SICK NOISE POLLUTION

[maria angelica sassone]

SICK NOISE POLLUTION

We who live in big cities daily experience the effects of noise on physical and psychological : it is no coincidence that the welfare and harmony are associated with silence.

Noise pollution means the introduction of noise or vibration levels disruptions or inconvenience or which might adversely affect health. Buenos Aires is among the four noisiest cities in the world.



"Listen in silence and be wise. " Chinese Proverb

Noise and health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO ) generate noise nuisance and so must be regarded as harmful. Constant exposure to noise , physical and psychological sequelae .

In several countries, the noise is considered the leading cause of occupational disease and environmental pollution which residents complain . Turn, is an attack that causes damage slowly but cumulatively.

The human hearing system is adapted to receive and hear sounds and noises, but within a range of intensities , if that range is exceeded and the exposure is sustained, adverse effects begin to occur in order physiological and psychophysiological health . These diseases are exposed all people who have steadily these acoustic intensities , either by working with noisy equipment (motors, various machines ) or to live in polluted urban centers acoustically.

What is noise?
Noise is sound and as such , from the biophysical point of view is defined as the effect produced on the organ of hearing by vibrations of air or other means. Also from that point of view is harmonious sounds and noises lack of harmony.

The intensity of sound is measured in the unit Bel, or decimal form the decibel (dB). When silence incumbent 0 dB , a normal conversation generates 60 dB, a reasonable intensity for music is 80dB , a quiet neighborhood is 40-50 dB and an average city street reaches 80 to 100 dB. In the disco noise level far exceeds the 120-130 dB , just as often the case with portable music devices with earphones.

Noise pollution
Currently , the companies generate sounds and noises of a variety , intensity and durability , which are a form of physical pollution effects : noise pollution. For example, the noise generated by air transport , automotive or industrial activity.

From the 100 dB, if the noise or sound is beginning to occur sustained adverse effects on our health. These are manifested as auditory fatigue , occupational deafness , and acoustic trauma leading to a decrease of auditory perception and in many cases to a total loss.

Also the noise psychophysiological effects that manifest at the level of sleep disturbance, poor concentration, increased stress , syndromes of depression and general decline in quality of life. Noise pollution also affects animals.

Sound sources
Vehicular Traffic : light cars .
vehicular traffic : transportation.
Industrial, commercial and artistic .
construction and demolition activities .
Flight aircraft ( airplanes and helicopters).
Pets.
Stereos .
Proclamation of goods.
Horns & Alarms
What to do
1.Promover rules governing the production of noise, especially in major cities and connected with the transport and industry.
2.Minimizar production of sounds and loud noises , using elements of sound insulation . There is great variety, both for housing and for industry in terms of technology and work safety .
3.Pensemos before playing the horn, turn up the volume on your stereo or operating machinery , noise pollution and we do alters us all.
4.Use plugs when traveling by subway or frequently expose yourself to noise levels which may affect you.
"Silence your voice carries with it such as music from their nest sleeping birds . " Rabindranath Tagore

Ana Paula Cordero - On- Focus