Noise

Noise is any generally undesired sound produced largely as a by-product of another physical activity. Although low levels of noise seem unavoidable and have little effect, sufficiently loud and/or persistent levels of noise can have serious negative impacts on human health and well-being. These impacts include behavioral change, sleeplessness, loss of hearing, work performance, communication ability, and cardiovascular effects. Causes of excessive noise include traffic and proximity to airports, occupational noise, construction, and loud music.

The level of noise is measured in terms of decibels (dB). This logarithmic scale refers to the work of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. A level of 80 dB causes annoyance and can lead to stress; a level of 90 dB or above can lead to permanent hearing loss. Proximity to heavy traffic, operating some heavy machinery (especially in factory or construction environments), or being a stage performer can all lead to suffering a level of noise in excess of this level. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines require a maximum of 35 dB within classrooms to promote a good learning environment and 30 dB for the ability to sleep peacefully.

The greatest component of noise pollution is provided by road traffic. Rules restricting the type and level of traffic permitted to travel in urban areas during the hours of night have existed since the time of ancient Rome. Yet, despite improvements in road technology and noise reduction in vehicles, the sheer weight of traffic causes problems for many millions of people around the world every day. On a typical weekday in Bangkok, for example, official figures show noise levels in different parts of the city ranging from 65.9 to 74.6 dB (daily average). Within the European Union, it is estimated that 40 percent of the total population is exposed to traffic noise of 55 dB or more daily and 20 percent to noise measuring 65 dB or more. Economic development is no protection from this form of pollution. However, there is evidence to suggest that some traffic and zoning decisions are made in such a way that less well-advantaged communities suffer disproportionately. This partly results from differential levels of policing of existing laws as well as opaque planning decisions. Within urban environments, state- and national-level regulations might apply, although monitoring such issues might represent a low policing priority. In some cases, organization of local people to monitor and measure noise might be [Page 1244]helpful in bringing nuisances caused by noise to the attention of the authorities. It is a significant part of life in many urban and suburban communities to become often acutely aware of noise pollution from car theft sirens, night clubs, illegal car racing, and other activities that are tackled by police only after extensive exposure to the nuisance.

The impacts of noise pollution can include behavioral change, sleeplessness, loss of hearing, and cardiovascular effects.

In 1977, the International Labor Organization (ILO) of the United Nations adopted Convention C148, which concerns the working environment (air pollution, noise, and vibration). The Convention defines noise as “all sound which can result in hearing impairment or be harmful to health or otherwise dangerous.” It lays out the responsibilities of governments and of employers to be aware of the issues of noise pollution and to take such measures as may be required to limit the exposure of workers to the problem. It also lays out the responsibility of workers to comply with measures put in place to protect them from noise and other types of pollution. However, it is clear that many millions of people within the developing world do not receive this protection properly or do not protect themselves accordingly.

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