NOISE POLLUTION: SOURCES, IMPACT AND MITIGATION

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Indrajit Ruri, an assistant professor from the Department of Geography and Applied Geography at the University of North Bengal, delves into the critical issue of noise pollution. He explains the concept, sources, and impacts of noise on human health, including hypertension, hearing loss, and sleep disorders. Dr. Ruri also outlines various mitigation measures, such as soundproofing and noise control regulations, and discusses the legal framework in place to address this environmental concern.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The term 'noise pollution' originates from the Latin word 'nosia', implying a sickness that makes one feel the need to vomit, symbolizing discomfort and imbalance in health due to excessive noise.
• 👂 Noise pollution is defined as the unpleasant and undesirable sound that causes discomfort to humans, measured in decibels (dB), with the human ear's capacity to hear up to 1 decibel.
• 🚗 The increase in urbanization and the number of vehicles contribute significantly to noise pollution, with traffic noise being a major source.
• 🏭 Industrial noise, coming from machinery and heavy equipment, is another significant contributor to noise pollution, accounting for about 20% of the issues related to it.
• 🏠 Neighborhood noise, including sounds from household utensils, musical instruments, and loudspeakers, is also a source of noise pollution.
• 📢 The use of loudspeakers in public gatherings, weddings, and cultural programs can lead to noise pollution.
• 🚧 Construction sites and mining activities are additional sources of noise pollution, impacting the surrounding areas.
• 💊 The effects of noise pollution on human health include hypertension, hearing loss, sleeping disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
• 🛑 Measures to mitigate noise pollution include banning honking in silence zones, installing soundproof systems in commercial and industrial buildings, and controlling the volume of musical instruments.
• 📜 The Central Pollution Control Board in India has set noise limits for different areas such as industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones, with specific decibel levels for day and night.
• 📚 Various acts and provisions, including the Noise Prevention Act, Criminal Procedure Code, Railway Act, Aircraft Act, and Motor Vehicle Act, are in place to control and prevent noise pollution.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'noise' in the context of pollution?

The word 'noise' is derived from the Latin word 'nosia', which means sickness, particularly a state where one feels the need to vomit, indicating a disbalanced and unhealthy situation.

How is noise pollution defined in the script?

Noise pollution is defined as the unpleasant and undesirable sound which leads to discomfort in human beings, particularly when the sound level is too high and goes beyond what the human ear can comfortably handle.

What unit is used to measure the intensity of sound in noise pollution?

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels, denoted by 'dB', where 'd' is lowercase and 'B' is uppercase.

What are the main sources of noise pollution mentioned in the script?

The main sources of noise pollution mentioned include transport noise (traffic noise, honking), neighborhood noise (from household utensils, musical instruments, sound boxes, transistors, loudspeakers), and industrial noise (from machinery).

What are some of the health impacts of noise pollution on humans?

Health impacts of noise pollution include hypertension, hearing loss, sleeping disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

How does noise pollution affect children aged 0 to 5 years?

Children aged 0 to 5 years are mostly affected by hearing loss due to constant exposure to loud noise beyond the range that human ears can withstand, which can damage the eardrums and result in loss of hearing.

What are some measures to mitigate noise pollution mentioned in the script?

Measures to mitigate noise pollution include banning honking in public places like educational institutions, installing soundproof systems in commercial and industrial buildings, controlling the volume of musical instruments, and not using explosives in forest and mining areas.

What are the different categories of areas defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for noise regulation?

The CPCB defines four categories of areas for noise regulation: industrial areas, commercial areas, residential areas, and silence zones, each with specific decibel limits for daytime and nighttime.

What are the decibel limits for industrial areas during daytime and nighttime as per the CPCB?

For industrial areas, the decibel limit during daytime is 75 dB, and it should be reduced to 70 dB during nighttime.

What is the definition of a 'silence zone' according to the script?

A 'silence zone' is defined as an area up to 100 meters around premises such as hospitals, educational institutions, and courts, where the use of vehicular horns, loudspeakers, and bursting of crackers is banned.

What are some of the legal acts mentioned in the script that are relevant to noise pollution control?

Some legal acts mentioned for noise pollution control include Article 51A and Article 48A of the Constitution of India, the Criminal Procedure Code Section 133, the Railways Act 1880, the Aircraft Act 1934, and the Motor Vehicles Act 1939.

Outlines

00:00

🔊 Understanding Noise Pollution

The first paragraph introduces the concept of noise pollution, its origins from the Latin word 'nosia', and its impact on health. It explains that noise pollution refers to unpleasant sounds that cause discomfort and are measured in decibels. The paragraph also discusses the increase in noise pollution due to urbanization and various sources such as traffic, industry, and firecrackers. Different types of noise pollution, including transport noise and neighborhood noise, are outlined, with the latter encompassing sounds from household items and musical instruments. The paragraph emphasizes the growing problem of noise pollution and its sources.

05:02

🚫 Effects and Mitigations of Noise Pollution

This paragraph delves into the effects of noise pollution on human health, including hypertension, hearing loss, sleeping disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It highlights the vulnerability of children to hearing loss due to constant exposure to loud urban noises. The mitigation measures discussed include banning honking in silence zones like hospitals and educational institutions, installing soundproof systems in commercial and industrial areas, and controlling the volume of musical instruments. The paragraph also covers the noise limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board for different areas and times of the day, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these standards to prevent noise pollution.

10:03

📜 Legal Framework for Noise Pollution Control

The final paragraph outlines the legal acts and provisions in place to control noise pollution. It mentions Article 51A and 48A, which aim to protect and improve the environment, and the Criminal Procedure Code that empowers magistrates to address noise nuisances. Specific acts like the Railway Act, Aircraft Act, and Motor Vehicle Act are highlighted for their relevance to noise control, with the latter detailing various sections and rules that state governments can implement to regulate motor vehicles and trailers. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the importance of these legal measures in combating noise pollution.

Keywords

💡Noise Pollution

Noise pollution refers to the excessive levels of noise that can lead to discomfort and health issues among humans. In the video, it is described as the unpleasant and undesirable sound that impacts health, with the script highlighting that it is measured in decibels (dB). The video discusses various sources of noise pollution, such as traffic, industrial machinery, and neighborhood noise, and its effects on human health.

💡Decibel (dB)

The decibel is the unit used to measure the intensity of sound. In the context of the video, it is denoted by 'dB' and is crucial in understanding noise pollution levels. The script mentions that the human ear can typically tolerate up to 1 decibel, and exceeding this level can lead to noise pollution.

💡Urbanization

Urbanization is the process of increasing the proportion of people living in urban areas compared to rural areas. The video script links urbanization with the rise in noise pollution, as the growth in urban areas typically leads to more vehicles, industrial activities, and construction, all of which contribute to higher noise levels.

💡Transport Noise

Transport noise is a type of noise pollution primarily caused by vehicles on roads. The script discusses how the increase in the number of vehicles leads to more honking and traffic noise, which in turn contributes to the overall noise pollution problem.

💡Neighborhood Noise

Neighborhood noise pollution encompasses sounds from various household activities and devices, such as musical instruments, sound boxes, transistors, and loudspeakers. The video script uses this term to illustrate how everyday items can contribute to noise pollution.

💡Industrial Noise

Industrial noise pollution is caused by the high-intensity sounds emitted from industrial machinery and processes. The script points out that industrial noise is a significant contributor to overall noise pollution, with about 20% of noise issues stemming from this source.

💡Health Impacts

The video discusses the various health impacts of noise pollution, including hypertension, hearing loss, sleeping disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. These effects are a direct result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, which can cause both physical and psychological stress.

💡Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures refer to the actions taken to reduce or prevent noise pollution. The script outlines several such measures, including banning honking in silence zones, installing soundproof systems in buildings, and controlling the volume of musical instruments and loudspeakers.

💡Soundproof System

A soundproof system is a set of materials or construction techniques designed to reduce the transmission of noise through walls, floors, or ceilings. The video script suggests installing soundproof systems in hospitals and industrial buildings to prevent external noise from entering and affecting the occupants.

💡Silence Zone

A silence zone is an area designated for reduced noise levels, typically surrounding hospitals, educational institutions, and courts. The script explains that the Central Pollution Control Board in India sets noise limits for different types of areas, including silence zones, to protect the health and well-being of people in these areas.

💡Noise Prevention Act

The script mentions various acts and regulations that are in place to control and prevent noise pollution, such as the Motor Vehicle Act, the Aircraft Act, and the Railway Act. These legal frameworks empower state governments and authorities to enforce noise control measures and penalize violators.

Highlights

Noise pollution is derived from the Latin word 'nosia', signifying sickness and discomfort.

Noise pollution is defined as the unpleasant and undesirable sound that leads to human discomfort.

Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB), with 1 dB being the faintest sound detectable by the human ear.

Urbanization and the increase in vehicles contribute to noise pollution.

Transport noise, including traffic and honking, has increased with the rise in vehicles.

Neighborhood noise from household utensils and musical instruments is a source of noise pollution.

Industrial noise from machinery is a significant contributor to noise pollution, accounting for nearly 20% of issues.

Industrialization, vehicle usage, and public events are major causes of noise pollution.

Construction sites and mining activities add to noise pollution levels.

Examples of noise pollution include unnecessary honking, loudspeaker use, and fireworks during festivals.

Noise pollution affects human health, causing hypertension, hearing loss, sleeping disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Children aged 0 to 5 are particularly vulnerable to hearing loss due to noise pollution.

Mitigation measures for noise pollution include banning honking in silence zones like hospitals and educational institutions.

Soundproof systems should be installed in commercial and industrial buildings to prevent noise from entering.

Controlling the volume of musical instruments and sound systems is crucial for noise pollution prevention.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets noise limits for different areas such as industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones.

Noise prevention acts like Article 51A and 48A aim to protect and improve the environment, including noise control.

Legislation such as the Railway Act 1880 and Aircraft Act 1934 addresses noise control in specific sectors.

Motor Vehicle Act provisions empower state governments to maintain noise standards for vehicles and trailers.

Transcripts

[Music]

today I'm going to discuss another

important topic from environment that is

noise pollution sources impact and

mitigation myself Dr indrajit ruri

assistant professor Department of

geography and applied geography

University of North Bengal now what is

noise

pollution now the word noise is

basically derived from the Latin word

nosia which means sickness in which one

feel the need to vomit that means when

there is a situation is been coming up

in your health that something is not

being good or something not being

happening to you which is which is

impacted on your health that is

basically the disbalanced situation in

your health now regarding the noise

pollution when a obviously we have a

capacity to hear the sound with with our

ear okay so the main important thing

regarding the noise pollution that means

the sound which we are trying to able to

get through our ear obviously when the

level of the noise is too high then it

talks about the pollution so noise is

the unpleasant and undesirable sound

which leads to discomfort in the human

beings now intensity of sound is

measured by in the noise pollu noise

basically it is measured by the decibel

which is being denoted by small D and

capital B decibel so the fous sound that

are human ear can hear only up to 1 deel

1 dcel up to 1 dcel we able to hear the

sound but more than 1 dcel definitely

that can be the pollution and as well as

the civilization is being increasing the

urbanization is been increasing so that

is basically responsible for the noise

pollution so if I'm talking about the

more number of vehicles on the road the

honking the horn aircraft industrial

machineries then the firecrackers

everything are being responsible for the

noise pollution okay so this is the main

concept or the definition of the noise

pollution coming to what are the

different types of noise pollution first

is the transport noise so it mainly

consist of traffic noise which has

increase in recent years with the

increase in the number of vehicles so

more number of vehicles more honky the

more honking situation is going on so

more noise is been coming up so the

increasing noise pollution leads to the

defining of the older people the old age

people as well as it is responsible for

the headache and hypertension second

type of noise pollution that is called

the neighborhood noise so the noise from

gradates household utensils Etc that is

also been the sources for the noise

pollution even if we are using using the

musical instrument we are using the

sound box we are using the transistor we

are using the loudspeaker that is also

responsible for the noise pollution

another type of sources that is called

the industrial noise obviously high

intensity sound which are been coming

from the industries

machinaries that is also responsible for

the noise pollution so according to many

research a lot of work have already been

done on the noise pollution so

industrial noise pollution are mainly

the responsible fact or the facets for

the uh particular industry is the main

sources for the noise pollution and it

is almost 20% of the issues are been

coming from the industrial noise

pollution now what are the causes and

sources of noise pollution first of all

obviously there are several causes and

sources of noise pollution number one

the industrialization it has led to an

increase in noise pollution as the use

of heavy machineries such as generator

meals huge exhaust fan are being used

resulting in the production of unwanted

noise even the vehicles the vehicles

which have been flying on the city roads

that is also responsible for the noise

pollution so this is the second reason

for noise pollution even the events like

the election is going on so rallies

events or meeting all this situation is

going on the road so even the wedding

ceremony or the social or even kind of

cultural program any kind of gathering

public use a loudspeaker so that

loudspeaker also playing the music and

the sound so that is also responsible

for the noise pollution next is the

construction sites mining construction

of building that is also adding the

noise pollution if I'm talking about the

noise pollution example obviously there

are some of the examples of noise

pollution first of all the unnecessary

usage of horns in the roads next is the

using louds speaker either for the

religious functions or for the political

purposes unnecessary uses of the

fireworks even during Festival time

whenever we are using the firecrackers

that is also responsible for the noise

pollution those people we are living in

the city area we we are experiencing

this kind of noise pollution next is the

industrial noise construction noise even

the noise from the Transportation such

as a railway and the aircraft now what

are the effects of noise pollution on

human health noise pollution can be a

hazardous on the human health in the

following ways first of all the

hypertension hearing loss sleeping

disorder cardiovascular diseases these

are the issues encompasses with the

noise pollution so H if I'm talking

about the hypertension now it is a

direct result of noise pollution which

is caused due to elevated blood levels

for a longer duration hearing loss that

is also responsible due to the noise

pollution the constant constant exposure

of human ears to loud noise that are

beyond the range of sound that human

ears can with withstand damages the a

drums resulting in loss of hearing so

that is the issue when we are talking

about a children like 0 to 5 years of

age they are mostly affected by this

kind of hearing loss because they have a

problem of this noise because those

people are living in the urban areas

most of the time they are experiencing

with this noise pollution sleeping

disorder lack of sleep might result in

fatig and low energy level throughout

the day affecting everyday activities

noise pollution hampers the sleep cycle

leading to irritation as well as the

uncomfortable State of Mind even if I'm

talking about the cardiovascular issues

heart related problems such as blood

pressure level stress cardiovascular

diseases it also might come due to the

noise pollution and even if I'm talking

about the individual person who are

suffering from any kind of diseases that

is also a certain issues of the noise

pollution now what are the preventions

what are the mitigations or measure that

we are taking for controlling the noise

pollution so first of all honking in

public places like teaching institution

school college universities even the

hospitals which are called as a silence

zone so that area we should stop or

Banning the noise pollution because we

are not being honking the sound second

in commercial places even in the

hospital areas and the industrial

buildings adequate soundproof system

should be installed so that the outer

sound should not be entering into the

building as we know that most of the

hospitals is located near the main road

and this noise pollution cannot be

control because vehicles are flying on

the roads so automatically it comes huge

amount of sound so we should be able to

construct a soundproof system of a

building the wall so that the outer

sound may not be come into the inner

part of the room next is the musical

instrument sound should be controlled to

the desirable limit that means the limit

up to we

listen Den treover is very much useful

in the noise pollution prevention next

one is the explosive should not be used

in the forest even mountains and even

the mining

areas if I'm talking about the

categories of the areas where the noise

limits is being maintained by the cpcb

which is called as a central pollution

control board so these are the four

categories of areas first of all the

industries areas commercial area

residential area and the silence zone

now under the categories of the

industrial area in the daytime because

we are measuring it is in the decibel DB

so in the day time the limit of the

sound that should be 75 D but in the

night time that should be reduced

because it is a sleeping time so that

should be 70 D in the commercial area

the limit of the sound or the decel that

is in 65 D in the daytime but if I'm

talking about the night time it should

be 55 D regarding the residential area

55 D we should be maintained during

daytime 45 D we should maintain in the

night time if I'm talking about the

silence Zone in the daytime it should be

50 but in the night time it should be 40

what should the daytime is being

considered by the central Pollution

Control Board the time duration from

6:00 a.m. in the morning to 10:00 p.m.

in the night and the night time should

be considered obviously after that 10:00

p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the morning what

would be the silence Zone silence zone

is defined as a area up to 100 m around

such premises as hospitals education

institution and courts to the silence

zone are to be declared by the competent

author

use of vehicular horns loudspeaker and

bursting of crackers shall be banned in

these journals mixed categories of area

should be declared as one of the four

above mentioned categories by the

competent Authority and the

corresponding standard shall apply

coming to the noise prevention act

obviously just like a air pollution we

should also follow some of the ACT First

Act should be that is article

51a what is that what is the main

objective of this article 51a just to

protect and improve the natural

environment including forest lakes

rivers and Wildlife and to have

composion for living creatures next St

should be incomp that is called the

article 48a what would be the main

objective of this article 48a protection

and Improvement of environment and

safeguarding and Wildlife the state

shall Endeavor to protect and improve

the environment and to safeguard the

forest and wildlife of the country

even we are also talking about the

criminal procedure code and the noise

control provision under the section 133

of the criminal procedure Court in 1973

the magistrate has the power to make the

conditional order requiring the person

causing nuisance including that of noise

to remove the nuisance even the railway

act 1880 that is also very crucial uh

particular way to control the noise it

is very surprising to that the railway

engines and the carriage as a big

sources of noise even India Railway

locomotive enjoy statutary protection

under the Indian then Railway act 19

1890 so this kind of act should be

incorporated to control the noise next

is the aircraft act

1934 that is also impact of the civil

aviation on the environment is evident

in the rising public concern regarding

noise which is most irritating and the

most responsible element for the

increasing Lo level from aircraft and

finally finally motor vehicle act and

noise control very importantly motor

vehicle act 1939 under Section 20 21

4168 68 681 70 and 91 uh that can be the

empowered in the state government not

only that that rule should be

incorporated to maintainance the motor

vehicles and the trailers so these are

the some of the noise prevention act

which can be incorporated to control the

noise so that is the overall discussion

of the noise so what we are discussed

definition of noise then the types of

noise what are the sources of noise

impact of noise and how to mitigate the

noise pollution so this topic and this

is a burning topic which are definitely

going to trust in the Environmental

Studies so thank you thank you very much

[Music]