There is much concentration today on pollution and its
effects on the human body. Most of the
pollution concerns are with environmental chemicals. There is a pollutant that most people do not
consider, and this is noise.
Unfortunately noise pollution and air pollution may be found
together. People who live near busy
traffic, airports, and industrial areas are more likely to be exposed to both
noise pollution and air pollution. The
duration, level, and frequency of noise determine its effects.
It is thought that at least 100 million people in the US are
exposed to unhealthy levels of noise.
This noise can come from many sources including automobile and aircraft
traffic, leaf blowers,
lawnmowers, chain saws, sports events, target shooting,
woodworking tools, and even loud music of all kinds. Children’s toys that squeak and battery
operated toys can pose a risk. Federal
laws protect workers, but no laws control the amount of noise received outside
the work place. Nighttime noise can
interfere with sleep, but it is not known just how much noise can be reasonably
tolerated. What is known is that excess
noise is a serious risk factor for health.
Noise can increase the risk of serious health problems
including hearing loss. Hearing loss is
a problem with which many people are concerned.
A test that you can perform is to hold your fingers 3 to 4 inches away
from your ear and rub them against your thumb.
Check each ear. If you cannot
hear your fingers rubbing together you should have a physician check your
hearing.