In the realm of environmental concerns, amidst the prevalent issues of air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination, noise pollution emerges as a significant threat to the well-being of society. Residents of major metropolitan areas most prominently feel the adverse impacts of noise pollution.
The sources of noise pollution are diverse, ranging from the incessant hum of engines and blaring horns of vehicles to the clamour of construction sites and the amplified announcements of vendors traversing the streets with their hand speakers. These auditory intrusions seriously threaten individuals’ daily lives, disrupting their routines and impinging on their privacy. Particularly distressing are the loudspeakers employed by certain centres, which emit sounds of such intensity that they encroach upon the personal spaces of individuals.
In the pursuit of livelihoods, vendors resort to various forms of mobile advertising, using hand speakers to promote their wares due to limited employment opportunities. Unfortunately, the reckless use of loud sounds in such endeavours has far-reaching consequences, causing mental disturbances, especially among the elderly and those already ailing.
While some vendors conscientiously attempt to minimize the impact of noise pollution on society, others remain oblivious to the adverse effects of their actions. In response, residents often resort to displaying banners and signboards, imploring individuals to refrain from using loudspeakers and lower their sound volumes.
Studies reveal that prolonged exposure to noisy environments can impede the development of children’s brains and hinder their language acquisition abilities. Headaches, both acute and chronic, are reported consequences of exposure to noisy sounds. Furthermore, statistics indicate that between the ages of 12 and 64, individuals may experience a decline in hearing due to the effects of noise pollution, with an alarming 48 million people suffering from hearing loss in the United States alone.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the critical threshold of 75 decibels, beyond which a person may face a decline in their hearing abilities. In contrast, the recommended sound level within homes is below 30 decibels. Those constantly exposed to noise exceeding 55 decibels are prone to various health problems. It is necessary to recognize the repercussions of noise pollution and make conscientious efforts to mitigate its impact. This entails refraining from generating excessively loud noises for the sake of the health and well-being of older individuals, chronic patients, children, and expectant mothers. Those employing loudspeakers for various purposes must exercise caution and responsibility in managing the potential negative consequences of loud sounds.
