Types of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is any unwanted or excessive noise that disrupts human or animal life. Noise pollution can range from mildly irritating to extremely disruptive, depending on its source. There are countless sources of noise pollution, but the most significant tend to fall within four categories. If you are experiencing problems with noise at home or where you work, it is likely that one of these basic types of noise pollution is the culprit.

Roadway Noise
Roadway noise pollution is generated from a nearby highway by the traffic that travels along the road. Traffic noise levels are contingent upon the amount of traffic on the road, how fast the vehicles are traveling and the percentage of the traffic consisting of large trucks. Tractor trailer trucks tend to be much louder than the average passenger car or truck on the highway. People who suffer with roadway noise pollution are generally those who live within 500 feet of a major highway or interstate, according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse website.

Aircraft Noise
Aircraft cause environmental pollution because of the fuel they burn as well as noise pollution because of the loud sound of their powerful engines. People who live close to airports, specifically those who are in the path of a runway, experience major noise pollution when planes take off and land. Most of the noise generated by airplanes is caused by the wind moving through the spinning blades in the turbine engines.

Industrial Noise
Sometimes noise pollution is not just experienced by those who live near the source. Sometimes it is inescapable because people work in places with industrial noise pollution. Those who work in sawmills, corn mills, printing presses and other industries where the job creates a high level of noise are forced to wear protective gear to preserve their hearing. It is common for machinery in these types of industries to produce sound levels above 85 decibels consistently.

Domestic Noise
Domestic noise is the most common form of noise pollution that the most people contend with. Domestic noise pollution is excessive noise generated by neighbors or their home equipment. The noise could be from consistent loud music, parties, arguments or equipment such as pool pumps or other items. Sometimes barking dogs are loud enough to disturb neighbors. Often people will contact the local police to complain, and those producing the noise could be cited for disturbing the peace.

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Noise Pollutants

Noise pollution is different from other types of pollution. Once it develops, it envelops the environment entirely. When the noise stops, however, there are no remnants of the pollution, with the exception of the damage left behind in the people who experienced it. Noise pollution is experienced every day, especially in large cities, yet most people would never consider noise to be a pollutant.

Definition
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, noise pollution is an "unwanted or disturbing sound." This term can be applied to many sounds we hear every day, yet noise pollution differs from regular annoyances because it leads to physical and emotional stress. When sounds are so loud, repetitive, or disturbing that they affect our quality of everyday life, they can be considered noise pollution. Some of the most common sources are the sounds that are produced by transportation, such as cars, trains and airplanes. Nearly any tedious sound could be considered noise pollution -- from a dog who barks nonstop to extremely loud music. Most towns and cities have ordinances addressing this type of disturbance, but exceptions are made for regular activities and services such as trash trucks and lawn mowers.

Location
Noise pollution can develop anywhere, but is most commonly found in large cities and highly populated areas. In rural areas, noise pollution comes from construction, transportation, gardening equipment and other sounds.

Effects
Noise pollution can cause stress, sleeplessness, illness and hearing damage. NIHL, or "noise induced hearing loss," is one of the most common forms of damage to a person's health. The most serious forms of NIHL are caused by frequent, constant or high exposure to noise pollution. Some people wear ear protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs to protect their hearing when they are regularly exposed to noise pollution.

Prevention
Preventing noise pollution is difficult because it comes and goes at the drop of a hat, leaving hardly any trace. Measuring noise pollution is also difficult because it can only be measured by individual noises, not by multiple sounds in combination. It is extremely hard to determine how much noise is too much. Learn about your local noise ordinances and become aware of safe levels within your community.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/list_7371848_noise-pollutants.html