Five Dangerous Effects of Noise Pollution

Five Dangerous Effects of Noise Pollution

Sound is everywhere, so is noise pollution. We might get too relaxed when we hear about noise pollution. That’s not the reality, and it is one of the most common forms of pollution on our planet. The power of sound is far stronger than one can imagine. It is easily one of the most underrated types of pollution. 

Noise pollution is the creation of unwanted noises that causes dangerous impacts on the lives of humans and the biosphere. It cannot be directly seen, but it might be present anytime. Noise pollution causes both physical and psychological effects on living things. That’s why it is considered a silent killer among all pollution categories. 

Here are the four dangerous effects of Noise Pollution.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Noise pollution affects millions of people daily. The most familiar health issue it creates is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss or NIHL. Continuous exposure to loud sounds might cause heart diseases, inconsistent sleep, high blood pressure, etc. All age groups are affected by sound pollution. Near noisy streets, industries and airports, countless children have been found to experience issues like hearing loss and mental impairments such as memory inconsistencies, poor attention level, etc.

Disrupting the Lives of Animals

Sound pollution directly affects the survival of most of the animals in our biosphere. Many animals rely on sound for finding food, attracting mates, navigation, etc. Sound plays a vital role in the interaction of animals. By disturbing the fine-tuned equilibrium between prey and predator, noise pollution can directly destroy the scope of their survival. 

Studies have revealed that extreme sounds can disrupt egg growth (birds) and decrease the number of active newborn babies. Extreme sound creates uneasiness and fear, which might force entire species to desert their habitat. 

Adverse Effects on Plants and Trees

Loud noises can have long-lasting consequences on the life-cycle of plants and trees. The whole balance of the ecosystem could be negatively altered. 

Numerous species of trees and plants directly depend on animals and birds for pollination and seed dispersion. As loud sounds adversely influence the behaviours of most animals, they might move to better sound friendly habitats, leaving behind plants who need their help for reproduction. These ramifications can last for centuries. 

Noise Pollution and Marine Life

For marine creatures, the sound is just like a sight to terrestrial animals. Artificial noise in water bodies (seas, rivers, lakes, etc.) disturbs and alter water creatures’ ability to sense and analyse their auditory landscape. This might impact their ability to survive in the ecosystem.

Almost every marine organisms rely on sound for hunting, mating techniques and communication. So even a slight change in the usual soundscape of their habit could easily demolish the entire order of their lives.

The number of commercial ships and vessels have continued to increase over the last few decades. The marine background noise intensity has increased exponentially due to oil-gas excavations, shipping traffic, seismic activities, commercial and military sonars, etc. Due to these long term disruptions, the population of dolphins, whales and other water species have been drastically declined. 

Noise Pollution and Human Properties 

Besides causing temporary and permanent health problems, noise pollution can cause severe physical damages to human properties. 

Excessive sounds have even altered the structures of concrete buildings. Small houses and windows have been damaged by sonic boom caused by supersonic jets. In some incidents, fireworks sounds have also demolished many human properties. 

Far away from the epicentre, vehicles and buildings were blown away during many bomb blasts. These were caused by strong sound waves originating from the explosions.

About David

Check Also

Top Tools Every Digital Product Design Student Should Master

Taking a huge sharp turn in the positive direction of digitalisation, reaching people has also …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *