Noise pollution is an unpleasant (or unwanted) sound for the listener. This, in consequence, will depend on the sensitivity of each person. But there is a level of volume, at which everyone will feel uncomfortable.
Noise pollution is one of the biggest concerns for inhabitants and visitors to urban areas. Since it has grown disproportionately in recent decades. For example, in Spain, it is estimated that 9 million people endure an average level of 65 decibels, which is the limit accepted by the WHO (World Health Organization).
The noisiest communities are the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
The characteristics of noise pollution are:
It is the cheapest pollution to produce. Very little energy is needed to produce it.
It is difficult to measure and quantify
It does not produce waste, it does not accumulate in the environment, but it can have cumulative effects on man. In other words, prolonged exposure to this pollution can have consequences for people. Although for the environment it does not.
It acts on smaller radii compared to other pollutants. That is to say, its action is found in very specific spaces.
It is not transmitted through natural systems like other contaminants. For example, polluted air that is moved by the wind or water by currents.
It is only perceived by one sense, the ear. This causes its effects to be underestimated and ends up causing us to suffer more damage than we thought we could. This does not happen with other pollutants. For example, contaminated water can be perceived by its appearance, smell and taste.
What are the consequences of noise pollution?
Some of the physiological and psychological reactions appear as a consequence of exposure to too loud sounds and do so out of a natural need for self-protection.
Animals react to noise by going into a state of alarm, to be more aware of possible risks. They wake up, hide or defend themselves from danger thanks to noise and react thanks to adrenaline.
People also behave in this way. Noise provokes instinctive reactions in us, although in most cases we can control or inhibit them. This increases our stress levels. Because we must separate the noises that do not alert us to any danger from those that do and act accordingly. In addition to having to relax and control the situation.
The main psychological, physical, social and economic consequences are: general malaise and stress, sleep disorders, reduced attention, difficulty to communicate properly, hearing loss, appearance of aggressive behaviour, less production capacity, difficulty to live together, delay in the academic environment, economic and social delay, among others.
As you can see, although it may not seem so, noise pollution can greatly alter our daily lives and our rhythm. It can even facilitate the appearance of diseases. That is why we must, as far as possible, avoid continued exposure to this type of pollution. Nowadays there are more and more products and tricks that will help us to reduce the noise levels that surround us.