NOISE POLLUTION

Noise is an unwanted and unpleasant sound. Noise pollution may be defined as unwanted
sound released into the atmosphere and may create some adverse effects or unwanted noise.
The high-intensity sound may have great physical / physiological damaging effects which can
be extremely damaging. The sound intensity has been measured in terms of decibels (dB).

SOURCES OF NOICE POLLUTION

There are a number of sources available indoors and outdoors for sound generation. The most
common source in our houses are gadgets like a mixture/grinder, vacuum cleaner, washing
machines, coolers, air conditioners, radios, and TV systems, whereas the outdoor sources are
factories, vehicles, aeroplanes, trains, loudspeakers and crackers used in the various festivals.

Types of Noise Pollution

Following are the three types of pollution:

1. Transport Noise
2. Neighbourhood Noise
3. Industrial Noise

1. TRANSPORT NOISE

It mainly consists of traffic noise which has increased in recent years with the increase in the
number of vehicles. The increase in noise pollution leads to deafening of older people,
headache, hypertension, etc.

2. Neighbourhood Noise

The noise from gadgets, household utensils etc. Some of the main sources are musical
instruments, transistors, loudspeakers, etc.

3. Industrial Noise

It is the high-intensity sound which is caused by heavy industrial machines. According to

many researches, industrial noise pollution damages the hearing ability to around 20%.

CAUSES AND SOURCES OF NOISE POLLUTION

Following are the causes and sources of noise pollution:

1. Improper Planning of Urban Areas

Because of crowded housing, limited space, inadequate parking facilities, and frequent battles
over essential services that disturb the environment of society, improper and bad urban
 planning plays a significant role in the creation of noise pollution, particularly in developing
nations.

2. Social Events

One of the causes of noise pollution is an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.
Traffic congestion, subterranean trains, airplanes, and other loud noises, for instance, can
cause hearing loss.
3. Vehicles and transportation

The increase in the number of automobiles on the road is one of the causes of noise pollution.
For instance, hearing loss may result from excessive noise from airplanes, underground
trains, traffic, and other sources. At least 20% of people in the European Union are currently
exposed to levels of road traffic noise that are deemed harmful, according to the Frontiers
Report.

4. Construction Sites

Noise pollution is considerably exacerbated by a variety of construction operations, such as

mining and the building of bridges, dams, and other structures.

5. Agriculture

Most farmers are unaware of the detrimental health effects caused by louder noises made by
agricultural equipment like tractors, trolleys, and harvesters

6. Events: Weddings, public gatherings involve loudspeakers to play music resulting in the
production of unwanted noise in the neighbourhood.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Noise exposure causes a variety of adverse health effects and it depends on its intensity,
frequency and periodicity. Noise pollution can be hazardous to human health in the following
ways:

 Hypertension: It is a direct result of noise pollution which is caused due to elevated

blood levels for a longer duration.
 Hearing loss: Constant exposure of human ears to loud noise that are beyond the
range of sound that human ears can withstand damages the eardrums, resulting in loss
of hearing.
 Sleeping disorders: Lack of sleep might result in fati/gue and low energy level
throughout the day affecting everyday activities. Noise pollution hampers the sleep
cycles leading to irritation and an uncomfortable state of mind.
 Cardiovascular issues: Heart-related problems such as blood pressure level, stress
and cardiovascular diseases might come up in a normal person and a person suffering
from any of these diseases might feel a sudden shoot up in the level.

measurement of Noise pollution

Noise pollution is typically measured using decibels (dB), which quantify the intensity of
sound. Here are some common methods and tools used to measure noise pollution:

1. Sound Level Meters: These handheld devices measure sound intensity in dB. They
can capture various frequency ranges and are often used for spot measurements in
different environments.
2. Integrating Sound Level Meters: These are more advanced than standard sound
level meters and can measure average sound levels over time, providing data on
fluctuating noise levels.
3. Noise Dosimeters: Worn by individuals, these devices measure personal exposure to
noise over a set period. They're often used in occupational settings to monitor
workers' exposure.
4. Environmental Noise Monitoring Stations: These fixed stations continuously record
noise levels in specific areas, providing long-term data for urban planning and noise
regulation.
5. Mathematical Models: In some cases, noise pollution can be estimated using models
that consider factors like traffic volume, building materials, and land use.

Key Considerations

 Frequency Weighting: Measurements may use different weighting scales (A, C, Z)

depending on the purpose. A-weighting is commonly used for environmental noise as
it reflects human hearing sensitivity.
 Time of Measurement: Noise levels can vary significantly based on time of day and
activity, so measurements are often taken at different times to get a comprehensive
view.

Common Noise Levels

 Whisper: 30 dB
 Normal conversation: 60 dB
 Traffic: 70-85 dB
 Loud music: 100 dB
 Jet takeoff: 130 dB

Regular monitoring and assessment help in managing noise pollution and its impact on health
and well-being.

CONTROL OF NOISE POLLUTION

Control of noise pollution is basically, a reduction of the sound intensity of any available
sources. There can be three ways to reduce such type of noise pollution:
i. Eliminate the noise at the sources,
ii. Modify the path of the sound transmission
 iii. Provide the receiver with some form of protection

Some of the important ways for noise reduction are as follows:

1. Noise pollution reduction in industries:

Noise in industries can be reduced by replacing old machinery with newer and more efficient
ones. The noisy generator must be located far from the work area. Factory workers must wear
ear muffs (for sound above 90dB) or ear plugs (for sound below 90dB). Apart from this,
some plants such as Ashok, Banayan, Neem, Kadamb etc should be grown around the factory
to minimise noise pollution.
2. Reduction of community noise:
The use of loudspeakers in marriages or other occasions should be banned else permitted for
a certain period of time. Measures should be taken to prohibit the manufacture, sale and use
of crackers of high sound intensity.
3. Reduction of traffic noise:
Old and sound-producing motor vehicles should be banned on roads and denied operation.
Hooting and blowing of horns needless should be restricted legally. All along the highways
50 feet wide plantation strips should be developed.
4. Reduction of aeroplane and jet noise:
Aerodrome should be located very far from the residential area. The heavy and thick green
belts should be developed to reduce the noise pollution levels around the aerodrome.
5. Planning of cities and housing system:
Well-planned cities should be developed to reduce the noise pollution created by industries
and highways. There should be a sufficient number of green belts in between residential
areas.
6. Legal control of noise pollution:
Recently, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards
(SPCBs) have been given the power to frame certain rules and regulations to control noise
pollution. Certain rules and regulations are:

i. A silence zone should be created near hospitals and educational institutes.

ii. The use of sound amplifiers should be strictly restricted.
iii. All vehicles should have effective silencers and uncontrolled blowing of the horn should
be declared illegal.
iv. Mid-night aircraft flights should be restricted/minimised.
v. Restriction on the factory noises should be handled legally and soundless machinery
should be promoted.
vi. Developmental authorities should have a legal procedure and protocol to establish a
significant number of green belts in and around cities.

NOISE POLLUTION REGULATION AND CONTROL RULES, 2000

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 govern each type of noise
pollution. Prior to this, noise pollution and its causes were addressed by the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981.

On February 14, 2000, the Union Government passed the Noise Pollution (Regulation and
Control) Rules, 2000 in an effort to reduce the increasing ambient noise level coming from
diverse sources in public areas. According to the authority granted to it by the Environment
(Protection) Act of 1986, this was done.
As stated in Rule 5 of the Noise Rules 2000, the use of loudspeakers and public address
systems is restricted.
Rule 5 was altered in 2010 to forbid the use of sound-producing equipment. Before using this
technology in any of these situations, written consent is necessary.
The District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, and any other person not below the level of
Deputy Superintendent of Police are designated as the Noise Rules, 2000’s implementing
authorities.
The State Government has the power to permit the use of loudspeakers on or during any
annual religious or cultural celebration with a maximum duration of fifteen days. The hours
between 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. are not suitable for such recreation.
5. Restrictions on the use of loud speakers/public address system .-

1. A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used except after obtaining
written permission from the authority.

2. A loud speaker or a public address system shall not be used at night (between 10.00 p.m.
to 6.00 a.m.) except in closed premises for communication within, e.g.,auditoria,
conference rooms, community halls and banquet halls.

3. [ Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), the State Government may, subject
to such terms and conditions as are necessary to reduce noise pollution, permit use of loud
speakers or public address systems and the like during night hours (between 10.00 p.m. to
12.00 midnight) on or during any cultural, religious or festive occasion of a limited
duration not exceeding fifteen days in all during a calendar year and the concerned State
Government or District Authority in respect of its jurisdiction as authorised by the
concerned State Government shall generally specify in advance, the number and
particulars of the days on which such exemption should be operative.Explanation. - For
the purposes of this sub-rule, the expressions-

(i)"festive occasion" shall include any National function or State function as notifed by
the Central Government or State Government; and

(ii)"National function or State function "shall include"-

(A)Republic Day;

(B)Independence day;

(C)State Day; or

(D)such other day as notified by the Central Government or the State Government.]

4. The noise level at the boundary of the public place, where loudspeaker or public address
system or any other noise source is being used shall not exceed 10 dB (A) above the
ambient noise standards for the area or 75 dB (A) whichever is lower

5. The peripheral noise level of a privately owned sound system or a sound producing
instrument shall not, at the boundary of the private place, exceed by more than 5dB (A)
the ambient noise standards specified for the area on which it is used.]