How to Raise Awareness about Noise and Noise Pollution

Noise is all around us, but that doesn't mean we should just placidly accept unhealthy and unsafe levels of noise. Exposure to loud or constant noises can contribute to or cause hearing loss or a reduction in your ability to hear some frequencies of sound. Noise can prevent you from sleeping, which in turn affects your health and mood. Noise can distract you from your work, leading to errors (and their consequences). And noise can produce high stress levels by triggering the body's flight-or-fight response, which in turn leads to high blood pressure. In short, noise is not just a nuisance -- it is a real health issue.

I've rated this article as challenging because working towards reducing noise and noise pollution involves changing the attitudes and habits of people around you. It also involves addressing noise ordinances and laws, many of which are seriously outdated or do not even address certain types of noise. The best way to do this is through education. So, let the lessons begin!

Things You'll Need

• Internet/library access
• Phone
• Pencil/pen and paper
• Time
• Fortitude

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Instructions

• 1

  The first step is to educate yourself about noise. You can't explain to someone else why something is harmful if you don't understand it yourself. Search the internet or your local library or university library for "noise," "noise pollution," "health effects of noise," and other terms. Try to read articles that address the actual health issues and explain the physiological effects of noise on people's physical and mental well-being.

• 2

  Contact your local government and find out what the noise regulations or ordinances are for your neighborhood or city. Find out what county and state laws are applicable to your area, too. Ask what kind of enforcement is done for noise complaint problems.

• 3

  Find other people in your local area who are also interested in reducing noise pollution. Consider talking to school officials, neighborhood associations, and environmental or health groups in your area. Write letters to local newspapers and magazines to help raise awareness. Post flyers in libraries or on public bulletin boards at shopping centers. Be sure to give people a way to reply to you: if you don't want to use your phone number, consider setting up an online group or blog for discussion.

• 4

  Find out who your government representatives are, and start writing letters to them. Explain your noise issue -- whether it's airport, boom cars, or leaf blowers -- and tell them what you want done. If you want a total ban, say so. If you want quiet hours, tell them that. Be firm and don't take excuses for an answer.