Noise Pollution

Noise is generally regarded as an unwanted sound or sound, which produces unpleasant effects on the ears.

Noise is produced by household gadgets, vehicles on the road, jet planes, loud speakers etc. Noise produces severe adverse effects on the quality of mans surrounding and is, therefore, considered to be polluting the environment. It is the loudness and duration of the noise which is disturbing and causes physical discomfort and damage to hearing.

The unit of measurement of intensity of sound is called decibel (dB). Our ear is sensitive to an extremely wide range of intensity from 0 to 180 db, 0dB being the threshold of hearing, whereas 140 dB marks the threshold of pain.

Sources

• Household gadgets like mixer, grinder, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, cooler, air conditioners, greatly enhance the levels of sound and are deleterious to health.

• Loud speakers not only disturb the students in their studies but also the peace of the locality. Loud radios, stereos and televisions are also a major source.

• Printing presses, industries, vehicles on road, aeroplanes contribute to noise pollutions in large cities.