Noise Pollution

The excessive, disturbing noise caused by transportation vehicles that can be harmful to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

What is noise pollution?

- "Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise or sound with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life."

What are the main sources of outdoor noise worldwide?

- "The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport, and propagation systems."

How can poor urban planning contribute to noise pollution?

- "Poor urban planning may give rise to noise disintegration or pollution, side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas."

What are some sources of noise in residential areas?

- "Some of the main sources of noise in residential areas include loud music, transportation (traffic, rail, airplanes, etc.), lawn care maintenance, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions, and people."

How far back does the documented history of noise problems in urban environments go?

- "Documented problems associated with noise in urban environments go back as far as ancient Rome."

Who is most affected by noise pollution in the United States?

- "Research suggests that noise pollution in the United States is the highest in low-income and racial minority neighborhoods."

What is an emerging environmental degradation in many developing nations related to noise pollution?

- "Noise pollution associated with household electricity generators is an emerging environmental degradation in many developing nations."

What are some potential health effects of high noise levels on humans?

- "High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans and an increased incidence of coronary artery disease."

How does noise impact animals?

- "In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss."

Which type of marine organisms have been the focus of most noise impact studies?

- "Up until recently, most research on noise impacts has been focused on marine mammals, and to a lesser degree, fish."

Why is studying the response of invertebrates to anthropogenic sounds important?

- "This research is essential, especially considering that invertebrates make up 75% of marine species, and thus compose a large percentage of ocean food webs."

Are there variations in the sensory systems of invertebrates?

- "A variation in the complexity of their sensory systems exists, which allows scientists to study a range of characteristics and develop a better understanding of anthropogenic noise impacts on living organisms."

How does the local civic noise environment impact homeowners?

- "Because the local civic noise environment can impact the perceived value of real estate, often the largest equity held by a homeowner, personal stakes in the noise environment and the civic politics surrounding the noise environment can run extremely high."