Sound Pollution
by Arvind 7

A sound wave is the pattern of disturbance caused by the movement of energy travelling through a medium. There are two major types of sound waves: melodious and noise. Melodious sound waves are produced mainly by music and are soothing to the ear whereas noise is a complete disturbance to the ear. Noise is basically unwanted sound. When excess noise is produced, it is called noise pollution.

Humans can hear up to 120 decibels and can bear up to 20,000 hertz. If you think that's a lot, guess again. Sunday traffic is almost 85 decibels and a rock concert is about 120 decibels. Furthermore a jet engine take-off is 150 decibels. If we humans keep hearing sounds like these often, we may not be able to hear later. Normally, there will be temporary effects like stress, body pain and annoyance, due to loud sounds we regularly hear at times. But, if the sound is too much, then it may cause mental retardedness or permanent hearing loss. Therefore, sound pollutions can and should be reduced.

Methods to Check Sound Pollution:

I suggest that if there is a noise pollution in your region, kindly follow these precautions:
(1) Move away from that place.
(2) Ask the person who is creating noise to reduce.
(3) Wear ear cuffs or ear plugs if you have to at places where there is noise pollution like construction sites or airports.

Many incidents have happened when people and animals got affected because of noise pollution especially during Diwali festival. Try to celebrate such festivals in an eco-friendly way and burn less noise emitting crackers like flower pots or ground chakras.

To Sum up, lead a safe and secure life, live and let live. Please reduce the noise pollution around us.