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Noise and
Its Hazards
Khilendra Basnyat
Sound, which
is above the normal sound level, is called noise. It is unbearable for our
eardrum. According to the world Health organization (WHO), noise is the level
of sound that exceeds the acceptable level and creates annoyance. It is
measured by the sound pressure level meter. The unit of noise measurement is decibel
(db).
A report of WHO shows that sound that
measures 60 db is acceptable for hearing, but 70 db is harmful for human ear.
The report shows that if a person stays for more than 15 minutes in a noise
level of 80 db, s/he may suffer from temporary or permanent losses.
In urban areas, power tillers, buses
heavy trucks, etc are the predominant sources of high noise level. A finding
shows that the highest noise level (more than 101db) is in traffic areas. Adequate
goods packed in vehicles and heavy traffic congestion results in the excessive
noise level. In many countries, some industries are also exceeding the
international safety standard.
Generally, noise results in temporary
and permanent hearing losses, concentration loss, headache, bad temper,
vomiting, stress, heart problem, sleep disturbance, interference with spoken
communication, weakness and restlessness.
Noise is the potential hazard to human health.
Traffic, industries, political and cultural activities are some of the main
sources of noise. Road vehicles produce disturbance to more people than any
other noise. In addition, traffic noise has been increasing day by day due to
the increased density of road traffic. The speed traffic is one of the
important causes of noise on roads.
Actually, modern road development
encourages higher speed, which in turn, leads to greater noise volume.
According to a survey conducted by the University
of Hong Kong, Singapore is the second nosiest city in the world next to Hong Kong.
The survey report shows that the noise level in Hong Kong is 75 db, 66 in New
York, 57 in Tokyo and 62 in London. Although Singapore's average db is 67in
urban areas, it is 75 in industrial areas. All the above - mentioned cities'
dwellers are facing more hazards these days due to the increase in noise day by
day.