Noise pollution

Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of <a href="/facts/Noise/aUstHDqU">noise</a> or <a href="/facts/Sound/DlKXlPuF">sound</a> with potential harmful effects on humans and animals. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation systems. Poor <a href="/facts/Urban_planning/dcuv8eTp">urban planning</a> may give rise to noise disintegration or pollution, side-by-side industrial, and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas. Some of the main sources of noise in residential areas include <a href="/facts/Loud_music/saq0Y5AS">loud music</a>, <a href="/facts/Transportation/npstdhvc">transportation</a> (traffic, rail, airplanes, etc.), lawn care maintenance, <a href="/facts/Construction/58eqDhy9">construction</a>, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions, and people.
Documented problems associated with noise in <a href="/facts/Urban_environments/fu9v8h5P">urban environments</a> go back as far as <a href="/facts/Ancient_Rome/cGqIuxPd">ancient Rome</a>. Research suggests that noise pollution in the United States is the highest in low-income and racial minority neighborhoods, and noise pollution associated with household electricity generators is an emerging <a href="/facts/Environmental_degradation/MTI24T7B">environmental degradation</a> in many developing nations.
High noise levels can contribute to <a href="/facts/Cardiovascular/WXwudzzc">cardiovascular</a> effects in humans and an increased incidence of <a href="/facts/Coronary_artery_disease/szCt0nVx">coronary artery disease</a>. In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with <a href="/facts/Reproduction/nNu0F5Dy">reproduction</a> and navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss.

Noise pollution open-in-new

Noise pollution