When it gets too noisy for your health

Noise pollution is a growing problem that is not confined to our ears, but causes stress-related conditions like anxiety, high blood pressure and insomnia. — TNS

I live in a condo situated next to an intersection of highways. At first, I thought it would not matter, but every night, I hear noise from the traffic on the highway. It affects my sleep. Does noise pollution affect one’s health?

Yes, it does.

Pollution is defined as when a contaminant – which may differ – enters the environment, causing ill effects.

Most people tend to think of pollution only as air pollution, but there are also other types of pollution, such as:

• Light pollution
• Litter
• Noise pollution
• Plastic pollution
• Soil contamination/pollution
• Radioactive contamination/pollution
• Thermal pollution
• Visual pollution, and
• Water pollution.

Oh. I didn’t know there were so many types of pollution. What is noise pollution defined as then?

Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sounds that can have negative effects on human and animal health, as well as environmental impact.

Noise pollution usually comes from industrial places and highways, as well as vehicles like trains and aeroplanes.

However, it can also come from outdoor construction and activities such as clubbing or concerts, where music is blasted at loud volumes.

Can noise pollution be measured? I think the highway noise is loud, but my husband is not bothered by it.

Yes, it can; after all, sound comes in waves.

These waves are nothing but vibrations of air molecules that are emitted from something/somewhere and carried to your ear.

We can define sound in terms of its amplitude (loudness), and pitch (frequency of its wave).

Loudness is also called sound pressure level, and is measured in decibels (dB).

Our ear can detect sounds ranging from 0 dB (which is the threshold of our hearing) to 140 dB.

Anything from 120 to 140 dB would cause pain.

The rate of sound energy being transmitted is called intensity.

Now, we need to understand that the increase in decibels is logarithmic.

An increase of 10 dB is equivalent to a 100 times increase in sound intensity, while an increase of 30 dB represents a 1,000 times increase in sound intensity!

How many dBs are different types of sound?

These are the decibels of some common sounds ranging from quiet to dangerous:

> Soft sounds

These range from 20 to 40 dB.

It is safe for you to be exposed to these sounds for a long period of time.

Examples: A quiet room, a whisper, a quiet library, the rustling of leaves from trees outside.

> Moderate sounds

These range from 40 to 60 dB.

It is also acceptable to be exposed to these sounds for long periods of time.

Examples: Normal speech, light traffic coming from outside, the sounds of a residential street, your refrigerator, the patter of rain.

> Loud sounds

These range from 60 to 80 dB.

They are not actually dangerous to you, but you will consider them loud.

Examples: Loud radio music, a city street, a busy restaurant, the sound of a hairdryer or electric shaver, some louder forms of normal conversation, inside a moving bus or train.

Loud sounds that are considered irritating, especially when you are trying to focus on something, are vacuum cleaner sounds and average traffic noise.

Prolonged exposure to irritating sounds can increase stress and blood pressure levels.

These sounds can affect the reading and comprehension of children who are trying to study while exposed to them.

> Very loud sounds

These range from 80 to 110 dB. They can be harmful to the human ear.

You are recommended to use hearing protection if you are exposed to these sounds for a long period of time.

Examples: Playing your headphones at maximum volume; constantly using, or exposed to the usage of, power tools.

> Uncomfortable sounds

Once sounds are between 110 to 120 dB, it becomes unsafe for hearing.

They may cause pain and damage your hearing.

Examples: Planes, helicopters and blaring car horns when you are hearing them from up-close, sporting events, power saws.

> Painful and dangerous sounds

These range from 120 to 140 dB, and also beyond human hearing. They are very dangerous.

Even if you are exposed to these sounds for the shortest period of time, they can cause your eardrums to rupture and result in immediate hearing loss.

Examples: A plane taking off, gunshots, thunder, a chainsaw constantly running near you.

If I am constantly exposed to noise, will my hearing deteriorate?

If you are constantly exposed to more than 105 dB of noise either at home or in your workplace, you can develop permanent hearing loss.

You may also develop high blood pressure and a rapid pulse rate, and your sleep may be interrupted.

Mental health-wise, you may experience irritability, anxiety and fatigue.

See Tell Me About next fortnight for more on other types of pollution.

Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.