influence on sea mammals as a way to build a case for reductions. With this mapping, they have the capacity to visualize the issue and accelerate efforts to address it through treaties, laws and regulations.

2. New Acoustic Standards

The National Maritime Organization has the authority to set acoustic standards. They’re a United Nations body responsible for reducing ship pollution and improving marine safety. Naturally, this form of pollution falls under their jurisdiction. Members of the organization have already started discussions about how to limit the amount of noise pollution in the oceans, but the issue demands greater attention if we’re going to see progress.

3. Advocacy and Awareness

Advocates raising awareness of the problem will play a key role in its resolution. When concerned conservationists use social media and other platforms to spread their message and further their mission, they gain the support of like-minded individuals who are willing to donate their time and money. As more people learn about the problem of noise pollution in our oceans, more people will act in the interest of marine mammals to confront ocean changes .

4. Refined Exploration Methods

Oil and gas exploration equipment like air guns are harmful to marine life. Ships use these air guns to send waves to penetrate deep into the seabed, assisting oil companies with the location of hidden pockets of hydrocarbons. This technique — as well as other systems which use sonar blasts — have caused changes in the ocean environment and represent a continuous threat, and those who engage in these harmful practices need to reassess their methods and adapt them.

5. Redesigned Propellers

Marine engineers claim the mechanics of ship quieting are comparatively straightforward when you apply them in the design stage. One of the most significant contributors to the problem is the standard propeller, which produces millions of collapsing voids and bubbles when it cuts through the seawater. To reduce this “cavitation,” engineers have to shape propellers in a very specific way, which will not only lessen noise but also decrease fuel consumption.

6. Quieting Technologies

On the subject of quieting measures for ship design, layers of sound-absorbing tiles for loud rooms may prove effective. Vibration isolators also present a solution, and engineers can mount air compressors, pumps, engines and other types of reciprocating machinery on these systems to decrease noise. We already have access to the technology, which means all we need is a government-led initiative to mandate its adoption for the purposes of animal welfare.

7. Restrictions on Sensitive Areas

Some 60,000 commercial ships occupy the ocean at any given time, producing an inescapable cacophony of sound which threatens the planet’s marine life. This cacophony is especially harmful in some places more than others, affecting areas where animals breed, spawn and feed. Regulatory authorities need to place restrictions in these biologically sensitive habitats and limit the types of activities which cause harm to aquatic ecosystems.

8. Multi-Client Surveys

Companies in the U.S. don’t often coordinate or collaborate when they map areas off the coast, and redundant surveys compound the problem of noise pollution. Other countries such as Norway have taken an improved approach to these surveys, instituting multi-client surveys which group companies together so they only have to perform one survey for seismic data. This is an intelligent strategy which we could implement in the U.S. to protect against noise pollution .

9. Annex for Noise Pollution

The addition of an annex for noise pollution to MARPOL will help to preserve marine life. MARPOL is the abbreviation for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Recognizing noise pollution as a pressing threat will prove important in future endeavors to resolve it. Though these organizations have other urgent matters to address as well, the reduction of noise and the integration of quieter designs are no less critical to the health of marine mammals.

10. Additional Studies on the Subject

As mentioned earlier, we have to better understand the nature of noise pollution and its influence on marine mammals if we’re going to make a strong case for change. Although the subject has received attention, researchers have to commit to learning more about the problem to reach conclusions on how best to manage it. The solutions on this list could prove effective — but more than anything, we need data and information to guide our decisions as we move forward.

The Restoration of Ecological Harmony

Among the countless threats to marine life, ocean noise pollution is one of the most formidable. At the same time, it’s one of the simplest to reverse. Unlike smoke, exhaust from vehicles, oil spills and discarded refuse, noise completely disappears without a trace the second you stop making it.

With this in mind, we can feel confident as we continue our mission to restore ecological harmony. Given time, and the collective effort of organizations around the world, we can return peace to the oceans and treat the creatures who live there with the respect they deserve.

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Solving Noise Problems

how to solve noise pollution problems

Protect Yourself and Your Family From Dangers of Noise

Wear earplugs in noisy places, e.g workplace, sports arenas, engaging in sports such as auto racing and speed boating, and while riding motorcycles, dirt bikes and motor scooters.

Sound-treat your home: Use heavy curtains on the windows, acoustical tile on the ceilingsand walls, rugs on the floors; caulk and seal all air leaks to reduce the noise coming in from the outside.

Turn down the volume of radios, stereos especially with headsets, I pods. Purchase the least noisy air conditioners and appliances for your homes and keep them in good repair. Create a demand for quieter appliances, e.g. hair dryers.

Protect your children from noise: avoid noisy places but when you can't, cover your child's ears in these places; don't buy noisy toys, discipline children with stern looks and softer voices. Tell your teenagers about the hazards of noise; e.g. loud video arcades, concerts, headsets.

Consider Quiet for Others

Respect your neighbor's right to quiet, e.g. Keep your radios, stereos and television turned down.

Don't vacuum late at night. Soft coverings should be placed on floors. Keep your pets as quiet as possible.

Don't honk horns except in emergency.

Educate friends and neighbors about hazards of noise

Noise in New York: How Noisy? New Code! Who Can Help With Complaints?

Noise Complaints: Number One "Quality of Life Issue." With the City's 311 Hotline logging over 335,000 noise complaints in FY 2005. Nearly half of those calls were "neighbor noise" complaints. (Refer to Bronzaft and Van Ryzin study here) New York is not alone in fielding noise complaints because citizens around the world have reported an increase in noise.

New York City's Revised Noise Code: The new legislation establishes a more flexible, yet enforceable Noise Code, that responds to the need for peace and quiet while maintaining New York's reputation as an exciting, vibrant city with a rich nightlife.

For more information click on the following links:

Information on the Law

Who Can Assist With My Noise Complaints?

Construction, Barking Dogs, Cooling Units, Bars, Nightclubs, Discos, Outdoor Cafes - call 311 and provide as much information as possible, e.g. automobile license, nightclub address, number of building with loud cooling unit. 311 will route the call to the Department of Environmental Protection who will investigate the complaint.

Car Alarms - Required to shut off automatically within three minutes of activation. If alarm continues beyond required time, call 311 and call will be routed to police department. New York City Police can disconnect audible burglar alarms. It should be noted that New York's new Noise Code calls for a study of noise abatement strategies for audible motor vehicle burglar alarms.

Motorcycles, Boom Cars and Loud Exhaust Systems. Get the license plate number and report to the local police precinct. If problem persists, contact your local Police Precinct Council and your local Community Board.

Ill-fitting Gratings and Manhole Covers - Department of Transportation. Street Metal Plates - determine who is doing the work, e.g. government agency, Con Ed, Verizon, Keyspan (nearby truck may offer clue). Then contact appropriate agency.

Public Sanitation Vehicles - Call Department of Sanitation. New York's new Noise Code calls for a study of vehicle back-up warning devices and findings and recommendations of this study are to be reported to the Mayor.

Noise Associated with Airports, Rapid Transit and Railroad Operations. The new Noise Code asks the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection to study and propose strategies to control and/or reduce sound levels associated with airports, rapid transit and railroad operations.

Dealing with Neighbor Noise Complaints

Except for loud parties which can be handled by calls to local police precincts, neighbor noises are not generally dealt with by the Police Department nor the Department of Environmental Protection. Neighbor noises are generally reported to landlords or managing agents. Apartment dwellers should be entitled to quiet enjoyment of their apartments by building leases.

A recent study entitled: "Neighbor Noise" - A Problem That Needs to Be Addressed by Arline L. Bronzaft of the GrowNYC and Betty Cooper Wallerstein, Chair of the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association found that landlords and managing agents tend to ignore neighbor noise complaints. A questionnaire asking for information on "neighbor noise" was sent to managing agents of 56 buildings on the Upper East Side. Only 23% of the agents contacted responded to the questionnaire after two mailings and phone calls. It is doubtful that neighbor noise is not a problem on the Upper East Side but if it were not a problem, the short questionnaire could have been completed by the managing agent stating that noise is not a problem. More likely, the lack of response indicates that noise is not much interest to managing agents.

The City's Mediation Centers report that neighbor noise complaints are high on their list of complaints. Neighbor noise complaints can be called in to community boards and local public officials.

The 79th Street Neighborhood Association and the East 83/84 Block Association are working on seeking ways to address the issue of neighbor noise complaints by strengthening rental and coop/condo leases.

A Quieter Community Is Up to You!!!

Become Informed: Become knowledgeable about the noise problem, the effects of noise and potential solutions. You will have to do homework to discuss the noise problem intelligently. Document the noise problem by keeping logs of noise occurrences, including time, date and duration. You can also purchase an inexpensive decibel meter to measure how loud the noise is. Know whether there are laws that can be used to correct the noise problem. Seek out possible solutions. Remember - you may end up knowing more about the noise problem than the public officials or enforcement agencies.

Get Organized: The noise in your neighborhood must also be disturbing your neighbors. Knock on some doors, speak to neighbors in the stores, and set up a small meeting in someone's home. Get yourselves a name, e.g. Neighbors Against Community Noises; elect some officers, add some well-known names to your advisory board, secure a mailing address and print formal stationery.

Be Prepared to Do A Lot of Work: Only a few will do the bulk of the work - expect that. However, you can get lots of signatures on petitions to enlarge the group's size. Remember: There must be a "We" to battle noise!

Take Advantage of Existing Community Groups: Some communities have block associations, local community boards or other existing groups that may welcome a group devoted to noise problem. You may be able to attach your group to this existing organization which should allow you to use their already formalized stationery.

NYPD Precinct Councils: New York Police Department Precinct Community Councils hold meetings where residents can voice concerns about quality of life issues. Attend these meetings and get noise on the agenda.

Community Boards: Members of these Boards re appointed by City Council members and the Borough President. Every community board in New York City has an Environmental Protection Committee. Find out who chairs the committee and ask to have noise problem addressed. Attend community board meetings and speak up on noise issue. Ask the Community Board's District Manager for assistance with noise problem.

Enlist Your Public Officials: Your local Council members will be most accessible. Ask them to join the noise group and add their names to your stationery. Enlist them in your efforts to quiet the noise and to educate the community on the importance of lowering the decibel level.

Discover Which Agencies May Be Most Helpful: Is it the Police Department, the Transit Authority, the Department of Environmental Protection, or the Buildings Department? Write a letter on your impressive stationery to the appropriate agency asking for a meeting on the problem. Have representatives from your groups and representatives of your public officials attend this meeting.

Go To the Media: Publicize the noise problem. Create events to highlight the problem. Send out press releases to all the media, e.g. radio, television, daily newspapers. Don't forget the local community newspapers that are more likely to give you more coverage. Work hard at getting publicity for the problem.

Hold Community Meetings on the Noise Problem: Ask agency representatives, local public officials and knowledgeable group members to speak to the community about the problem and possible solutions. Publicize your meetings - you want large turnout - distribute flyers and post notices about noise meeting.

Help From GrowNYC

Dr. Arline L. Bronzaft, member of GrowNYC, will respond to e-mails seeking help with noise problems and answer questions concerning noise. She can be reached by contacting GrowNYC .

New York Seafood Week, March 6-10!

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Food Access & Agriculture

Our network of Greenmarket farmers markets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box sites , coupled with GrowNYC Wholesale, ensures that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food.

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We provide food scrap drop-offs, clothing collections, Stop 'N' Swap® community reuse events, and zero waste trainings to make resource conservation easy for all.

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We build and rejuvenate community gardens and urban farms in all 5 boroughs, and support even more gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, school garden grants, & more.

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We foster future environmental stewards by providing 66,000 children each year with programs that provide meaningful interactions with the natural environment.

Air Pollution Solutions

While air pollution is a serious problem, it is a problem that we can solve! In the United States and around the world, people are taking action to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The Clean Air Act: How Laws Can Help Clean Up the Air

Creating policies and passing laws to restrict air pollution has been an important step toward improving air quality. In 1970, fueled by persistent visible smog in many U.S. cities and industrial areas and an increase in health problems caused by air pollution, the Clean Air Act paved the way for numerous efforts to improve air quality in the United States. The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set air quality standards for several hazardous air pollutants reported in the Air Quality Index (AQI) , requires states to have a plan to address air pollution and emissions reduction, and also addresses problems such as acid rain, ozone holes, and greenhouse gas pollution which is causing the climate to warm.

Since the Clean Air Act was passed:

Source: EPA

Most industrialized countries have laws and regulations about air quality. The United Kingdom first passed its Clean Air Act in 1956 following a deadly smog event that killed many London residents. In China, where rapid industrial and urban growth in recent decades resulted in a sharp decrease in air quality, numerous laws about air pollution have been passed, including a frequently updated five-year national plan to meet target reductions in air pollution.

It is important to note that while laws and regulations are helping, the effects of air pollution are still apparent. The decline of toxic air pollutants and health improvements are welcome changes, yet the growing threat of climate change due to fossil fuel emissions remains a problem that still needs to be solved.

There Are Many Solutions to Air Pollution

In order to improve air quality and slow climate warming, change needs to happen on a national and global scale. However, actions at the individual and community level are also important.

This is an illustration showing ways that you can help reduce air pollution: wind turbines are a source of renewable energy; drive low pollution vehicles; choose alternative transportation modes, such as walking, riding the bus, or riding a bicycle; refueling in the evening; and around the house choose low VOC products, use less energy, forgo the fire, and mow the grass in the evening.

Check out the EPA's website to learn more about actions you can take to reduce air pollution.

How to Prevent Noise Pollution

Last Updated: March 2, 2023 References Approved

This article was co-authored by Garrison Hullinger . Garrison Hullinger is an Interior Designer and the President of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design (GHID). With more than 15 years of experience, he specializes in client-centered design that balances beauty and warmth with comfort and functionality. Garrison and GHID’s work has been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Interior Design Magazine. Garrison attended Oklahoma Christian University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 25 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 601,518 times.

Noise pollution isn't just annoying: it can cause deafness, fatigue, and even psychological problems. If you want to cut back on the noise pollution in your life, work on eliminating loud sounds made by machines both inside and outside your house. If necessary, sound-proof your home so you can get some peace and quiet. Taking measures to prevent noise pollution will help you and your family feel happier and healthier.

Keeping Your Home Noise-Free

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Dealing with Noise You Can't Control

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Helping Your Community Stay Quiet

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About This Article

Garrison Hullinger

If you want to cut down on noise pollution in your life, work on eliminating sounds made by machines inside and outside of your house. Organize your home so that your bed isn’t right next to your noisy furnace or air conditioning unit. If there are any other sources of constant noise, try to keep them as far from your sleeping and living areas as possible. You can also try earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to get a little peace and quiet, no matter where you are. Another way to deal with noise pollution is to get away to a quiet spot that’s as free from sound as possible. Go for a walk in a quiet natural spot or sit in a library for a while. Stay there and enjoy the silence for a few hours or until you feel renewed and ready to reenter the noise of daily life. To learn how to install noise-reducing insulation and glass, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Air Pollution Continues to Cause Problems in Thailand, Government Says They Are Working on the Problem

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The Thai government is, according to them, solving PM 2.5 dust pollution issues and urging people to avoid outdoor activities.

On Friday (March 10 th ) Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, told the press “According to the Pollution Control Department, PM 2.5 dust levels in Bangkok and nearby areas has continued to increase today. However, after tomorrow (March 11 th ), air pollution in Bangkok and nearby areas will be decreased due to wind and help to wash dust out from problem areas. However, during March 14 th to March 16 th dust is likely to be swept in from other areas into Bangkok.”

“Meanwhile, dust pollution levels in seventeen northern provinces is increasing until March 14 th . The air pollution in the northern parts of Thailand will be relieved within two weeks,” Anucha added.

“People should wear face masks and avoid outdoor activities. Kids, the elderly, and people who have personal health problems should take more awareness with their personal health care,” Mr. Anucha noted.

“The Thai government has paid attention to PM 2.5 dust pollution in Bangkok, nearby areas, and other parts of Thailand. We are trying to solve the problem with three main measurements which are increasing area management, to prevent and decrease sources of pollution, and explore solutions to resolve air pollution,” Mr. Anucha explained.

TPN media notes that Chiang Mai was number one in the world yesterday, March 9th, for air pollution based on AQI indexes online.

TPN also notes that critics of the air pollution have continually said that simply “banning” burning of sugarcane fields, a major source of the pollution, would not fix the problem without training and alternative solutions provided to farmers by the Thai government, as well as enforcement against the purchase of burnt sugarcane from potential buyers.

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The TPN National News, owned by our parent company TPN media.

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COMMENTS

  1. 7 Corrective Solutions That'll Help Combat Noise Pollution

    Planting bushes and trees in and around sound generating sources is another effective solution for noise pollution. Dense shrubs and trees block sound passage, thus avoiding disturbance to the surrounding areas.

  2. 7 Ways on How To Reduce Noise Pollution Effectively

    If you live in an apartment, growing plants in pots on the balcony or indoors can also help reduce noise pollution. Having more plants and trees is also a great way to clean the air in cities. 7. Be a good neighbour. Finally, it's everyone's responsibility to be mindful of their surroundings.

  3. How to Solve Noise Pollution

    Consider these soundproofing tools when eliminating noise pollution in your work or home: 1. Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation If you've ever installed traditional insulation, you know how frustrating it can be to work with. Consider an upgrade from traditional insulations to our Quiet Batt™ 30 Soundproofing Insulation .

  4. 11 Ways To Prevent Noise Pollution [List]

    How to Reduce Noise Pollution at Home Get noise-reducing furniture. Placing a bookcase against a wall adjacent to a noisy neighbor can help reduce sound. Install a fence. The fence can absorb noise and create a sound barrier. Some people are naturally noisy. They actually speak louder than the customary 60 decibel normal conversation range.

  5. Noise Pollution: what it is, causes, effects and solutions

    For example: avoid very noisy leisure activities, opt for alternatives means of transport such as bicycles or electric vehicles over taking the car, do your housework at recommended times, insulate homes with noise-absorbing materials, etc. Educating the younger generation is also an essential aspect of environmental education.

  6. What are the Methods of Reducing Noise Pollution?

    This way, they can solve, or at least reduce the traffic, air, and noise pollution problems. The government can lead people to use public transportation to have a healthier life. It is possible to diminish the noise to acceptable levels with these precations. At this point, quality becomes an important matter.

  7. Noise Pollution

    Environmental groups are urging the U.S. Navy to stop or reduce using sonar for military training. Seismic surveys also produce loud blasts of sound within the ocean. Ships looking for deep-sea oil or gas deposits tow devices called air guns and shoot pulses of sound down to the ocean floor.

  8. Can we fix our ocean noise problem?

    Noise pollution is an especially big problem for whales, who regularly use sound to touch base with each other. One 2012 study of blue whales found the mid-range sound from ships' sonar overlaps ...

  9. How to solve the noise pollution prevention and control law?

    The Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Law strengthens the requirements for source prevention and control. The first is to improve the product noise limit system. For industrial equipment, construction machinery and other products that may cause noise pollution, noise limits are required to be specified in their technical specifications or ...

  10. Aircraft Noise Pollution: The Problem and Solutions

    The Problem. Aircraft noise pollution is a problem that affects people in many different ways. For some people, it can cause hearing loss or sleep disturbances. It can also increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. In addition, aircraft noise can be extremely annoying and disruptive. It can make it difficult to concentrate ...

  11. How To Reduce Noise Pollution

    1195 Words5 Pages. Airports had taken several measures to solve the problems of noise pollution. Noise pollution has a very affective effect on human being. Noise is unwanted sound which can harm people exposed to it physically, psychologically and socially. Chronic and excessive noise poses a health risk, reduces indoor environment quality and ...

  12. 5 ways to solve the problem of noise pollution

    To combat external noise pollution like house and car alarms, traffic, leaf blowers etc. my advice is to install the best windows you can afford. Changing from single to double glazing for example is going to make a significant difference to what you can hear from inside your home.

  13. 25+ Easy and Practical Ways to Reduce Noise Pollution at Home or

    Wearing earplugs is a cost-effective solution for reducing noise pollution. A pair of earplugs can be worn while sleeping or at any other time of the day when you want to reduce the amount of noise hitting your eardrums. Earplugs have their health benefits, especially for those who wish to have a healthy sleeping habit in noisy areas. 3.

  14. Noise Problems: How to Solve

    Now for the Moment of Truth. Once you find the difference between the good parts and the noisy parts, build 3 the bad way and 3 the good way. Run them through a test. If the 3 bad ones are noisy and the 3 good ones are quiet, most likely you have the root cause and your problem is solved! If you want more tricks of the trade, be sure to watch ...

  15. Suggest ways on how to protect human ear from noise pollution?

    There are several ways to protect the human ear from noise pollution. One simple method is to avoid exposure to loud noise whenever possible. This can be done by wearing earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, such as construction sites or concerts. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from loud noise sources, such as speakers or ...

  16. How to Prevent Noise Pollution in Construction

    One of the best ways to reduce noise exposure is to consider noise in the project design phase. This can be done by choosing equipment that reduces the noise level and by eliminating design flaws that can amplify noise. Here are a few ways that you can optimize your work site to reduce noise before starting construction:

  17. Government solutions to noise pollution

    An effective method of safeguarding buildings from the threat of external noise is to make use of stone wool products. After all, stone wool structure can be engineered to withstand and reduce the detrimental impact of noise on people and buildings.

  18. 10 Solutions to Reduce Ocean Noise Pollution

    To reduce this "cavitation," engineers have to shape propellers in a very specific way, which will not only lessen noise but also decrease fuel consumption. 6. Quieting Technologies On the subject of quieting measures for ship design, layers of sound-absorbing tiles for loud rooms may prove effective.

  19. Solving Noise Problems

    Sound-treat your home: Use heavy curtains on the windows, acoustical tile on the ceilingsand walls, rugs on the floors; caulk and seal all air leaks to reduce the noise coming in from the outside. Turn down the volume of radios, stereos especially with headsets, I pods.

  20. Air Pollution Solutions

    Reducing overall car usage and avoiding idling your car can help on days with high levels of ozone pollution. Save refueling and use of gas-powered yard equipment for the evening when it is cooler and ozone levels are lower. On days when particle pollutants are high, avoid burning yard waste and wood.

  21. 3 Ways to Prevent Noise Pollution

    When you're feeling overwhelmed, sit very still, close your eyes and focus on taking deep, even breaths. Do 10 breaths and try to let your worries go and ignore the noise around you. No matter where you are, whether it's on a noisy subway car or in your own kitchen, you can try this technique to calm yourself down. 5.

  22. Air Pollution Continues to Cause Problems in Thailand, Government Says

    Thailand - The Thai government is, according to them, solving PM 2.5 dust pollution issues and urging people to avoid outdoor activities. On Friday (March 10 th) Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, told the press "According to the Pollution Control Department, PM 2.5 dust levels in Bangkok and nearby areas has continued to increase today.