Industrial Noise Pollution
Industrial noise pollution is a major problem facing many countries, particularly in the more densely populated areas. Whether it’s in a large urban centre with 24-hour industry or a small rural town with a single manufacturing plant, people are exposed to loud and unpleasant noise on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the effects of this problem are far-reaching and sometimes even long-term.
The source of most industrial noise pollution is mechanical equipment and electrical supply and control systems that produce or transmit sound waves in the environment. Elevated levels of sound are generated from all types of industrial machinery, from heavy-duty plant and machinery to consumer electronics such as office equipment and photocopiers, as well as from construction activities and vehicles. These sounds create an environmental nuisance that can cause distress to local residential and shop communities, and also disrupt the ecology.
The human impact of industrial noise pollution depends upon the industries involved, the individuals age, physical condition and the nature of the work that they do. The most immediate and obvious effects of noise pollution are hearing loss, stress, reduced concentration and sleep disturbances. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above the maximum permissible limits set by government legislation can cause hearing damage in the short-term, and may even cause permanent hearing loss in the long-term. People who suffer from noise-induced hearing loss can suffer from tinnitus and insomnia, as well having to be hospitalized for the treatment of hearing difficulties, psychological problems, and sometimes even physical ailments, such as headaches and migraines.
There are also environmental impacts of industrial noise pollution, such as the disruption of wildlife, including migratory birds, who rely on sound as a means of navigating their environment. The presence of noise also has an effect on the soil and air quality. Muffling measures, such as enclosures and soundproofing materials, have been used to reduce the effect of industrial noise on people and the environment, but they can be expensive and may not be effective enough to address the problem.
The most important methods of controlling industrial noise pollution involve changing both the work process itself and the way people and equipment operate on the worksite. This includes improving the design of the machinery, such as encasing noisy components, reducing sound levels of products, and introducing acoustic insulation. Additionally, there should be efforts to minimize the number and strength of traffic noise by implementing traffic-calming measures, such as speed limits. Finally, the use of careful scheduling, such as timing work activities so that they coincide with periods of low noise, can further reduce the impact of industrial noise pollution.
Overall, the problem of industrial noise pollution is a serious one that should not go unnoticed. Reducing the human and environmental effects of this problem requires the cooperation of industry, government, and citizens alike. Education, legislation, industrial equipment design, and noise abatement strategies must be put in place in order to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of noise pollution.
