Noise pollution occurs when unwanted sounds reach harmful or irritating levels. Common sources of noise pollution include automobile traffic , airplanes, sirens, barking dogs, and music players. Noise pollution can have a negative impact on the health of people and the environment.
Noise pollution can lead to a number of health problems. Excessive noise can cause hearing loss by damaging the hair cells that line the inner ear. Hair cells are specialized sensory cells with tiny, hairlike projections. If these cells are lost, sound impulses can no longer be transmitted to the brain. Brief noises at extreme volumes are known to cause hearing loss. Scientists have found evidence that long-term exposure to loud noise at less extreme volumes, such as the noise of heavy truck traffic, can also cause hearing loss.
Noise pollution may be linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Research studies show that noise pollution is associated with impaired school performance among students. Scientists have also found evidence that noise pollution can affect wildlife. For example, it may disrupt animal communication. For some animals, such disruptions can limit their ability to find mates and detect food or predators.
In the United States, federal laws require hearing protection for people who are exposed to high noise levels in the workplace. Local government agencies are responsible for many aspects of noise control outside of the workplace, such as in neighborhoods. However, local ordinances (public laws and regulations) to control noise pollution are difficult to enforce due to the many sources of noise.
