Monday, November 4, 2013

Noise pollution - Causes, types, effects and control of noise pollution

Noise pollution
Noise is defined as, "the unwanted, unpleasant or disagreeable sound that causes discomfort to all living beings". Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB), that is the tenth part of the longest unit Bel. One dB is the faintest sound that a human ear can hear.

TYPES OF NOISE: Environmental noise has been doubling every ten years. Noise is classified as:
  1. Industrial Noise
  2. Transport  Noise and
  3. Neighbourhood noise
Industrial Noise: It is sound with a high intensity sound caused by industry machines. Sources of such noise pollution is caused by machines from machines in various factories, industries and mills. Noise from mechanical saws and pneumatic drills is unbearable and a nuisance to the public.
The Indian Institute of Oto-Rino Laryngology, Chennai reported that increasing industrial pollution damages the hearing ability by atleast 20%.
Workers in steel industry, who work close to heavy industrial blowers are exposed to 112dB for eight hours suffer from occupational pollution.

Transport Noise: Transport noise mainly consists of traffic noise from road, rail and aircraft. The number of automobiles on roads like motors, scooters, cars, motor cycles, buses, trucks and diesel engine vehicles have increased enormously in the recent past further aggravating the problem of transport noise.
Noise levels in most residential areas in metropolitan cities is hovering around the border line due to increased vehicular noise pollution. This high level of noise pollution leads to deafening in the elderly.

Neighbourhood noise: This type of noise includes disturbance from household gadgets and community. Common sources being musical instruments, TV, VCR, Radios, Transistors, Telephones, and loudspeakers etc. Statistically, ever since the industrial revolution, noise in the environment has been doubling every ten years.

Effects of Noise pollution
  1. Noise pollution affects both human and animal health. It leads to:
        1. contraction of blood vessels
        2. making skin pale
        3. excessive adrenalin in the blood stream which is responsible for high blood pressure.
        4. Blaring sounds are known to cause mental distress
        5. Heart attacks, neurological problems, birth defects and abortion
  2. Muscle contraction leading to nervous breakdown, tension, etc
  3. The adverse reactions are  coupled with a change in hormone content of blood, which in-turn increases  heart beat, constriction of blood vessels, digestive spams and dilation of the pupil of the eye.
  4. Adverse affects health, work efficiency and behaviour. Noise pollution may cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and may produce emotional disturbance.
  5. The most immediate and acute effect of noise is impairment of hearing that diminishes some part of the auditory system. Prolonged exposure to noise of certain frequency pattern leads to chronic damage to the inner ear.
  6. Impulsive noise may cause psychological and pathological disorders
  7. Ultrasonic sound can affect the digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular system and semicircular canals of the internal ear.
  8. The brain is adversely affected by loud and sudden noise by jets and airplanes. People are subjected to psychiatric illness.
  9. Recent reports suggest that blood is thickened by excessive noise.
  10. The optical system of human beings is also affected by noise pollution. Severe noise pollution causes:
    1. Pupullary dilation
    2. Impairment of night vision and
    3. Decrease in rate of colour perception
Control measures:
  1. SOURCE CONTROL: This includes source  modification such as acoustic treatment to machine surface, design changes, limiting operational timings, etc
  2. TRANSMISSION PATH INTERVENTION: This includes containing the source inside a sound insulating enclosure, constructing a noise barrier or provision of sound absorbing materials along the path.
  3. RECEPTOR CONTROL: This includes protection of the receiver by altering the work schedule or provision of personal protection devices such as ear plugs for operating noisy machinery. The measure may include dissipation and deflection methods.
  4. OILING: Proper oiling will reduce noise from the machine.
Preventive measures:
  1. Prescribing noise limits for vehicular traffic
  2.  Ban on honking (usage of horns) in certain areas
  3. Creation of silence zones near schools and hospitals
  4. Redesigning buildings to make them noise proof
  5. Reduction of traffic density in residential areas
  6. Giving preference to mass public transport system.

24 comments:

  1. Thanks a lot for such great article related to noise pollution. It will found very helpful in order to control industrial noise.

    http://www.arknoise.co.in

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful.... I like it...
    Awesome definitions...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice topic. We can design and supply the Industrial noise control equipment like Engine exhaust silencer, Vent silencer, Fan silencer etc. For more details www.pmtacoustics.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Get this project of Effects on environment – List of information of industries it has all the things you need including aims and objectives,analysis of data,detailed report of project,suggestion,discussion,conflusion

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sir am enjaaaying Reding this post...Mrinal Anna zindabad

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here is something problem about the prevention of noise problem. Some people don't try to understand the seriousness of noise and they continuously start playing music. Someone have to solve the problem about this issue.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It has been just unfathomably liberal with you to give straightforwardly what precisely numerous people would've promoted for an eBook to wind up making some money for their end, basically given that you could have attempted it in the occasion you needed.offshore safety course in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the bail-out
    This is really awesome

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the bail-out
    This is really awesome

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nicely drafted. Thanks for sharing the useful information which is very much needed these days.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is amazing!! It helped me to complete my project

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for your information, let create a awareness about Industrial Exhaust System Manufacturers Chennai to reduce the pollution.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am thankful to this blog for assisting me. I added some specified clues which are really important for me to use them in my writing skill. Really helpful stuff made by this blog.
    access control glass door

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. noise blankets

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. Galway City Travel Guide

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. taxi service Bangkok

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck. ทําตาสองชั้นราคา

    ReplyDelete
  19. You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! High Temperature Environmental Testing Chamber

    ReplyDelete
  20. Excessive noises are too disturbing and can result health risk. A noise barrier should be implemented especially on constructions.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks a lot for such great Blog related to noise pollution. Nice information!
    Board Room SoundProofing Perth

    ReplyDelete