Ask the Experts: What can I do to protect myself from noise pollution?
The word NOISE is derived from the Latin word nausea, and as its derivation suggests, noise can cause a number of health problems.
Exposure to the noise of city traffic,
jet planes, and construction equipment
can lead to stress, high blood
pressure, sleep loss, low productivity,
and poor performance. What's more,
too much noise lowers our quality of
life and robs us of opportunities for
tranquility.
Decibels are one common measure
of noise-a soft whisper is 30
decibels, normal conversation about
60. (Note: This doesn't mean a conversation
is twice as loud as a whisper.
In fact, every 10-decibel increase
is perceived as a doubling of loudness.)
Constant or repeated exposure
to any noise that is 80 decibels or
higher-about the equivalent of a
gas-powered lawn mower, in close
range-can lead to hearing loss over
time. Many sources of noise exceed
this recommended limit: A chain
saw is 110 decibels, and noise from a
nightclub can be that loud, too.
There are few places you can
go to escape noise, but there are
ways to protect your hearing and
your sanity. First, always wear
earplugs or earmuffs when you're
engaged in any activity as loud as or
louder than mowing a lawn. Limit
your exposure to raucous events
like rock concerts to four or fewer
times a year. And never shoot firearms
without protecting your ears.
While most of our daily din is
the result of technology (think how
quiet it becomes during a power
outage), technology can also be the
solution. Opt for electric lawn equipment,
which is typically half as loud
as the gas-powered type. Invest in
quiet air conditioners, washers, dryers,
and dishwashers. Hybrid and
electric cars also significantly quiet
the soundscape.
Before you buy or rent a home
in a loud, urban environment, find
out what kind of noiseproofing work
has been done. A number of companies
can soundproof your windows,
walls, and ceilings with laminated
glass for windows or special Sheetrock
or insulation for walls. (See
nonoise.org for a list of resources.)
Also, get in touch with your city
council and find out what rules
about noise and excessive clamor are
on the books in your community.
-Les Blomberg, executive director of
the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse
in Montpelier, Vt.
