Now-a-days noise pollution is a common phenomenon. The disturbance produced in the environment by undesirable, loud and harsh sound from different sources is called noise pollution. Generally it is one of the most serious environmental problems for the people living in cities. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels (dB). Human ears can pick up sound from 10dB to 180 dB. The sound is considered normal if it is between 50 dB to 60 dB. Noise levels more than 85 dB are painful and cause various health problems.
There are different sources of noise pollution. Factories cause high noise emissions both indoor and outdoor by their noisy motors and compressors. Different means of transports like railway engine, all kinds of petrol and diesel vehicles, aero planes and pressure horn used in automobiles cause noise pollution in metropolitan cities. Loudspeakers used in social and religious ceremonies, harsh music, band party processions and bursting of crackers in different festivals also create noise pollution. At present the construction of large buildings and apartments in the towns are growing up at an alarming rate due to population explosion. The machinery used in these works like cement mixtures, cranes, bulldozers, welding and boring machines contribute to high noise pollution. Apart from these, the home appliances like television, radio, washing machine, mixture cum grinder, telephone, vacuum cleaner and air conditioner lead to substantial noise pollution.
Noise pollution affects human health in a numbers of ways. A long exposure to noise pollution leads of loss of hearing. It reduces concentration of mind and loss of work efficiency. It also causes anger, irritation and headache which subsequently interfere with sleep disorder and nervous tension of people.
It is true that we can not eliminate noise. But we can lower down its level to bearable limits by taking different measures. Machines should be design in such a way to produce minimum noise and be kept on thick rubber mat to absorb vibration. All automobiles should be provided with improved and modified silencers. The industries should be kept away from residential areas. People should not be allowed to use loud speakers without valid permission. Factory workers should use earmuffs to avoid harsh sound. Heavy vehicles should not be permitted in residential zones. Home appliances like T.V. and power music should be played with audible sound. In this way, we con minimize noise pollution for the better living of human beings.