Sound pollution has become an omnipresent part of daily life in today’s crammed-up, hustling urban environment. More than 100 million people in the EU are reportedly exposed to long-term noise levels that harm their health. 90% of New York commuters find themselves at noise levels higher than recommended limits, according to UNEP’s 2022 Frontiers Report.
To stay healthy and happy amid a hectic city life, you must create a tranquil haven at home. Options include sturdy, solid-core doors or colorful, decorative, sound absorbing panels to reduce noise levels. Alternatively, fill your space with plants to create a peaceful retreat after a busy day.
WHO warns that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can have significant long-term health effects, comparing it to air pollution. As urbanization continues to grow, it is more important than ever to address sound pollution. This blog post will address the various harmful aspects of noise pollution and how to save your home from it.
Everyday Urban Noise That Goes Unseen
Urban dwellers frequently endure a daily cacophony of sounds without realizing it. These noises include seemingly innocuous sounds of everyday life, like conversations, household appliances, and electronic devices. It also includes the constant hum of traffic, honking car horns, and rumbling construction sites. The soundscape of an urban area is influenced by public transportation, including buses and trains, and by passing airplanes.
Neighbor noise, particularly in apartment buildings, can increase cumulative exposure even within the home. Although this constant assault of noise is imperceptible, it gradually reduces the quiet time essential for physical and mental health.
The Various Health Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution has a broad and significant effect on health. Long-term exposure to loud noises can cause some of the following unsettling symptoms:
Cardiovascular Issues
Research has indicated a connection between elevated risks of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension and noise pollution. According to Harvard Medicine, exposure to noise results in 48,000 cases of cardiac disease.
Hearing Loss
Deafening loud noises all the time can cause hearing loss. As per a 2023 Journal of Clinical Medicine publication, noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, affects almost 5% of people worldwide. Further, it holds noise as the second-highest cause of hearing loss.
Sleep Disturbances
Persistent noise can cause sleep disturbances, resulting in insomnia and poor-quality sleep. Kaiser Health reports that noise-induced sleep disturbances can cause daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and even long-term psychological issues.
Mental Health Issues
Stress, anxiety, and depression can all be exacerbated by continuous noise. A study from the Nature publication states that people in noisy environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety-related disorders. They have higher levels of stress hormones. Alarmingly, the study also found that children and adolescents are more susceptible to this.
Cognitive Impairment in Children
According to the EEA, studies suggest that children exposed to prolonged noise pollution may experience delayed cognitive development. This could potentially impact their academic performance and learning capacities.
Soundproofing Your Home to Attain a Noise-Free Retreat
The city around you fills you with a constant barrage of unwanted noises. In this state, let your home be a tranquil retreat to rest and recharge. Here are a few practical methods for soundproofing your house:
- Install soundproof doors and windows: Solid core doors and double-glazed windows can significantly reduce outside noise.
- Employ sound-absorbing materials: Felt Right suggests using acoustic panels and felt tiles to absorb and reduce sound. Heavy curtains and carpets also help a lot.
- Seal cracks and gaps: To keep noise out, seal all openings around doors, windows, and walls.
- Establish quiet zones: Set aside areas of your house where electronics and household noise are not allowed.
- Landscaping: UNEP emphasizes adding trees and shrubs to the yard can lower noise levels by acting as organic sound barriers.
FAQs
Which sources of noise pollution are most prevalent in cities?
Familiar sources include noise from nearby neighborhoods, traffic, construction, and industry. Public events and emergency services add to urban noise, with sirens, alarms, and public sanitation vehicles being particularly disruptive. Moreover, noise generated by braking systems, and the interaction between tires and road surfaces produces more noise than personal vehicles.
How might noise pollution affect mental health?
Noise pollution has been shown to cause anxiety and depression. Particularly, the pollution from noise activates the body’s stress response, triggering the release of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol). It affects cognitive abilities, especially in young children. Additionally, noise-induced annoyance and feelings of helplessness can escalate into chronic stress.
Does noise-induced sleep disruption have any lasting effects?
Chronic exposure to noise during sleep can lead to persistent sleep disturbances. This contributes to a range of cardiovascular issues, including hypertension and heart disease. The body’s inability to achieve restful sleep due to noise can also lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. It further contributes to long-term health problems like neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.
Can noise be eliminated by soundproofing?
Soundproofing can considerably lessen noise, but it might not altogether remove it. It can, however, result in a far calmer and quieter atmosphere.
Urban living is plagued by the ubiquitous problem of sound pollution, which can have detrimental long-term health effects. We can create a haven of calm among the noise by being aware of its effects and soundproofing our homes. Over time, making a quieter environment a priority can enhance health and well-being.
