NOISE POLLUTION
Definition:
Noise consists of pressure waves that travel through the air and that we perceive as sound.
Noise pollution is a type of energy pollution in which distracting, irritating, or damaging sounds are
freely audible.
As with other forms of energy pollution (such as heat and light pollution), noise pollution contaminants
are not physical particles, but rather waves that interfere with naturally-occurring waves of a similar type
in the same environment.
The word noise comes from the Latin word “nausea” meaning seasickness.
Noise doesn't really disappear, like all energy it just changes form or dissipates.
Noise Pollution is any unwanted sounds. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal
S activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life. The fact that
you can’t see, taste or smell it may help explain why it has not received as much attention as other types
o of pollution, such as air pollution, or water pollution. The air around us is constantly filled with sounds,
u yet most of us would probably not say we are surrounded by noise. Though for some, the persistent and
n escalating sources of sound can often be considered an annoyance. This “annoyance” can have major
d consequences, primarily to one’s overall health.
These unwanted sounds can seriously damage psychological and physiological health.
a Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that has the effect of being annoying, distracting,
n painful, or physically harmful.
d Sounds are considered noise pollution if they adversely affect wildlife, human activity, or are capable of
damaging physical structures on a regular, repeating basis. In the broadest sense of the term, a sound
may be considered noise pollution if it disturbs any natural process or causes human harm, even if the
N sound does not occur on a regular basis.
o
i Physical Properties and Measurement of Sound:
s
e Sound is a result of pressure changes in a medium (usually air), caused by vibration or turbulence.
The amplitude of these pressure changes is stated in terms of sound level, and the rapidity with
S which these changes occur is the sound’s frequency.
o Sound level is measured in decibels (dB), and sound frequency is stated in terms of cycles per
u second or Hertz.
n
d Instrumentation:
i There is a wide range of instrumentation available for the measurement and analysis of noise. Some
s units such as a hand-held sound level meter (SLM) can provide simple noise level data without the
necessity for laboratory data reduction.
g These instruments are now able to measure over very wide dynamic ranges and to measure
e impulsive sounds with a high degree of accuracy.
n
e Measurement and Descriptors:
r
a Most sound level meters are built-in frequency filters or “weighting networks” in the measurement
t process.
e By far, the most frequently used filter is the A weighting network, which discriminates against low
d frequency and very high frequency sounds.
A weighting approximates the equal-loudness response of the ear at moderate sound levels, and
b correlates well with both hearing damage and annoyance from noise.
y
Noise Sources:
p
r Noise pollution like other pollutants is also a by- product of industrialization, urbanizations and modern
o civilization.
d
u Broadly speaking , the noise pollution has two sources, i.e. industrial and non- industrial. The industrial
c source includes the noise from various industries and big machines working at a very high speed and
i high noise intensity. Non- industrial source of noise includes the noise created by transport/vehicular
n 1
g
v
traffic and the neighborhood noise generated by various noise pollution can also be divided in the
categories , namely, natural and manmade. Most leading noise sources will fall into the following
categories: roads traffic, aircraft, railroads, construction, industry, noise in buildings, and consumer
products
1. Road Traffic Noise:-
In the city, the main sources of traffic noise are the motors and exhaust system of autos , smaller
trucks, buses, and motorcycles. This type of noise can be augmented by narrow streets and tall buildings,
which produce a canyon in which traffic noise reverberates.
2. Air Craft Noise: -
Now-a-days , the problem of low flying military aircraft has added a new dimension to
community annoyance, as the nation seeks to improve its nap-of the- earth aircraft operations over
national parks, wilderness areas , and other areas previously unaffected by aircraft noise has claimed
national attention over recent years.
3. Noise from railroads: -
The noise from locomotive engines, horns and whistles, and switching and shunting operation in
rail yards can impact neighboring communities and railroad workers. For example, rail car retarders can
produce a high frequency, high level screech that can reach peak levels of 120 dB at a distance of 100
feet, which translates to levels as high as 138, or 140 dB at the railroad worker’s ear.
4. Construction Noise:-
The noise from the construction of highways , city streets , and buildings is a major contributor to the
urban scene . Construction noise sources include pneumatic hammers, air compressors, bulldozers,
loaders, dump trucks (and their back-up signals), and pavement breakers.
5. Noise in Industry: -
Although industrial noise is one of the less prevalent community noise problems, neighbors of noisy
manufacturing plants can be disturbed by sources such as fans, motors, and compressors mounted on the
outside of buildings Interior noise can also be transmitted to the community through open windows and
doors, and even through building walls. These interior noise sources have significant impacts on
industrial workers, among whom noise- induced hearing loss is unfortunately common.
6. Noise in building: -
Apartment dwellers are often annoyed by noise in their homes, especially when the building is not well
designed and constructed. In this case, internal building noise from plumbing, boilers, generators, air
conditioners, and fans, can be audible and annoying. Improperly insulated walls and ceilings can reveal
the sound of-amplified music, voices, footfalls and noisy activities from neighboring units. External
noise from emergency vehicles, traffic, refuse collection, and other city noises can be a problem for
urban residents, especially when windows are open or insufficiently glazed.
7. Noise from Consumer products:-
Certain household equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and some kitchen appliances have been and
continue to be noisemakers, although their contribution to the daily noise dose is usually not very large.
Harmful Effects of Noise Pollution:
On Human Being, Animal and Property: Noise has always been with the human civilization but it was
never so obvious, so intense, so varied & so pervasive as it is seen in the last of this century. Noise pollution
makes men more irritable. The effect of noise pollution is multifaceted & inter related.
I. Effect on Human Being:
1. It decreases the efficiency of a man:- Regarding the impact of noise on human efficiency there are
number of experiments which print out the fact that human efficiency increases with noise reduction. A study
by Sinha & Sinha in India suggested that reducing industrial booths could improve the quality of their work.
Thus human efficiency is related with noise.
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2. Lack of concentration:- For better quality of work there should be concentration , Noise causes lack of
concentration. In big cities , mostly all the offices are on main road. The noise of traffic or the loud speakers of
different types of horns divert the attention of the people working in offices.
3. Fatigue:- Because of Noise Pollution, people cannot concentrate on their work. Thus they have to give
their more time for completing the work and they feel tiring
4. Abortion is caused: - There should be cool and calm atmosphere during the pregnancy. Unpleasant
sounds make a lady of irriative nature. Sudden Noise causes abortion in females.
5. It causes Blood Pressure: - Noise Pollution causes certain diseases in human. It attacks on the
person’s peace of mind. The noises are recognized as major contributing factors in accelerating the already
existing tensions of modern living. These tensions result in certain disease like blood pressure or mental illness
etc.
6. Temporary of permanent Deafness:- The effect of nose on audition is well recognized. Mechanics ,
locomotive drivers, telephone operators etc. All have their hearing . Impairment as a result of noise at the place
of work. Approximately 10 percent of people living in industrialized areas have substantial hearing loss and
youngsters in the USA have an impaired hearing rate 250% higher than their parents and grandparents.
Physictist, physicians & psychologists are of the view that continued exposure to noise level above 80 to 100 db
is unsafe, Loud noise causes temporary or permanent deafness.
Noise pollution does negatively affect us and the environment. In humans, aside from annoyance, it's
been shown that exposure to moderately high levels of noise for an eight hour period can increase blood
pressure and cause other cardiac issues - even if the person is not particularly consciously disturbed. Noise
pollution can also cause gastric problems. Sometimes a person doesn't even realize their body is stressed by
noise until the noise is no longer present - they just feel a sudden sense of relief.
Noise also causes violence - many assaults and murders can be attributed to a noise issue that spiraled
out of control.
Principal noise health effects are both health and behavioural in nature.
Excessive exposure to noise may contribute to the development and aggravation of stress related
conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary disease, ulcers, and insomnia, fatigue,
irritability, colitis, and migraine headaches.
Apart from hearing loss, such noise can cause annoyance and aggression, lack of sleep,
irritability, hypertension, high stress levels, heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, and possibly heart
disease and other harmful effects depending on the level of sound, or how loud it is. One burst of
noise, as from a passing truck, is known to alter endocrine, neurological, and cardiovascular
functions in many individuals; prolonged or frequent exposure to such noise tends to make the
physiological disturbances chronic, noise-induced stress creates severe tension in daily living and
contributes to mental illness
Although there appears to be no firm evidence, it is believe that interference with speech in
occupational situations may lead to accidents due to inability to hear warning shouts.
In schools and homes speech interference is a major source of annoyance.
2. Effect on Vegetation:
Poor quality of Crops:- Now is well known to all that plants are similar to human being. They are also
as sensitive as man. There should be cool & peaceful environment for their better growth. Noise pollution
causes poor quality of crops in a pleasant atmosphere.
3. Effect on Animals:
Noise pollution damage the nervous system of animal. Animal looses the control of its mind. They
become dangerous.In nature, noise causes many adverse effects on animals - here's some examples:
Birds in a city need to call longer and louder than their country counterparts
Birds that rely on hearing to help locate prey are seriously disadvantaged by anthropogenic (human)
noise
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Noise disturbs feeding and breeding patterns of some animals and has been identified as a contributing
factor of the extinction of some species.
Aircraft noise and sonic booms have been implicated as a cause of lowered reproduction in a variety of
animals.
Military sonar has been responsible for the deaths of possibly thousands of dolphins and whales. Even
outboard motor noise can confuse some whales and dolphins
In dairy cows, excessive noise reduces feed consumption, milk yield, and rate of milk release
Noise causes increased incidence of miscarriages in caribou
Intense noise can affect growth of chickens and egg production
Canaries can suffer hearing damage at relatively low decibel levels if the noise is sustained
The most significant impact of noise to animal life is the systematic reduction of usable habitat, which in
the case of endangered species may be an important part of the path to extinction. Perhaps the most sensational
damage caused by noise pollution is the death of certain species of beached whales, brought on by the
extremely loud (up to 200 decibels) sound of military sonar.
Noise and other loud sounds can have a detrimental effect on animals by causing stress, increasing risk
of mortality by changing the delicate balance in predator/prey detection and avoidance, and by interfering with
their use of sounds in communication especially in relation to reproduction and in navigation. Very
significantly, acoustic overexposure can lead to temporary or permanent loss of hearing.
4. Effect on Property:
Loud noise is very dangerous to buildings, bridges and monuments. It creates waves which struck the walls and
put the building in danger condition. It weakens the edifice of buildings.
Sound Levels and Human Response:
Table below shows decibel levels from common sounds and their effects on humans.
Common Sounds Noise Level (dBA) Effects on humans
Air rain siren 140 Painfully loud
Jet take off (61.98 m) 120 Maximum vocal effort
Thunderclap
Auto horn (0.91m)
Discotheque
Pile driver 110
Garbage truck 100
Heavy truck (15.24 m) 90 Very annoying, hearing
City Traffic damage after 8 hours
Alarm clock (0.61 m) 80 Annoying
Hairdryer
Noisy restaurant 70* Telephone use difficult
Freeway traffic
Man’s voice (0.91 m)
Air conditioning unit (6.1 m) 60 disturbing
Light auto traffic 50 Quiet
Living room 40
Bedroom
Quiet office
Library 30 Very quiet
Soft whisper (4.57 m)
Broadcasting studio 20
10 Just audible
0 Hearing begins
*point at which noise begins to harm the hearing.
Source: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality *Retrieved September, 2005)
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Noise Emission Standards:
For purpose of establishing ambient noise quality standards, areas within the city, region or center of
urban living have classified as follows: Class AA, Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D. The
description and maximum allowable noise levels in general areas are indicated in Table 1.2.
Stricter standards are set for near hospitals, schools, other similar establishments. The strictest standards
are set for the nightime (from 10:00 in the evening to 5:00 in the morning) when most people are asleep
(Environmental Management Unit of DBP et.al, 1999)
Table 1.2 Environmental Quality Standards for Noise in General Areas
Category of Area Daytime Morning and Evening Night time
AA 50 dB 45 dB 40 dB
A 55 dB 50 dB 45 dB
B 65 dB 60 dB 55 dB
C 70 dB 65 dB 60 dB
D 75 dB 70 dB 65 dB
Source: EMB-DENR (1978)
Where:
AA – areas within 100 m from school sites, nursery schools, hospital and special homes for the
aged.
A – Contiguous area, which is primarily used for residential purposes.
B – Contiguous area that is primarily a commercial area.
C – section primarily reserved as a light industrial area.
D – a section primarily reserved as a heavy industrial area.
Morning – from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Daytime - from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM
Evening - from 6:00 PM to !0:00 PM
Nightime - from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Noise Ambient Standards:
Table 1.3 Noise Ambient Standards
Limit in dBA Leq
Area Code Category of Area
Daytime Night time
A Industrial Area 75 70
B Commercial Area 65 55
C Residential Area 55 45
D Silence Zone 50 40
Source: EPA Notification
Note:
Daytime is in between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM
Nightime is between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Silence Zone is defined as areas up to 100 meters around such premises as hospitals, educational
institutions and courts. The silence zones are to be declared by competent authority.
Mixed categories of areas should be declared as “one of the four above mentioned categories by the
competent authority and the corresponding standard shall apply.
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Table 3 OSHA’s “Table G-16” Showing Permissible Noise Exposures
Duration, day (hours) Sound level per dB(A) slow response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1-1/2 102
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115
TYPES OF SOUNDS:
1. CONTINOUS NOISE
Uninterrupted sound level that varies less than 5 dB during the period of observation.
Example=noise from household fan
2. INTERMITTEN NOISE
A continuous noise that persist for more than 1 second that is uninterrupted for one second.
Example is the dentist drilling
3. IMPULSE NOISE
Characterized by a change of sound pressure of 40dB or more within 0.5 seconds with a duration of
less than one second.
Firing weapon is an example.
Noise Control
The control of noise is possible at three different stages of transmission, reducing the sound produced,
interrupting the path of the sound and predicting the recipient or what is termed as Source-Path-
Receiver Concept.
Control at Source:
Reduction of the amplitude of the existing resources.
a) Reduction of impacts of impulsive factors
b) Reduce speeds and pressures
c) Balancing of magnetic sources
d) Use of dynamic compensation
e) Reducing the frictional forces
f) Vibration isolation
Changes in the operating procedure.
a) Siting
b) Building layout
c) Path deflection
d) Enclosures
e) Absorption
f) Impeding the sound by discontinuities between source and receiver
Reduction of the response of various components to the existing forces.
a) Alteration of the natural frequency of the resonant element
b) Increasing the energy dissipation
Noise Control in the Transmission Path
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After you have tried all possible ways of controlling the noise at the source, your next line of defense is
to set up devices in the transmission path to block or reduce the flow of sound energy before it reaches
your ears.
This can be done in several ways including:
a) Siting
b) Building layout
c) Deflect the sound in some other direction by placing a reflecting barrier in its path (Path
deflection)
d) Contain the sound by placing the source inside a sound-insulating box or enclosure (Enclosures),
or
e) Absorb the sound along the path (Absorption).
Selection of the most effective technique will depend upon various factors such as size and type of
source, intensity and frequency range of the noise and the nature and type of environment.
Control of Noise Source by Redress:
The best way to solve noise problems is to design them out of the source.
Some measures to correct the noise problem is through:
a) Balance rotating parts
b) Reduce frictional resistance
c) Apply damping materials
d) Seal noise leaks
e) Perform routine maintenance
Control of Noise at the receiver:
When exposure to intense noise field is required and none of the above measures so far is practical, the
following two (2) techniques are commonly employed:
a) Exposure control
b) Use of personal protective equipment
