Sound pollution: Production of undesirable loud and harsh sound at the wrong place and wrong time is called sound pollution. The sound of sirens of buses or trucks seems to be normal on a highway, but near a hospital, school or in residential colony the sound of siren takes the form of noise thus causing sound pollution. Unwanted sound is called noise.
Following are the sources of sound pollution:
1. Sources of sound in homes:
- Radio
- Television
- Mixers and grinders
- Desert cooler
- Transistor
Air conditioner, etc. contribute to sound pollution, because these domestic appliances produce a variety of sound and noise.
2. Sources of sound in surroundings:
- Loudspeakers used in religious place, on festive occasions, or public meetings
- Exploding of crackers
- crying of hawkers in streets
- Fairs also contribute to noise pollution.
3. Sources of sound in factories Industries: Machines in factories produce loud roaring noise and contribute to noise pollution.
4. Sources of sound due to traffic:
- Noise produced by various automobiles vehicles
- Noise produced by flying aeroplanes
- Railway locomotives produce unwanted high-intensity sound.
Measures to control noise pollution:
1. Noise control in homes: Proper maintenance and necessary usage of television, radio, transistor, grinders, desert coolers, etc. bring down the noise level by keeping their volume level low.
2. Noise control on roads: Proper maintenance of the vehicles and use of low sound intensity of sirens, control the noise pollution. Law should be enforced to get rid of noisy vehicles.
3. Control on noise produce by industries and factories: Machines should be kept well lubricated and maintained properly, to bring down the level of noise. Factories should be set away from residential areas.
4. Trees and plants are good sound absorbers. So, trees should be planted on both the sides of the road to check the movement of sound towards homes, educational institutions, offices, etc.
5. People should be made aware of the fact that noise is injurious to health, through newspapers, television, radio, and magazines.
