Currently, cities are large producers of noise and noise pollution. It is estimated that today, two thirds of the global population live in cities. The noise sources in the cities are diverse, although the main source is traffic and everything that derives from it. These noise levels can cause diseases in people, among other consequences of different gravity.
In this Ecology Verde, we analyze the acoustic pollution: examples, causes and consequences. Take note to learn everything you have to know about this type of pollution.
Acoustic pollution, its characteristics and examples
The acoustic or sound pollutionalso called be auditoryit is greater in cities and comes from different foci such as circulation, traffic jams, horn sounds, traffic lights, constructions or works, parties and discos and the levels are usually higher at night than for the day. It is the noise specialists who are responsible for making their measurements and preparing the noise maps in the cities, where noise levels are detailed in the different areas and their thresholds, both day and night. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a Upper noise limit of 65 decibels (dB) So that it does not produce damage to human health, although thousands of people are exposed every day to higher levels.
The characteristics that this type of pollution has are quite particular, with respect to other types of pollution. Some of the Characteristics of noise pollution are:
- It is a pollutant that occurs with little energy and is cheap.
- Your measurements are difficult.
- It does not emit waste or its effect on nature accumulates, but its effects on living beings do.
- Its expansion radius from the emission focus is small, with respect to other types of pollution.
- It is not dispersed by means such as the wind, although they are waves that move through the air.
- It is perceived only through the ear, because for example, vibrations can also be perceived throughout the body.
Consequences of noise in human health
The constant exposure to such high noise levels can cause Stress, anxiety, cardiovascular problems or learning problems. However, there are many more Health consequences that occur following this type of pollution, such as the following:
Insomnia
Those cities with high night activity with bars, pubs or discos, suffer more noise at night. This night noise level can produce sleep and insomnia problems in neighbors. Insomnia increases the risk of stress problems, anxiety, lack of memory, learning problems or immune system problems. There are already studies that relate the noise level with the increase in hospital income.
Cardiovascular problems
It has been investigated that people exposed chronicly to noise levels above 65 dB or acute at levels between 80-85 dB, may suffer from long-term heart problems. The reason is that the body responds to these high noise levels by releasing hormones that raise blood pressure, heart rate or vasoconstriction. Older people are the most vulnerable.
Hearing problems
People exposed chronic at these noise levels, have a higher risk of ear injuries. They are injuries that destroy the auditory cells little by little and damaging the audition.
Hearing loss produces problems in everyday life such as difficulty in social relations, deterioration of work and academic performance, isolation, loneliness or depression
Consequences of noise or sound pollution for animals
Not only does the human being suffer from noise, wildlife faces even major problems derived from High noise levelsbecause they are much more sensitive to them. An added problem is that they cannot distinguish whether the noise source represents a danger or not, so, for example, domestic animals become more aggressive with high noise levels. Besides, Animals can be disorient and suffer serious changes in their behavior.
As for animals found in nature, they can suffer hearing losses and become easy for predators, which alters the natural balance. Sometimes, they even lose their ability to hunt.
Other species that communicate by calls may be unable to communicate in this way and, as a consequence, have problems for reproduction. Others that are oriented by sound waves can disoriented and see their migration patterns affected, which can happen both in air and earth and in water, as happens to dolphins and all kinds of whales when they vary on the beaches. In short, noise can alter sleep patterns, migration, food or mating in the fauna.
Finally, we recommend that you also read this other ecology article on solutions for sound or acoustic pollution.
If you want to read more articles similar to Acoustic pollution: examples, causes and consequenceswe recommend that you enter our pollution category.
