Noise is, unfortunately, a fact of life in urban areas. Traffic, construction work and daily human activities chronically produce loud, continuous sounds that disrupt the health and well-being of birds, animals and city dwellers, both on land and in water. This noise pollution causes hearing impairment, sleep disruption and stress in humans, while negatively impacting wildlife’s reproductive success, foraging patterns and habitat. Although urban noise sources are impossible to eliminate, there are ways in which individuals can help lessen the effects of this type of pollution.

What Is Noise Pollution?

Noise pollution is any unwanted sound. It can stem from a variety of sources. In cities, traffic is one of the largest sources, creating a constant hum, roar, screech and hoot. Industrial sounds from heavy vehicles and machinery and construction noises are also typical examples. The daily hustle and bustle of restaurants, loud music, people gathering and even your neighbor’s extra-loud sound system for their TV can cause noise pollution. 

Noise pollution can be classified as:

• Continuous noise or chronic exposure: Consistent exposure can lead to hearing loss and other adverse effects.
• Temporary contamination with physiological impact: Limited noise exposure can happen, like during temporary demolition or construction projects.
• Temporary contamination without damage: The general city hum of traffic can lead to temporary hearing impairments, while in the region of the exposure. 

What Impact Does Noise Pollution Have on Your Health?

Noise pollution has a wide range of impacts on human health. Extensive exposure to noise beyond 70 decibels (dB) damages the sensitive mechanisms in your ear. To place this in perspective: 

• An average conversation: 65–80 dB
• A motorcycle: 80–110 dB
• Activated sirens: 110–129 dB
• Fireworks: 140–160 dB
• A gas-powered leaf blower or lawnmower: 80–100 dB
• An operating dishwasher or washing machine: 45–65 dB

Besides hearing loss, continuous exposure to noise pollution can cause hypertension and other serious cardiovascular issues due to excessive stress levels. Loud sounds disrupt sleeping patterns, which in turn affects overall mental health.

Noise exposure also heightens stress, disrupts cognitive performance, heightens anxiety and adversely affects daily healthy functioning. 

What Legislation Addresses Noise Pollution?

The Clean Air Act Amendment added Title IV, which addresses noise pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the amendment to investigate the impact of noise on public health and wildlife. EPA regulates noises from construction equipment, trucks, low-noise emission products, as well as motor and rail carriers.

The EPA advises people look at their state’s regulations on noise, if they feel this type of pollution is a nuisance in their area. Everyone is entitled to a reasonable quiet and peaceful environment, that’s not harmful to their health. 

How Can You Combat Noise Pollution? 

Individuals and businesses can take various noise abatement measures to help reduce noise pollution. Here are six to get you started: 

1. Turn Down the Volume

Sounds travel quickly in neighborhoods and especially between homes in multifamily housing, because they share walls. The lack of space between residences augments indoor noises, making life inconvenient when sharing walls with or living above or under boisterous building residents.

Considering the nature of city living situations, noise reduction should start at home. Be mindful of how loud your entertainment is to avoid disturbing neighbors. Keep the volume below 70 decibels — or around the same level as an average conversation. Your TV, phone, computer, speakers and in-car radio shouldn’t be louder than a dishwasher or washing machine.

Also, consider how loud you are speaking or even moving. If you’re naturally excitable or your voice carries, be extra mindful when interacting and walking around your home.

2. Soundproof Your Interior

You don’t need to be a recording artist to benefit from sound insulation. Acoustic control prevents the noises you make inside from going out and insulates you against the unpleasant sounds of the outside world.

Although soundproofing might sound technical, you can achieve it by something as simple as installing a thick carpet. Carpets assist with reduced noise transmission as opposed to hard flooring systems. 

Other ways to soundproof your home include repairing all openings and sealing gaps with caulk and weather strips. You should also consider installing multipaned and glazed windows and doors with the energy ratings recommended for your climate zone.

Aside from renovations and remodeling projects, thoughtful interior decoration can reduce noise transfer. Dressing your windows with sound-absorbing coverings, such as drapes and curtains, can help trap interior noises and block exterior ones. Even art canvases help manage the acoustics of your space. 

3. Invest in Electric Equipment

Gas-powered machines are typically louder, because they use combustion engines. When the fuel burns, it causes explosions inside the cylinders. These explosions are responsible for those deafening sounds. Think of a motorcycle or truck starting and driving around — these internal combustion engine vehicles cause high levels of street noise in neighborhoods and cities.

Electric motors, on the other hand, are practically noiseless. They have fewer moving parts and create less heat, friction and vibration. Switching to an electric vehicle can reduce outdoor noise pollution. Retiring your gas-powered lawn mower and leaf blower, in favor of electric models, allows you to maintain your yard and garden without raising the ire of your neighbors.

Plus, electrified machines are emission-free, releasing zero smoke that may trigger allergies and cause respiratory problems. If your electricity comes from a clean energy source like solar, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint even more.

4. Create More Green Spaces

Pockets of lush vegetation in urban areas are quiet zones. Plants act as noise buffers, absorbing or deflecting sound waves.

Urban forests are effective when the trees are close together, have dense foliage and are of various species with leaves of diverse shapes and sizes. Complementing them with shrubs to ensure foliage persists from the ground up can improve their noise abatement properties.

Evergreen plants fit the bill perfectly, because they can block noise year-round. The taller the trees, the better. Combining shrubs and tall grass can have the same effect. Even potted plants, ferns and moss can help absorb unwanted sound, protecting your interior from noise. 

5. Be a Responsible Driver

Car horns are loud by design and can be audible for 200 feet or more under normal conditions. While they exist to promote road safety, quick-tempered drivers may honk them too much to express irritation. 

By just being mindful of how you use your horn, accelerate your car and even brake can help reduce your noise footprint in your neighborhood and the city. 

6. Initiate Noise Pollution Awareness Campaigns

Many people experience unhealthy noise levels, but only a few know they may have a right to act and submit complaints. If there’s a need to raise awareness of noise pollution’s adverse effects and solutions, start a local movement or rally with your neighbors to see your state’s stance on sound nuisances. 

Activating your community often has a ripple effect. By addressing one environmental concern, you can inspire your neighbors to get involved in more green initiatives. For example, sharing the merits of green spaces to alleviate noise pollution and mobilizing community members to build communal gardens contribute to food security, climate resilience and natural disaster recovery.

Break the Silence on Noise Pollution

Addressing noise pollution and its effects requires collective action. While your actions can’t single-handedly fix this environmental problem for everyone, you can make a difference in your ways. Embracing these suggestions is choosing to be part of the solution, so make it a mission to silence noise pollution where you can and inspire others to do the same.