NOISE POLLUTION

What is noise?

In simple terms, noise is unwanted sound. Sound is a form of energy which is emitted by avibrating
body and on reaching the ear causes the sensation of hearing through nerves.Sounds produced by all
vibrating bodies is not audible. The frequency limits of audibility are from 20 HZ to 20,000 HZ.
A noise problem generally consists of three inter-related elements- the source, the receiver and the
transmission path. This transmission path is usually the atmosphere through which the sound is propagated,
but can include the structural materials of any building containing the receiver.
Noise may be continuous or intermittent. Noise may be of high frequency or of low frequency which is
undesired for a normal hearing. For example, the typical cry of a child produces sound, which is mostly
unfavorable to normal hearing. Since it is unwanted sound, we call it noise.
The discrimination and differentiation between sound and noise also depends upon the habit and
interest of the person/species receiving it, the ambient conditions and impact of the sound generated during
that particular duration of time. There could be instances that, excellently rendered musical concert for
example, may be felt as noise and exceptional music as well during the course of the concert!
Sounds of frequencies less than 20 HZ are called infrasonics and greater than 20,0000 HZ are called
ultrasonics. Since noise is also a sound, the terms noise and sound are synonymously used and are followed
in this module.

How it is computed (measured)?

The intensity of sound is measured in sound pressure levels (SPL) and common unit of
measurement is decibel, dB. The community (ambient) noise levels are measured in the A
- weighted SPL, abbreviated dB(A). This scale resembles the audible response of human
ear. Sounds of frequencies from 800 to 3000 HZ are covered by the A - weighted scale. If
the sound pressure level, L1 in dB is measured at r1 meters, then the sound pressure level,

L2 in dB at r2 meters is given by,

L2 = L1 - 20 log10 (r2/r1) ...... (1)

If the sound levels are measured in terms of pressure, then, sound pressure level, LP is
given by,

LP = 20 Log10 (P/Po) dB(A) ...... (2)

The Lp is measured against a standard reference pressure, Po = 2 x 10-5 N/m2 which is equivalent to zero
decibels. The sound pressure is the pressure exerted at a point due to a
sound producing source (see. Fig. 2)

o)) ) ) ) *)SPL
Fig. 2 Definition of sound pressure

Day-night equivalent noise levels (Ldn): The day night equivalent noise levels of a
community can be expressed as -
Ldn , dB(A) = 10 x log10 [15/24 (10Ld/10) + 9/24 (10(Ln + 10)/10)] ............... (3)
where, Ld = day-equivalent noise levels (from 6AM - 9 PM), dB (A)
Ln = night equivalent noise levels (from 9 PM - 6 AM), dB (A)
The day hours in respect to assessment of noise levels, is fixed from 6 AM - 9 PM (i.e., 15
hrs) and night hours from 9 PM - 6 AM (i.e., 9 hrs). A sound level of 10 dB is added to Ln
due to the low ambient sound levels during night for assessing the Ldn values.
Noise measurement instruments
Noise measurement is an important diagnostic tool in noise control technology. The objective of noise
measurement is to make accurate measurement which give us a purposeful act of omparing noises under
different conditions for assessment of adverse impacts of noise and adopting suitable control techniques for
noise reduction.
The principle and the components of noise measuring instruments is summarised below. A sound level
meter consists basically of a microphone and an electronic circuit including an attenuator, amplifier, weighting
networks or filters and a display unit. The microphone converts the sound signal to an equivalent electrical
signal. The signal is passed through a weighting network which provides a conversion and gives the sound
pressure level in dB.The instructions laid down by the noise level meter manufacturers shall be followed while
using the instruments.
The time constants used for the sound level meter standards are
S (Slow) = 1 second
F (Fast) = 125 milli seconds

Relatively steady sounds are easily measured using the "fast" response and unsteady sounds using
"slow" response. When measuring long-term noise exposure, the noise level is not always steady and may
vary considerably, in an irregular way over the measurement period. This uncertainty can be solved by
measuring the continuous equivalent level, which is defined as, the constant sound pressure level which would
have produced the same total energy as the actual level over the given time. It is denoted as Leq. The display
of Leq facility is also available in certain models of sound level meters. This is the desired parameter for
assessment of ambient noise levels.

Noise Sampling
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published several code books for sampling and analysis of noise
pollution and guidelines for control of noise pollution from domestic and industrial sources. The reader is
advised to refer to the BIS code books for a better understanding of methods of noise sampling. For sampling
of noise levels from industrial sources, noise levels in the different octave bands are measured by a sound
level meter in conjunction with octave - band filters at the workers ear level or at about a distance of one meter
from the source of noise.

Sources of noise

Where does it generate from?

The sources of noise may vary according to daily activities. They sources may be domestic (movement of
utensils, cutting and peeling of fruits/vegetables etc.) natural (shores, birds/animal shouts, wind movement, sea
tide movement, water falls etc.), commercial (vendor shouts, automobiles, aeroplanes, marriages, laboratory,
machinery etc.)
industrial (generator sets, boilers, plant operations, trolley movement, transport vehicles, pumps, motors etc.).
Typical surveys pertaining to causes of noise pollution, reveal the various sources of noise pollution
and frequency variation of their occurrences. The results of a survey conducted in Central London, way back in
1961-62 reveals the presence of noise pollution even in the early ‘60s. Road traffic is identified as the major
source of noise pollution while at home or outdoors or at work.

Major Sources of noise

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.

Typical noise levels of some point sources

Source Noise level dB(A) Source Noise level, dB(A)

Air compressors 95-104 Quiet garden 30

110 KVA diesel generator 95 Ticking clock 30
Lathe Machine 87 Computer rooms 55-60
Milling machine 112 Type institute 60
Oxy-acetylene cutting 96 Printing press 80
Pulveriser 92 Sports car 80-95
Riveting 95 Trains 96
Power operated portable saw 108 Trucks 90-100
Steam turbine (12,500 kW) 91 Car horns 90-105
Pneumatic Chiseling 118 Jet takeoff 120

Noise that disturb people- 1961-62 Central London Survey

S.No. Description of noise No. of people disturbed per 100 questioned

When at home When outdoors When at work

1 Road traffic 36 20 7
2 Aircraft 9 4 1
3 Trains 5 1 0
4 Industry / Construction work 7 3 10
5 Domestic appliances 4 0 4
6 Neighbors impact 6 0 0
7 Children 9 3 0
8 Adult voices 10 2 2
9 Radio/TV 7 1 1
10 Bells/alarms 3 1 1
Impacts of noise
Why bother about noise? Often neglected, noise induces a severe impact on humans and on living
organisms. Some of the adverse effects are summarised below.

Annoyance: It creates annoyance to the receptors due to sound level fluctuations. The aperiodic sound
due to its irregular occurrences causes displeasure to hearing
and causes annoyance.

Physiological effects: The physiological features like breathing amplitude, blood pressure, heart-beat
rate, pulse rate, blood cholesterol are effected.

Loss of hearing: Long exposure to high sound levels cause loss of hearing. This is mostly unnoticed, but
has an adverse impact on hearing function.

Human performance: The working performance of workers/human will be affected as they'll be losing
their concentration.

Nervous system: It causes pain, ringing in the ears, feeling of tiredness, thereby effecting the functioning
of human system.

Sleeplessness: It affects the sleeping there by inducing the people to become restless and loose
concentration and presence of mind during their activities

Damage to material: The buildings and materials may get damaged by exposure to infrasonic /
ultrasonic waves and even get collapsed.

Control of Noise Pollution

Noise generation is associated with most of our daily activities. A healthy human ear responds to a very wide
range of SPL from - the threshold of hearing at zero dB, uncomfortable at 100-120 dB and painful at 130-140
dB. Due to the various adverse impacts of noise on humans and environment, noise should be controlled. The
technique or the combination of techniques to be employed for noise control depend upon the extent of the
noise reduction required, nature of the equipment used and the economy aspects of the available techniques.

The techniques employed for noise control can be broadly classified as

Control at source
Control in the transmission path
Using protective equipment.

Noise Control at Source

The noise pollution can be controlled at the source of generation itself by employing
Techniques like-

Reducing the noise levels from domestic sectors: The domestic noise coming from radio, tape
recorders, television sets, mixers, washing machines, cooking operations can be minimized by their selective
and judicious operation. By usage of carpets or any absorbing material, the noise generated from felling of
items in house can be minimized.

Maintenance of automobiles: Regular servicing and tuning of vehicles will reduce the noise levels.
Fixing of silencers to automobiles, two wheelers etc., will reduce the noise levels.

Control over vibrations: The vibrations of materials may be controlled using proper foundations,
rubber padding etc. to reduce the noise levels caused by vibrations.
Low voice speaking: Speaking at low voices enough for communication reduces the excess noise
levels.

Prohibition on usage of loud speakers: By not permitting the usage of loudspeakers in the
habitant zones except for important meetings / functions. Now-a-days, the urban Administration of the metro
cities in India, is becoming stringent on usage of loudspeakers.

Selection of machinery: Optimum selection of machinery tools or equipment reduces excess noise
levels. For example selection of chairs, or selection of certain machinery/equipment which generate less noise
(Sound) due to its superior technology etc. is also an important factor in noise minimization strategy.

Maintenance of machines: Proper lubrication and maintenance of machines, vehicles etc. will reduce
noise levels. For example, it is a common experience that, many parts of a vehicle will become loose while on
a rugged path of journey. If these loose parts are not properly fitted, they will generate noise and cause
annoyance to the driver/passenger. Similarly is the case of machines. Proper handling and regular
maintenance is essential not only for noise control but also to improve the life of machine.

Design of building: The design of the building incorporating the use of suitable noise absorbing material
for wall/door/window/ceiling will reduce the noise levels. The approximate reduction of outside noise levels
using typical exterior wall construction is given at Table 6. The reduction in noise levels for various frequencies
and the A-weighted scale are shown. Variations in spectrum shape may change this A-weighted value by as
much as +/- 3 dB.

Installation of panels or enclosures: A sound source may be enclosed within a paneled structure
such as room as a means of reducing the noise levels at the receiver. The actual difference between the sound
pressure levels inside and outside an enclosure depends not only on the transmission loss of the enclosure
panels but also on the acoustic absorption within the enclosure and the details of the panel penetrations which
may include windows or doors.
The product of frequency of interest and surface weight of the absorbing material is the key
parameter in noise reduction through transmission loss. With conventional construction practices, the high-
frequency transmission loss of a panel becomes limited to around 40 dB, owing to the transmission of sound
through flanking paths other than the panel itself. Examples of such flanking are structural connections or ducts
joining the two spaces on either side of the panel of interest.

Green belt development: Green belt development can attenuate the sound levels. The degree of
attenuation varies with species of greenbelt. The statutory regulations direct the industry to develop greenbelt
four times the built-up area for attenuation of various atmospheric pollutants, including noise.

Using protection equipment:

Protective equipment usage is the ultimate step in noise control technology, i.e. after noise reduction at
source and/or after the diversion or engineered control of transmission path of noise.

The usage of protective equipment and the worker's exposure to the high noise levels can
be minimized by -

Job rotation: By rotating the job between the workers working at a particular noise
Source or isolating a person, the adverse impacts can be reduced.

Exposure reduction: Regulations prescribe that, noise level of 90 dB (A) for more than 8 hr continuous
exposure is prohibited. Persons who are working under such conditions will be exposed to occupational health
hazards. The schedule of the workers should be planned in such a way that, they should not be over exposed
to the high noise levels.

Hearing protection: Equipment like earmuffs, ear plugs etc. are the commonly used devices for hearing
protection. Attenuation provided by ear-muffs varies widely in respect to their size, shape, seal material etc.
Literature survey shows that, average noise attenuation up to 32 dB can be achieved using earmuffs.
Regulatory guidelines
Statutory Regulatory guidelines were prescribed both for the ambient noise levels and for workspace
environment noise levels .Factories Act, 1948 prescribes the protection of workers against high noise levels
(noise level > 90 dB (A)). The State Pollution Control Board and Inspector of Factories have powers to
administer the control of noise pollution.

Table 7 Indian Standards for ambient noise levels 1

Area Noise Limits, Leq, dB (A)

Day Time Night Time
Silence zone 50 45
Residential area 55 45
Commercial area 65 55
Industrial area 75 65

Summary

Whether knowingly or unknowingly, everyone of us contribute to noise pollution, because

most of our day-to-day activities generate some noise. Often neglected, noise pollution adversely
affects the human being leading to irritation, loss of concentration, loss of hearing. Identify the
sources of noise pollution. Once identified, the reason(s) for increased noise levels to be
assessed. Now, efforts shall be made to reduce the undesired noise levels from (unwanted) noise
generating sources. This leads to marginal reduction of noise levels. It is still un-bearable
scientific methods of noise control shall be employed.
The statutory Regulations have prescribed the noise level exposure limits. The public may
complain to the statutory Board for violation of noise level limits by any noise generator. Suitable
action will be taken to attenuate the noise levels and controlling pollution. It is advisable that
suitable noise control measures be taken and reduces the interference of Statutory Board. It is
high time that everyone should do this bit in curbing the noise pollution, which is otherwise
becoming as effective as SLOW POISONING.

Glossary
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound.
Sound
Sound is a form of energy emitted by a vibrating body and on reaching the ear it causes
the sensation of hearing through nerves.
Infrasonics
The sound of frequency less than 20HZ.
Ultrasonics
The sound of frequency more than 20,000 HZ.
Decibel, dB
It is measurement unit of sound, represented by dB.