Noise Pollution – Damaging Human Health
Noise pollution is not only an annoyance; it is also a danger to human health. Noise pollution can cause physiological and psychologic harm to those exposed to it on a semi-regular to regular basis.
In many neighborhoods, there may be one or more residents who enjoy playing their music so loud it can be heard blocks away. Loud motorcycles, particularly when the motorcycle does not go anywhere, are a common nuisance in many communities. A motorcycle running as it sits on the driveway only increases the duration others are exposed to the noise.
Whether the one creating the noise cares about whom they bother or not, or it does not occur to them how they bother others, it is harmful regardless of the reason.
The Merriam Webster Word Central explains the Latin root for the word noise is nausea.
A peer reviewed paper published in Journal of Environmental Research and Development (JERD) states the word noise is derived from the Latin word nausea. Noise means wrong sound in the wrong place at the wrong time. Noise pollution may be defined as unwanted sound which gets damped into the atmosphere without regarding to the adverse effects it may have.
Decades of research proved noise pollution – undesired, annoying and irritating noise – showed a marked increase on health problems whether it comes from a noisy neighbor, a nearby railway, a nearby highway or any one of many other sources.
Multiple independent research studies as well as many official governmental agencies were performed which show a direct correlation between noise pollution and the rate of cardiovascular output, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
Exposure to noise pollution can directly affect the way one sleeps simply by keeping that individual or individuals awake. The disruption to someone’s sleep that is regularly exposed to the noise pollution, deeper sleep disorders may occur.
Noise pollution is known to cause or increase sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy. These sleep issues are shown to increase or cause cardiovascular conditions such as those listed above.
It is found to lessen cogitative abilities especially in children. This leads to irritability, anti-social behavior, decreased focus and more. These can lead to children acting up in school and having difficulty maintaining grades.
The World Health Organization (WHO) documented seven categories of adverse health and social effects of noise pollution, whether occupational, social or environmental. The WHO reports hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, cardiovascular disturbances, mental health problems, impaired cognition, negative social behaviors and sleep disturbances.
It is not a matter of someone’s loud music, like the thumping bass in a vehicle simply annoying those around them. The inconsideration for the peace of one’s neighbors may likely be causing them physical and mental health problems. Some of the cardiovascular issues may lead to an earlier death.