ALL ABOUT NOISE

1. Noise
Noise health effects are the physical and psychological health consequences of regular exposure, to
consistent elevated sound levels. Elevated workplace or environmental noise can cause hearing
impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, annoyance, and sleep disturbance.[1][2]
Changes in
the immune system and birth defects have been also attributed to noise exposure.[3]
Although presbycusis occur naturally with age,[4]
in many countries the cumulative impact of noise is
sufficient to impair the hearing of a large fraction of the population over the course of a lifetime.[5][6]
Noise
exposure has been known to induce tinnitus, hypertension, vasoconstriction, and
other cardiovascular adverse effects.[7]
Chronic noise exposure has been associated with sleep disturbances
and increased incidence of diabetes. Adverse cardiovascular effects occur from chronic exposure to noise
due to the sympathetic nervous system's inability to habituate. The sympathetic nervous system maintains
lighter stages of sleep when the body is exposed to noise, which does not allow blood pressure to follow the
normal rise and fall cycle of an undisturbed circadian rhythm.[1]
Stress from time spent around elevated noise levels has been linked with increased workplace
accident rates and aggression and other anti-social behaviors.[8]
The most significant sources are vehicles,
aircraft, prolonged exposure to loud music, and industrial noise
Noise induced hearing loss[edit]
Main article: Noise-induced hearing loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent shift in pure-tone thresholds, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. The
severity of a threshold shift is dependent on duration and severity of noise exposure. Noise-induced threshold shifts
are seen as a notch on an audiogram from 3000–6000 Hz, but most often at 4000 Hz.[12]
Cardiovascular effects[edit]
Noise has been associated with important cardiovascular health problems, particularly hypertension.[13][14]
Noise
levels of 50 dB(A) at night may also increase the risk of myocardial infarction by chronically
elevating cortisol production.[15][16][17]
Roadway noise levels are sufficient to constrict arterial blood flow and lead to elevated blood pressure.
Vasoconstriction can result from elevated adrenaline levels or through medical stress reactions.
Psychological impacts of noise[edit]
Causal relationships have been discovered between noise and psychological effects such as annoyance, psychiatric
disorders, and effects on psychosocial well-being.[18]
Exposure to intense levels of noise can cause personality
changes and violent reactions.[19]
Noise has also been shown to be a factor that attributed to violent reactions.[20]
The
psychological impacts of noise also include an addiction to loud music. This was researched in a study where non-
professional musicians were found to have loudness addictions more often than non-musician control subjects.[21]
Psychological health effects from noise include depression and anxiety. Individuals who have hearing loss, including
noise induced hearing loss, may have their symptoms alleviated with the use of hearing aids. Individuals who do not
seek treatment for their loss are 50% more likely to have depression than their aided peers.[22]
These psychological
effects can lead to detriments in physical care in the form of reduced self-care, work-tolerance, and increased
isolation.[23]
Auditory stimuli can serve as psychological triggers for individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[24]
Stress[edit]
Research commissioned by Rockwool, a multi-national insulation manufacturer headquartered in Denmark, reveals
that in the UK one third (33%) of victims of domestic disturbances claim loud parties have left them unable to sleep
or made them stressed in the last two years. Around one in eleven (9%) [25]
of those affected by domestic
disturbances claims it has left them continually disturbed and stressed. More than 1.8 million people claim noisy
neighbours have made their life a misery and they cannot enjoy their own homes. The impact of noise on health is

2. potentially a significant problem across the UK given that more than 17.5 million Britons (38%) have been disturbed
by the inhabitants of neighbouring properties in the last two years. For almost one in ten (7%) Britons this is a
regular occurrence.[26]
The extent of the problem of noise pollution for public health is reinforced by figures collated by Rockwool from local
authority responses to a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request. This research reveals in the period April 2008 -
2009 UK councils received 315,838 complaints about noise pollution from private residences. This resulted in
environmental health officers across the UK serving 8,069 noise abatement notices, or citations under the terms of
the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act.[26]
Westminster City Council[27]
has received more complaints per head of population than any other district in the UK
with 9,814 grievances about noise, which equates to 42.32 complaints per thousand residents. Eight of the top 10
councils ranked by complaints per 1,000 residents are located in London.
Annoyance[edit]
Sudden Impulse noises are typically perceived as more bothersome than noise from traffic of equal
volume.[28]
Annoyance effects of noise are minimally affected by demographics, but fear of the noise source and
sensitivity to noise both strongly affect the 'annoyance' of a noise.[29]
Sound levels as low as 40 dB(A) can generate
noise complaints[30]
and the lower threshold for noise producing sleep disturbance is 45 dB(A) or lower.[31]
Other factors that affect the 'annoyance level' of sound include beliefs about noise prevention and the importance of
the noise source, and annoyance at the cause (i.e. non-noise related factors) of the noise.[32]
Many of the
interpretations of the level of annoyance and the relationship between noise levels and resulting health symptoms
could be influenced by the quality of interpersonal relationships at the workplace, as well as the stress level
generated by the work itself.[3][33]
Evidence for impact on annoyance of long-term noise versus recent changes is
equivocal.[32]
Approximately 35% to 40% of office workers find noise levels from 55 to 60 dB(A) extremely irritating.[3]
The noise
standard in Germany for mentally stressful tasks is set at 55 dB(A),[34]
however, if the noise source is continuous, the
threshold level for tolerability among office workers is lower than 55 dB(A).[3]
Child physical development[edit]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authored a pamphlet in 1978 that suggested a correlation between low-
birthweight (using the World Health Organization definition of less than 2,500 grams (88 oz) and high sound levels,
and also high rates of birth defects in places where expectant mothers are exposed to elevated sound levels, such
as typical airportenvirons. Specific birth abnormalities included harelip, cleft palate, and defects in the spine.[35]
According to Lester W. Sontag of The Fels Research Institute (as presented in the same EPA study): “There is
ample evidence that environment has a role in shaping the physique, behavior, and function of animals, including
man, from conception and not merely from birth. The fetus is capable of perceiving sounds and responding to them
by motor activity and cardiac rate change." The effects of noise exposure are highest when it occurs between 15
and 60 days after conception, a period in which major internal organs and the central nervous system are formed.[35]
Later developmental effects occur as vasoconstriction in the mother reduces blood flow and therefore oxygen and
nutrition to the fetus. Low birth weights and noise were also associated with lower levels of certain hormones in the
mother. These hormones are thought to affect fetal growth and to be good indicators of protein production. The
difference between the hormone levels of pregnant mothers in noisy versus quiet areas increased as birth
approached.[35]
In a 2000 publication, a review of studies on birthweight and noise exposure note that while some older studies
suggest that when women are exposed to >65 dB aircraft noise a small decrease in birthweight occurs, in a more
recent study of 200 Taiwanese women including noise dosimetry measurements of individual noise exposure, the
authors found no significant association between noise exposure and birth weight after adjusting for relevant
confounders, e.g. social class, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, etc.[3]
Cognitive development[edit]
When young children are regularly exposed to levels of noise that interfere with speech, they may develop speech
or reading difficulties, because auditory processing functions are compromised. Children continue to develop their
speech perception abilities until they reach their teens. Evidence has shown that when children learn in noisier
classrooms, they have more difficulties understanding speech than those who learn in quieter settings.[36]

3. In a study conducted by Cornell University in 1993, children exposed to noise in learning environments experienced
trouble with word discrimination, as well as various cognitive developmental delays.[37][38]
In particular, the writing
learning impairment dysgraphia is commonly associated with environmental stressors in the classroom.[39]
High noise levels have also been known to damage the physical health of small children. Children from noisy
residences often have a heart rate that is significantly higher (by 2 beats/min on average) than those of children
from quieter homes.[40]
What are the harmful effects of noise pollution?
A recent article I read titled "What are the harmful effects of Noise Pollution?" by Bhishm Khanna makes some important observations about
noise pollution, viz.
1. It interferes with speech. In the presence of noise we may not able to follow, what the other person is saying.
2. Noise leads to emotional and behavioral stress. A person may feel disturbed in the presence of loud noise such as produced by heating of drums.
3. Noise may permanently damage hearing. A sudden loud noise can cause severe damage to the eardrum.
4. Noise increases the chances of occurrence of diseases such as headache, blood pressure, heart failure, etc.
5. Noise leads to increased heart beat, constriction of blood vessels and dilation of pupil.
6. Noise is a problem especially for patients who need rest.
7. Noise may cause damage to liver, brain and heart.
For some people working in Industry, noise could be a problem.
For some people living in some neighbourhood where people party a lot, like college students, noise could be a problem too.
Some people listen to music with amplifiers and big boom-boxes at a very high volume, and noise could be a problem too.
It is scientifically known that frequent and long use of headphones at a loud volume for a prolonged period of time could affect one's hearing.
This query is to bring an awareness about noise pollution. Comments are welcome.
Muchas Gracias !! - Sundar
http://www.preservearticles.com/201101032328/harmful-effects-of-noise-pollution.html
Noise Pollution
Emotional Behavior
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Quality of Life Research
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Popular Answers (2)

4. 4 years ago
Behrouz Ahmadi-Nedushan
Yazd University
Effects of Noise Pollution
1. Hearing Problems: Any unwanted sound that our ears have not been built to filter can cause problems within the body. Hearing loss begins at 80-
90 dbA. 140 dbA is painful
2. Health Issues: Excessive noise pollution in working areas such as offices, construction sites, and even in our homes can influence psychological
health.
3. Sleeping Disorders: Loud noise can certainly hamper your sleeping pattern and may lead to irritation and uncomfortable situations.
4. Cardiovascular Issues: Blood pressure levels, cardio-vascular disease and stress related heart problems are on the rise. Studies suggest that high
intensity noise causes high blood pressure and increases heart beat rate as it disrupts the normal blood flow.
5. Trouble Communicating: High decibel noise can put trouble and may not allow two people to communicate freely.
6. Effect on Wildlife: Wildlife faces far more problems than humans because noise pollution since they are more dependent on sound. Animals
develop a better sense of hearing than us since their survival depends on it.
How to Reduce Noise
Pollution?
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 Environmental Blog
 How to Reduce Noise Pollution?

5. Perfect Pollucon Services
How to Reduce Noise Pollution?
We can Reduce Noise pollution by turning off appliances when not in use, use of earplugs, lowering
the volume, planting more trees, regular maintenance of vehicles and machines etc. By controlling
noise we can control negative health effects that noise pollution has on everyone.
What is Noise?
Noise is unwanted sound. A sound which has unpleasant effects and discomfort to ears is called as
noise. Generally sound generated by vehicles, horns, loudspeakers, planes, construction etc. are

6. reasons of noise pollution.
It is measured in decibel (dB). Normally noise which is less than 115 dB is tolerable (for shorter
period).
Noise pollution is also considered as environmental pollution although it is not as harmful as air, water
or soil pollution but effects of noise pollution for longer period can be sever.
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How to Reduce Noise Pollution?
We can reduce noise Pollution by following below mentioned Tips:
Turn off Appliances at Home and offices
We can turn off home and office appliances when not in use such as TV, games, computers etc. it
can create unnecessary stress on ears. We can save electricity also when we turn them off.

7. Shut the Door when using noisy Machines
We can shut the door after we turn on dishwashers or washing machines for rooms where it is kept or
we can turn them on before leaving house so that overlapping of exposure to loud noises can be
reduced
Use Earplugs
Use of earplugs or earmuffs can bring down loud noises to manageable level. Earplugs are small
inserts that fit into out ear canal. And earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal keeping
ears safe from loud noises.
Lower the volume
We can listen songs, radios, TVs in lower volume when listening from headphones or speakers.
Stay away from Noisy area
Noise producing industries, airports, vehicles should be far from residential areas as it very
dangerous for infants and senior citizens.
Follow the Limits of Noise level
Community law should check use of loudspeakers, outdoor parties as well as political public
announcements.

8. Control Noise level near sensitive areas
There should be control on noise level (Silent zones) near schools, hospitals. Place noise limits
boards near sensitive areas.
Go Green by planning trees
We can plant more trees as they are good noise absorbents. According to studies it can reduce noise
by 5 to 10 decibels Db around them.
Create Healthy noise to eliminate unwanted noise
If we can’t eliminate unwanted noise coming from outside then we can create healthier noise such as
music, singing birds or waterfalls in homes or offices.
Use Noise absorbents in noisy machineries
We can check for machineries which are creating noise due to vibrations and put some noise
absorbents to reduce noise.
Use Proper Lubrication and Better maintenance
We can use proper lubrication as well as better maintenance of machines to reduce noise pollution
and improve efficiency. It reduces friction between movable parts and helps to reduce noise.

9. Notify Authorities about Disobedience of Noise Rules
We can notify to government agencies if someone is not following rules and regulation regarding
noise levels.
Regularly check noise levels
Regularly checking noise level in industrial complex and indoor to keep noise level within limit.
It is necessary to control noises created around us. It is necessary to aware people around us
through various mediums. We can start from ourselves to spread awareness about noise pollution
and its effects on human and environment. Limit for noise at daytime is 55 dB and in night it is 30 dB
to avoid health effects.
Learn more about noise level Monitoring
Governments are taking steps to reduce noise pollution in mostly all countries which is very good
sign.
We can follow below mentioned tips for how to reduce noise pollution.
Also you would be interested in Ways to reduce air pollution from factories.
What are effects of Noise Pollution?
 Constant exposure to loud noises can damage ear drums and loss of hearing. It also reduces sensitivity
of ear drums to pick up small sounds.
 It can affect health and shows signs of aggressive behavior, sleep disturbance, increase in stress level,
fatigue
 It can create hamper sleeping pattern (it is recommended to take sound sleep and not noise sleep :p)
 It can increase blood pressure, heart beat, headache
 It affects not only on humans but also on pets. They can behave more aggressively if exposed to loud
noises for longer duration
 Interference or disturbance in conversions and it can create misunderstanding

10. Noise pollution isn't just annoying: it can cause deafness, fatigue, and even psychological problems. If
you want to cut back on the noise pollution in your life, work on eliminating loud sounds made by
machines both inside and outside your house. If necessary, sound-proof your home so you can get
some peace and quiet. Taking measures to prevent noise pollution will help you and your family feel
happier and healthier.
Method1
Keeping Your Home Noise-Free
1.

11. 1
Sound-proof your space. When you can't stop the noise at it's source, you can do your best to keep it out.
Sound-proofing your home will help you rest easier at night and keep your home quieter during the day as well.
If you can't sound-proof your entire home, you might want to invest in sound-proofing your bedroom, so you'll
have at least one respite from the noise when you just can't take it anymore.
 If you don't want to reconstruct your walls and floors with sound-proof building materials, consider the less
expensive option of installing carpeting and wall coverings that soften and absorb sounds.
 Acoustic foam panels are a cheap, easy-to-install option when you want to quickly soundproof a room. For an
even easier solution, try hanging blankets on the walls or installing extra bookcases filled with books.
2.

12. 2
Keep noisy machines away from your bedroom and living areas. Situate your home so that your bed isn't
right next to your noisy furnace or air conditioning unit. If there are any other sources of constant noise, try to
locate them far away from your sleeping and living areas so you can have some peace and quiet.
 You might also want to consider using these machines less to give yourself a break from the noise. Turn off
your air conditioner and open the windows, even if it means being a little hotter than normal. You might find the
less noisy atmosphere more relaxing than a cooled-down room.
3.

13. 3
Spend time away from noise. Sometimes it's simply impossible to truly get away from the noise. If you live on
a busy street with lots of traffic, you know there's never really a respite from traffic sounds, sirens and honking
horns. Getting away from it all is a good way to restore your emotional balance. Go to a quiet spot that's as
free of sound as possible. Stay there and enjoy the silence for a few hours, until you feel renewed and ready to
reenter the noise of daily life.
 See if you can go for a walk in a quiet natural spot away from busy roads.
 If you can't make it to a quiet outdoor space, try sitting in a library for a few hours. The librarians will make sure
it stays nice and quiet.
 Churches and cemeteries are also good places to find some peace and quiet.
4.

14. 4
Learn to meditate. With more and more rural areas being developed, noisy engines and construction sounds
aren't going away any time soon. Learning how to meditate can help you deal with noise and destress without
needing to drop everything and leave.
 When you're feeling overwhelmed, sit very still, close your eyes and focus on taking deep, even breaths. Do 10
breaths and try to let your worries go and ignore the noise around you. No matter where you are, whether it's
on a noisy subway car or in your own kitchen, you can try this technique to calm yourself down.[1]
5.

15. 5
Use earplugs and noise-canceling headphones. These inventions help millions of people deal with
everyday noise. Earplugs are a cheap drugstore purchase that buys you hours of sleep, once you get used to
falling asleep with them in your ears. Noise-canceling headphones are a bit more expensive, but if getting
peace and quiet is at the top of your priority list, they're probably worth the splurge.
6.

16. 6
Install noise-reducing insulation and glass. This is by far the most expensive method, but if nothing else is
working for you, and you are serious about the peace and quiet, this is a most effective way to stop noise from
getting in your home.
Method2
Dealing with Noise You Can't Control
1.

18. 1
Understand what causes noise pollution. As urban development stretches into rural areas, the noise level
increases. Construction sites, airports, train stations, and highways are all sources of loud noises that grate on
the ears. If you know the sources of noise pollution in your area, you can do your best to avoid them or find
ways to mitigate their negative effect.
 When you're choosing a place to live, see if the residence is in a flight path or near a busy highway. During the
day the sounds might not bother you, but at night they might prevent you from sleeping.
2.

19. 2
Check into the noise pollution laws in your area. Most urban communities have rules to prevent noise
pollution from getting out of control. For example, there are laws dictating during which hours a construction
site may actively use machinery, and when they need to stay quiet. As a community member, you can help
enforce the laws if you know what they are.
 Check with your state's department of energy and environmental affairs to find out which regulations are in
effect in your area.[2]
You'll find information about how loud noise is allowed to get, and when machines are
supposed to remain silent.
 If you feel the regulations are being violated, don't hesitate to file a complaint. If it's affecting other members of
your community, organize a group complaint, which will be even more effective.
3.

20. 3
Make sure community spaces are following the rules. Another source of noise comes from community
spaces like stadiums, concert venues and other outdoor areas with speaker systems. Even a neighborhood
bar that holds concerts can produce enough noise to drive you crazy. If you live near a community space that
seems to be making noise all night long, or is producing noise that seems louder than necessary, see if they're
in violation of local laws and file a complaint if necessary.[3]
 For example, if a new concert space opens up on your block and creates noise late into the night, you're
entitled to finding out whether the place is operating according to local law. The people in charge of the space
might not be aware of the laws, so don't just assume they know what they're doing. Find out more and see if
you can make a difference.
4.

21. 4
Speak up about banning noisy motors near your home. Car and motorcycle engines as well as
lawnmowers and other motor-powered vehicles can really raise the noise level in any given area. If you live in
the middle of the city, there won't be much you can do about it, but in a smaller community you may be able to
have a say as to who gets to use motors in your area, and when.
 Talk with your city council member to see what you can do to have noisy motors banned after a certain time at
night.[4]
 In smaller communities, you could also just get together with your neighbors and agree not to use lawnmowers
and other noisy motors during certain hours, for the benefit of the whole neighborhood.
5.

22. 5
Get involved in a community tree-planting project.[5]
Communities with more trees are quieter than those
without them, since large, leafy trees can help absorb noise. If you live in an area with a dearth of big trees,
planting more along city streets, and between residences and noisy highways, would be a good way to cut
back on some of the noise pollution in your area.
 See if your city has a tree-planting initiative underway. For example, Portland, Oregon's group Portland Loves
Trees engages community members to plant more trees around the city. New York City's Million Trees Project
has a similar goal.
Method3
Helping Your Community Stay Quiet
1.

23. 1
Don't use your car horn unnecessarily. Don't be part of the problem by leaning on your horn every time
someone looks at you wrong on the street. Use your horn only when absolutely necessary, as a way to let
someone know that you're present or warn them when they're about to collide with something. It's good driving
etiquette, and makes life more pleasant for city-dwellers.
2.
2

24. Keep your car in good repair. The sound of a car without a muffler chugging down the street is never
welcome, so make sure you're not the one causing noise pollution in your neighborhood and spring to get your
car fixed. Keeping your car in good, quiet working order will be appreciated by everyone who lives near you.
 The same goes for your lawnmower and any other noisy equipment you might use outdoors.
 To have an even greater impact on noise in your area, consider walking or biking instead of using a car
whenever possible.
3.
Noise pollution isn't just annoying: it can cause deafness, fatigue, and even psychological problems. If
you want to cut back on the noise pollution in your life, work on eliminating loud sounds made by
machines both inside and outside your house. If necessary, sound-proof your home so you can get
some peace and quiet. Taking measures to prevent noise pollution will help you and your family feel
happier and healthier.
Method1
Keeping Your Home Noise-Free
1.

25. 1
Sound-proof your space. When you can't stop the noise at it's source, you can do your best to keep
it out. Sound-proofing your home will help you rest easier at night and keep your home quieter during
the day as well. If you can't sound-proof your entire home, you might want to invest in sound-proofing
your bedroom, so you'll have at least one respite from the noise when you just can't take it anymore.
 If you don't want to reconstruct your walls and floors with sound-proof building materials, consider the
less expensive option of installing carpeting and wall coverings that soften and absorb sounds.
 Acoustic foam panels are a cheap, easy-to-install option when you want to quickly soundproof a
room. For an even easier solution, try hanging blankets on the walls or installing extra bookcases
filled with books.
2.
2

26. Keep noisy machines away from your bedroom and living areas. Situate your home so that your
bed isn't right next to your noisy furnace or air conditioning unit. If there are any other sources of
constant noise, try to locate them far away from your sleeping and living areas so you can have some
peace and quiet.
 You might also want to consider using these machines less to give yourself a break from the noise.
Turn off your air conditioner and open the windows, even if it means being a little hotter than normal.
You might find the less noisy atmosphere more relaxing than a cooled-down room.
3.
3
Spend time away from noise. Sometimes it's simply impossible to truly get away from the noise. If
you live on a busy street with lots of traffic, you know there's never really a respite from traffic sounds,
sirens and honking horns. Getting away from it all is a good way to restore your emotional balance.
Go to a quiet spot that's as free of sound as possible. Stay there and enjoy the silence for a few
hours, until you feel renewed and ready to reenter the noise of daily life.

27.  See if you can go for a walk in a quiet natural spot away from busy roads.
 If you can't make it to a quiet outdoor space, try sitting in a library for a few hours. The librarians will
make sure it stays nice and quiet.
 Churches and cemeteries are also good places to find some peace and quiet.
4.
4
Learn to meditate. With more and more rural areas being developed, noisy engines and construction
sounds aren't going away any time soon. Learning how to meditate can help you deal with noise and
destress without needing to drop everything and leave.
 When you're feeling overwhelmed, sit very still, close your eyes and focus on taking deep, even
breaths. Do 10 breaths and try to let your worries go and ignore the noise around you. No matter
where you are, whether it's on a noisy subway car or in your own kitchen, you can try this technique
to calm yourself down.[1]
5.

28. 5
Use earplugs and noise-canceling headphones. These inventions help millions of people deal with
everyday noise. Earplugs are a cheap drugstore purchase that buys you hours of sleep, once you get
used to falling asleep with them in your ears. Noise-canceling headphones are a bit more expensive,
but if getting peace and quiet is at the top of your priority list, they're probably worth the splurge.
6.

29. 6
Install noise-reducing insulation and glass. This is by far the most expensive method, but if
nothing else is working for you, and you are serious about the peace and quiet, this is a most
effective way to stop noise from getting in your home.
Method2
Dealing with Noise You Can't Control
1.

30. 1
Understand what causes noise pollution. As urban development stretches into rural areas, the
noise level increases. Construction sites, airports, train stations, and highways are all sources of loud
noises that grate on the ears. If you know the sources of noise pollution in your area, you can do your
best to avoid them or find ways to mitigate their negative effect.
 When you're choosing a place to live, see if the residence is in a flight path or near a busy highway.
During the day the sounds might not bother you, but at night they might prevent you from sleeping.
2.

31. 2
Check into the noise pollution laws in your area. Most urban communities have rules to prevent
noise pollution from getting out of control. For example, there are laws dictating during which hours a
construction site may actively use machinery, and when they need to stay quiet. As a community
member, you can help enforce the laws if you know what they are.
 Check with your state's department of energy and environmental affairs to find out which regulations
are in effect in your area.[2] You'll find information about how loud noise is allowed to get, and when
machines are supposed to remain silent.
 If you feel the regulations are being violated, don't hesitate to file a complaint. If it's affecting other
members of your community, organize a group complaint, which will be even more effective.
3.

32. 3
Make sure community spaces are following the rules. Another source of noise comes from
community spaces like stadiums, concert venues and other outdoor areas with speaker systems.
Even a neighborhood bar that holds concerts can produce enough noise to drive you crazy. If you live
near a community space that seems to be making noise all night long, or is producing noise that
seems louder than necessary, see if they're in violation of local laws and file a complaint if
necessary.[3]
 For example, if a new concert space opens up on your block and creates noise late into the night,
you're entitled to finding out whether the place is operating according to local law. The people in
charge of the space might not be aware of the laws, so don't just assume they know what they're
doing. Find out more and see if you can make a difference.
4.

33. 4
Speak up about banning noisy motors near your home. Car and motorcycle engines as well as
lawnmowers and other motor-powered vehicles can really raise the noise level in any given area. If
you live in the middle of the city, there won't be much you can do about it, but in a smaller community
you may be able to have a say as to who gets to use motors in your area, and when.
 Talk with your city council member to see what you can do to have noisy motors banned after a
certain time at night.[4]
 In smaller communities, you could also just get together with your neighbors and agree not to use
lawnmowers and other noisy motors during certain hours, for the benefit of the whole neighborhood.
5.

34. 5
Get involved in a community tree-planting project.[5] Communities with more trees are quieter
than those without them, since large, leafy trees can help absorb noise. If you live in an area with a
dearth of big trees, planting more along city streets, and between residences and noisy highways,
would be a good way to cut back on some of the noise pollution in your area.
 See if your city has a tree-planting initiative underway. For example, Portland, Oregon's group
Portland Loves Trees engages community members to plant more trees around the city. New York
City's Million Trees Project has a similar goal.
Method3
Helping Your Community Stay Quiet
1.

35. 1
Don't use your car horn unnecessarily. Don't be part of the problem by leaning on your horn every
time someone looks at you wrong on the street. Use your horn only when absolutely necessary, as a
way to let someone know that you're present or warn them when they're about to collide with
something. It's good driving etiquette, and makes life more pleasant for city-dwellers.
2.

36. 2
Keep your car in good repair. The sound of a car without a muffler chugging down the street is
never welcome, so make sure you're not the one causing noise pollution in your neighborhood and
spring to get your car fixed. Keeping your car in good, quiet working order will be appreciated by
everyone who lives near you.
 The same goes for your lawnmower and any other noisy equipment you might use outdoors.
 To have an even greater impact on noise in your area, consider walking or biking instead of using a
car whenever possible.
3.

37. 3
Keep your music down. It might sound beautiful to you, but respect the fact that others might not
feel the same way. Your music shouldn't be noticeable outside your own home. If you know that the
neighbors don't mind, feel free to keep your windows open and let them enjoy your musical taste, but
don't just assume that everyone wants to hear your favorite opera as much as you do.
 If you play a noisy instrument or are in a band, make sure to practice during reasonable hours.
 If you're having a party and planning to play loud music, let your neighbors know beforehand so you
can avoid conflict.
4.

38. 4
Respect quiet hours at night. Whether the rule is unspoken or prominently published, make sure
you don't make noise after hours. Don't put your neighbors in the position of having to ask you to be
quiet, since it's awkward and makes for unfriendly relations. Do your best to be a good neighbor so
you can expect the same from those around you.
 This is especially important if you live in an apartment building. Don't vacuum or do housework late at
night, since they'll be able to hear you walking around.

39. 3
Keep your music down. It might sound beautiful to you, but respect the fact that others might not feel the
same way. Your music shouldn't be noticeable outside your own home. If you know that the neighbors don't
mind, feel free to keep your windows open and let them enjoy your musical taste, but don't just assume that
everyone wants to hear your favorite opera as much as you do.
 If you play a noisy instrument or are in a band, make sure to practice during reasonable hours.
 If you're having a party and planning to play loud music, let your neighbors know beforehand so you can avoid
conflict.
4.

40. 4
Respect quiet hours at night. Whether the rule is unspoken or prominently published, make sure you don't
make noise after hours. Don't put your neighbors in the position of having to ask you to be quiet, since it's
awkward and makes for unfriendly relations. Do your best to be a good neighbor so you can expect the same
from those around you.
 This is especially important if you live in an apartment building. Don't vacuum or do housework late at night,
since they'll be able to hear you walking around.