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| The Growing Problem of Noise Pollution | May 17, 2009, 3:29 pm | visits: 54 | wordcount: 558
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By Beverly Saltonstall
In recent years, people have become more aware of how pollution is affecting our health and well being. Noise pollution, however, is often over looked in our efforts to reduce pollution. This isn't because it isn't as important, it is simply a fact that many people do not think about noise pollution.
It is clear that air pollution causes cancer, and the use of lead has caused serious neurological problems, especially in children. But the effects of noise pollution are not a obvious as these other types of pollution. There is mounting evidence that noise pollution is a serious health problem for both humans and wildlife. But the effects of noise pollution are not as obvious as these other types of pollution. There is no doubt that efforts to reduce noise pollution help to insure a quiet and peaceful existence for everyone, and for those who are suffering from the effects of noise pollution, prevention is priceless.
The Role of Technology
The role of technology in the prevention of noise pollution is significant. Technology has allowed the development of products and techniques that have lowered noise levels in many areas. One such example is the construction of noise barriers along highways to reduce the noise from heavy traffic. Another example is the creation of alternated traffic patterns that route traffic out of heavily populated areas.
Technology has also allowed for the development of new building designs that reduce noise levels, quieter combustion engines, and techniques to lower noise levels generated from industrial operations. All of this has made our world a quieter place.
Government Standards
Government regulations are in place that limit the amount of noise that can be generated, thus reducing noise pollution. These regulations are created on all levels of government. Many communities have noise ordinances in place that regulated how much noise can be generated. Often times, there are also regulations on how loud stereo's can be played and how long a dog can bark.
OSHA is a major regulation power for businesses and helps protect workers from noise pollution by regulating the use of safety equipment. One of the regulations is that workers in certain areas must wear hearing protection. Businesses are required to see to it that workers comply with these regulation or the business risks being fined by OSHA.
Why is Noise Pollution Control Important?
The prevention of noise pollution is important to the well being of everyone concerned. Noise pollution is not only an aggravation to some; it can lead to serious health issues in other people. People that are exposed to noise pollution can often exhibit aggression, panic attacks, elevated blood pressure, loss of hearing, and elevated stress levels. When noise levels are loud and consistent, it can trigger these problem and take their toll on the individuals affected.
Recently, there have been frequent news reports of pirates attacking commercial ships throughout the world. Machines that generate extremely loud noises are being directed at the pirates to disorientate them. This is how powerful an effect noise can have on humans and wildlife.
Conclusion
Noise pollution is certainly not as serious a problem as water and air pollution, but that certainly doesn't make it any less important. Many people are suffering needlessly from noise pollution and it is often more than just a nuisance. It must be taken as a serious problem and methods of controlling and eliminating noise pollution must be considered.
Beverly Saltonstall is an environmental writer who is trying to clean up the planet one person at a time. For a free report on easy steps you can take to prevent pollution, visit, http://pollutionwebsite.com/freereport. Be sure and read her book" Everything you Ever Wanted to Know About Pollution.
Source:www.isnare.com | |
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