How Construction Activities Contribute To Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide. It is caused by unwanted or excessive sound that exceeds safe levels, typically measured in decibels (dB). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise becomes harmful when it surpasses 75 dB, and it is painful above 120 dB. The second leading cause of noise pollution is the increased number of vehicles on the roads, which contribute to the already high levels of traffic noise. This form of noise pollution has significant impacts on both human health and the environment, making it a pressing issue that requires attention and mitigation strategies.

Impact on humans

Noise pollution, or environmental noise, is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as noise above 65 decibels (dB). According to the WHO, noise becomes harmful when it exceeds 75 dB and is painful when it goes above 120 dB.

Noise pollution impacts millions of people daily and has a range of effects on human health. Here are some of the ways noise pollution affects humans:

Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common health problem caused by noise pollution. Sounds that reach 85 dB or higher can harm a person's ears, and prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Common sources of such noise pollution include power lawn mowers (90 dB), subway trains (90-115 dB), pneumatic drills (110 dB), and loud rock concerts (110-120 dB).

Cardiovascular Issues

Exposure to loud noise can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and racing pulse. According to the European Environment Agency, noise pollution is responsible for 48,000 new cases of ischaemic heart disease annually.

Sleep Disturbances

Noise pollution can interfere with sleep, with nighttime ambient noise levels above 30 dB impacting restful sleep. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and diminished productivity.

Stress and Mental Health

Noise pollution has been linked to increased stress levels, anxiety, mood swings, and mental fatigue. It can also affect children's development, causing impairments in memory, attention span, and reading skills.

Physical Health

In cases of extremely loud and constant noise, physical health issues such as respiratory agitation, headaches, gastritis, and colitis can occur.

Noise pollution is an invisible danger that affects the health and well-being of humans. It is essential to raise awareness, implement noise management strategies, and take preventive measures to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.

Impact on wildlife

Noise pollution, which is commonly generated in industrial facilities, workplaces, highways, railways, and airplane traffic, has a significant impact on wildlife. It is considered a major pollutant in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, affecting a wide variety of animals. Here are some ways in which noise pollution impacts wildlife:

Interference with Breeding and Rearing

Noise pollution can interfere with the breeding and rearing cycles of wildlife. For example, studies have shown that bluebirds exposed to loud noises have fewer chicks. This interference with reproduction can have long-term consequences for the survival and persistence of species.

Altered Behaviour and Physiology

Chronic exposure to noise can lead to changes in the behaviour and physiology of animals. For instance, research has found that loud noises cause caterpillars' dorsal vessels (similar to a heart in insects) to beat faster. This increase in heart rate can be stressful and harmful to the overall health of the insects. Additionally, noise pollution can affect animals' ability to navigate, find food, attract mates, and avoid predators, as animals rely on sound for these essential tasks.

Hearing Loss

Just like humans, animals can also experience hearing loss due to noise pollution. Loud blasts of sound from seismic surveys and sonar devices used in ocean exploration can damage the ears of marine animals, causing serious injury and potential hearing loss.

Disruption of Natural Soundscapes

Noise pollution disrupts the natural acoustic environment, which can have consequences for wildlife communities. This disruption can lead to changes in species interactions and community restructuring. The specific impacts depend on the behavioural and physiological mechanisms of the species involved and their ability to adapt to the new acoustic conditions.

Impact on Biodiversity

Noise pollution is considered a potential threat to biodiversity. It can affect the abundance and distribution of species within ecosystems. For example, noise from ships, oil drills, and seismic tests in marine environments can particularly impact whales and dolphins, interfering with their ability to echolocate and communicate.

Sources of noise pollution

Noise pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, affecting human health and wildlife. It is largely a by-product of industrialisation, urbanisation and modern civilisation. Sources of noise pollution can be divided into two categories: industrial and non-industrial.

Industrial Sources

Industrial sources of noise pollution include noise from various industries and large machines working at high speed and high noise intensity. For example, the noise from locomotive engines, horns and whistles, and switching and shunting operations in rail yards are sources of noise pollution. Rail car retarders, which reduce the speed of freight units or railway coaches, can produce high-frequency sounds that reach 120 dB at 100 feet away. Construction noise, such as that from pneumatic jackhammers, pavement drilling, and the building of highways, city streets, and buildings, is a major contributor to noise and air pollution in cities. Fans, motors, and compressors mounted on the outside of industrial buildings can disturb nearby residents.

Non-Industrial Sources

Non-industrial sources of noise pollution include transport/vehicular traffic and neighbourhood noise. In cities, the main sources of traffic noise are the motors and exhaust systems of cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. A car horn produces 90 dB, and a bus produces 100 dB. Aircraft flying overhead also contribute significantly to noise pollution.

Other non-industrial sources of noise pollution include loud music, lawn care maintenance, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions, and people. Certain household equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and some kitchen appliances, are common sources of noise, although their contribution to daily noise levels is usually not very large. Fireworks used during celebrations and festivals can also cause noise pollution and lead to hearing loss.

Preventative measures

Noise pollution, which is caused by unwanted or excessive sound, has a detrimental impact on human health and the environment. It is considered the second largest environmental cause of health problems, after air pollution.

• Honking in public places, such as schools and hospitals, should be banned.
• Commercial, hospital, and industrial buildings should have adequate soundproofing installed.
• Sound from musical instruments should be controlled and kept within desirable limits.
• Dense tree cover can help prevent noise pollution.
• Explosives should not be used in forest, mountainous, or mining areas.
• The use of low-noise asphalt on roads, quiet tyres on public transport vehicles, and the promotion of active travel such as walking or cycling can all help to reduce noise pollution.
• The creation of quiet areas, such as parks or nature reserves, can provide spaces for people to escape city noise.
• Governments can play a role by implementing and enforcing rules and regulations against noise pollution, such as those regarding firecrackers and loudspeakers.
• Individuals can avoid very noisy leisure activities, opt for quieter means of transportation, do housework at recommended times, and insulate their homes with noise-absorbing materials.
• Educating younger generations about noise pollution is an essential aspect of environmental education.

Noise pollution in Europe

Noise pollution is a pressing issue in Europe, with far-reaching consequences for both human health and wildlife. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution is one of the most dangerous environmental threats to human health. The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that noise pollution causes 12,000 premature deaths and 48,000 new cases of ischaemic heart disease annually in Europe. Additionally, it leads to 16,600 premature deaths and more than 72,000 hospitalisations, according to the European Environment Agency (AEMA).

The primary source of noise pollution in Europe is road traffic, with noise levels expected to rise in both urban and rural areas due to urban growth and increased demand for mobility. Other significant sources include rail, aircraft, and industry. The impact of railway noise is also expected to increase in the coming years due to the growing number and speed of trains. Aircraft noise, while affecting a smaller population, remains a significant localised issue.

The negative health effects of noise pollution are well-documented. Prolonged exposure to noise above certain levels can lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, stress, and cognitive impairment, especially in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution, with harmful effects occurring above 75 dB and painful sensations at levels above 120 dB.

Noise pollution also has a detrimental impact on wildlife, affecting both land and marine animals. It can interfere with breeding cycles, navigation, feeding, and communication, ultimately reducing their ability to survive and reproduce. Studies have shown that loud noises can cause caterpillars' heart rates to increase and decrease the number of chicks born to bluebirds. Marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution due to their reliance on echolocation.

To address noise pollution, the European Commission's Zero Pollution Action Plan aims to reduce the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. This includes implementing noise limits on certain vehicles or equipment and restricting their operation in specific areas. Additionally, the Environmental Noise Directive (END) provides guidelines for monitoring and reducing noise pollution, with a particular focus on annoyance and sleep disturbance.

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