Noise Pollution Causes

The menace of noise pollution which has aggravated after the industrial revolution is the cause of many health problems. Let us find out the causes of noise pollution and other noise pollution facts through this article.

Noise Pollution - Introduction
The displeasing sounds which lead to the disruption of the balance of human life and natural things which surround him creates a chaotic situation or condition called noise pollution. Noise pollution has harmful effects on the physiological and psychological health of human beings. The noise pollution effects on health include hypertension, annoyance, high stress levels, aggression, hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disturbance and many such health problems. Apart from the traffic and machines, poor urban planning is also a cause of noise pollution.

Noise Pollution Causes
The sources/causes of noise pollution increased or probably originated with the invention of machines. Let us have a look at the various noise pollution causes in detail.

Traffic: It is the biggest source of noise pollution in today's times, especially in urban areas. In the past few years the number of automobile vehicles has increased manifold. Thus, traffic problems created by these vehicles is an important source of noise pollution. The sound produced by the exhaust systems of trucks, autos, buses, motorcycles, etc. cause a lot of noise.

Railway Stations: Locomotive engines of trains are an important source of noise pollution. Besides, the shunting and switching operations in rail yards too cause noise pollution to a great extent. The whistles and horns being used by the railway employees add to the effect and increase noise pollution.

Aircrafts: The national parks and wastelands were earlier considered to be the pollution free zones and people traveled to these places for relaxation. Nowadays, however, the sound created by low flying military aircrafts causes noise pollution in these areas too.

Industrial Noise: The various machines used in industries are also a major cause of noise pollution. The different machines which are responsible for creating noise include the compressors, motors and other machinery. It is therefore recommended to grow trees in the premises of industries, which act as absorbents of noise. The trees grown in the premises of 'Tata Motors' an automobile company based in India is a perfect example of how to reduce noise pollution in the industrial belts. Read more on effects of industrial noise pollution.

Construction Equipment: The different types of machines and equipments used in construction of roads and buildings is also an important cause behind noise pollution. The machinery used for the purpose of construction includes pneumatic hammers, bulldozers, air compressors, dump trucks, loaders, pavement breakers, etc. is also responsible for noise pollution to a great extent.

Household Equipment: The household equipments are amongst the minor contributors to noise pollution. These machines include mixers, vacuum cleaners and other noise creating equipments. The effects of noise pollution caused by these machines shouldn't be neglected. This is because one has to work in close contact with the equipments and the magnitude of sound that one needs to bear is high.

Other Causes: The boilers, plumbing equipment, air conditioners, generators and fans contribute to noise pollution to some extent. Noise created by people in public places too is a major contributor amongst different sources. Loudspeakers used in public places are responsible for creating noise of a high degree/amplitude.

Noise Pollution Solutions
The different measures that one could undertake in order to reduce noise pollution are mentioned below. The major noise pollution causes or sources are the automobiles and different types of machines. Regular servicing of automobiles could help in reducing the intensity of sound produced by them. Lubricating the machines used in day-to-day life prove to be helpful in their smooth (noiseless) functioning. Use of loudspeakers should be prohibited in public places. Soundproofing materials need to be used in the house to reduce nose pollution.

Read more on:

• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Environmental Pollution

The different noise pollution causes and their effects are explained in the above article. One should undertake appropriate noise pollution solutions to minimize harmful effects of noise pollution.