Cost of Noise Pollution
A great deal of evidence supports the theory that noise can harm but it unfortunately is accumulating as we watch the apathy of authoritative control over sounds that are damaging to individuals and to society.
Noise induces hearing losses to a greater or lesser degree and the damage is seldom reversible and results in permanent incapacity. Much depends upon the sound frequency rate and the intensity as well as the time that a person is subjected to it. This is always a problem in industry and demands full protective gear in some industries. We are also affected to some extent by our age with infants and the elderly suffering most.
As research intensifies it clearly shows that noise and high blood pressure and heart conditions are susceptible to intensify through sound, as the more obvious cases of insomnia, stress, and damage to the nervous system and concentration faculty. Noise can also feature in diminished sensory awareness and can threaten safety in some situations where sounds must be distinguished when signifying danger.
How do we protect ourselves against all the noise that bombards us, or irritates us, or gives us sleep deprivation problems, traffic noise, aircraft, and externals as well as all the sounds that have invaded our homes with the arrival of advanced apparatus in our kitchens, laundries and offices, television, radio , refrigerators and even air conditioners?
We can only do so much to protect ourselves from domestic sounds through proper insulation, well fitted doors and windows and sealing that is expensive where it is possible to insulate rooms. We are restricted as to whether we can stop a neighbour’s barking dog, or a damaged gearbox in a grinding vehicle.
However we can do our best and purchase ear plugs and protective gear when working with noisy lawnmowers and so on.
If this is not enough, along with the hearing aids and the headaches that may become a future feature for us, we have only to seek ways of indulging in the little peaceful places and situations we must search out. Libraries and galleries generally insist upon quiet. Meditation halls, retreats and health spas are available for our benefit – but at a cost that few can afford on a regular basis.
We cannot change the mobile phone habit that occurs as people talk loudly to each other on the street, or in shops and markets.
We cannot do else than substitute relaxation for sleep when we miss out. We can walk off to avoid noise and enjoy public parks and gardens or go further at weekends into wilderness areas if we wish to spend money on petrol.
Everything we think of as a means of personal defence is costly – to us and will cost much more to those who are likely to experience litigation as more and more people sue for damages as they suffer through noise.
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