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What is an Environmental Noise?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

Roads, airports, railways, and many other urban agglomerations are often the source of environmental noise. Also known as noise pollution, environmental noise is any strong displeasing sound created by machines, humans, or other animals. Noise pollution is considered problematic, particularly when it interferes with the balance of animal life or human activity.

The most common source of environmental noises is worldwide transportation systems. These include aircraft, railways, and motor vehicles. Other sources of environmental noise include car alarms, factory machinery, construction work, thunder, emergency sirens, grounds keeping equipment, office equipment, barking dogs, loudspeakers, appliances, surround sound systems and other audio equipment, and power tools. Human talking and activities can be considered environmental noise when they prove to be disruptive to others.

Cars may be a form of noise pollution.
Cars may be a form of noise pollution.

Considered a worldwide problem, environmental noises result in heavy costs, environmental impact, and loss of quality of life. In many areas, high noise pollution is attributed to poor urban planning. Industrial and residential buildings built too closely together can aggregate excessive environmental noise. Many workers who are exposed to chronic noise pollution have also lost their hearing.

Large trains can generate significant noise.
Large trains can generate significant noise.

Noise can have an averse effect on the health of the people and animals affected by it. Depending on the degree of the noise, as well as its length, and how it is used, it can cause psychological and physiological damage. Environmental noise can lead to aggression, high stress levels, hearing loss, hypertension, and sleep disturbances. On a more minor level, it can also create general annoyance during daily activities for those who experience it.

Frequent exposure to noise may contribute to hypertension and anxiety.
Frequent exposure to noise may contribute to hypertension and anxiety.

Pollution caused by noise is also a concern in environmentalism. The sound can cause undue stress on animals. This stress leads to uncharacteristic behaviors and interference with natural animal instincts, resulting in death, imbalances in prey and predator relationships, and disruption in animal reproduction. Some species, such as several types of whale, have died as a result irregular activity following exposure to military sonar.

Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from noises that over time can cause hearing loss.
Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from noises that over time can cause hearing loss.

Domestic noise, such as human activities, dogs barking, and building acoustics, is typically handled locally. Larger cases of environmental noise, such as those created by construction zones and fairgrounds, may be dealt with on a local or wider, governmental level. Regulations may be put in place regarding the time periods these areas are allowed to operate, the decibel level of operation allowed, and other factors. Laws regarding noise pollution vary by region.

Environmental noise may cause sleep disturbances.
Environmental noise may cause sleep disturbances.

Environmental noise laws are implemented and enforced based on cultural, economical, and political factors in their respective areas. Reducing traffic noise, manufacturing quieter machines and vehicles, and planning the development of urban areas are some ways that the problem has been addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is environmental noise?

Environmental noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, such as traffic, industrial processes, and recreational activities. It differs from natural sounds in that it's often persistent and can disrupt wildlife and human quality of life. The World Health Organization has identified environmental noise as a significant threat to public health, linking it to issues like sleep disturbance, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment in children.

How does environmental noise affect wildlife?

Environmental noise can have profound effects on wildlife, disrupting communication, mating rituals, and hunting behaviors. For instance, birds may change their song frequencies or timing to avoid noise overlap, while marine mammals can experience stress or disorientation due to underwater noise pollution from ships and industrial activities. Such disturbances can lead to reduced reproductive success and even population declines, as noted in various ecological studies.

What are the main sources of environmental noise?

The primary sources of environmental noise include road traffic, airplanes, industrial operations, construction activities, and urban entertainment venues. Road traffic alone is responsible for the majority of environmental noise exposure, with millions of people in urban areas subjected to sound levels that exceed the recommended limits set by health organizations, leading to potential adverse health effects.

Can environmental noise impact human health?

Yes, environmental noise can significantly impact human health. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise is associated with increased risks of heart disease, hypertension, sleep disturbances, and stress-related illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, long-term exposure to traffic noise, for example, may result in approximately 1.6 million healthy life years lost annually in Western European countries due to negative health outcomes.

What measures can be taken to reduce environmental noise?

To reduce environmental noise, governments and organizations implement regulations like noise barriers, traffic control measures, and zoning laws. Technological advancements such as quieter engines, soundproofing materials, and urban planning that incorporates green spaces can also mitigate noise levels. Public awareness campaigns and community initiatives play a role in promoting quieter environments and responsible noise management.

Are there any legal protections against environmental noise?

Many countries have established legal frameworks to protect citizens from excessive environmental noise. These include setting noise limits for different zones, times of day, and sources, as well as requiring environmental impact assessments for new developments. In the European Union, the Environmental Noise Directive mandates member states to map noise levels and create action plans to reduce noise in the most affected areas.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for AllThingsNature and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for AllThingsNature and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

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    • Cars may be a form of noise pollution.
      By: rob245
      Cars may be a form of noise pollution.
    • Large trains can generate significant noise.
      By: rudi1976
      Large trains can generate significant noise.
    • Frequent exposure to noise may contribute to hypertension and anxiety.
      By: Monkey Business
      Frequent exposure to noise may contribute to hypertension and anxiety.
    • Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from noises that over time can cause hearing loss.
      By: autayeu
      Ear plugs can help prevent trauma from noises that over time can cause hearing loss.
    • Environmental noise may cause sleep disturbances.
      By: bramgino
      Environmental noise may cause sleep disturbances.