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Types of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is any unwanted or excessive noise that disrupts human or animal life. Noise pollution can range from mildly irritating to extremely disruptive, depending on its source. There are countless sources of noise pollution, but the most significant tend to fall within four categories. If you are experiencing problems with noise at home or where you work, it is likely that one of these basic types of noise pollution is the culprit.

  1. Roadway Noise

    • Roadway noise pollution is generated from a nearby highway by the traffic that travels along the road. Traffic noise levels are contingent upon the amount of traffic on the road, how fast the vehicles are traveling and the percentage of the traffic consisting of large trucks. Tractor trailer trucks tend to be much louder than the average passenger car or truck on the highway. People who suffer with roadway noise pollution are generally those who live within 500 feet of a major highway or interstate, according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse website.

    Aircraft Noise

    • Aircraft cause environmental pollution because of the fuel they burn as well as noise pollution because of the loud sound of their powerful engines. People who live close to airports, specifically those who are in the path of a runway, experience major noise pollution when planes take off and land. Most of the noise generated by airplanes is caused by the wind moving through the spinning blades in the turbine engines.

    Industrial Noise

    • Sometimes noise pollution is not just experienced by those who live near the source. Sometimes it is inescapable because people work in places with industrial noise pollution. Those who work in sawmills, corn mills, printing presses and other industries where the job creates a high level of noise are forced to wear protective gear to preserve their hearing. It is common for machinery in these types of industries to produce sound levels above 85 decibels consistently.

    Domestic Noise

    • Domestic noise is the most common form of noise pollution that the most people contend with. Domestic noise pollution is excessive noise generated by neighbors or their home equipment. The noise could be from consistent loud music, parties, arguments or equipment such as pool pumps or other items. Sometimes barking dogs are loud enough to disturb neighbors. Often people will contact the local police to complain, and those producing the noise could be cited for disturbing the peace.

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