The term "noise" or "noise pollution" refers to the presence of any sound that is considered unwanted or excessively loud, which can cause irritation, stress, or even hearing damage.
Some Basic Terms Related to Noise
Sound Frequency and Intensity
Sound or noise can affect us because of its loudness and pitch or frequency.
Frequency
- Frequency is defined as the number of cycles per second, which is measured in Hertz (Hz).
- For instance, radio stations use specific frequencies to broadcast their signals.
- The range of frequencies that the human ear is sensitive to is from 20 to 2000Hz.
Loudness/Intensity
- Loudness or intensity is measured on the decibel scale (dB), with a tenfold increase in sound intensity represented as a 10 dB increase on the scale.
- The range of human hearing for ordinary conversation is typically between 30-60 decibels.
- The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning that each increase in 10 dB represents a sound that is 10 times more intense than the previous level.
- Sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage over time, especially with prolonged exposure.
- Some common sources of noise that can reach dangerous levels include concerts, power tools, and firearms.
- A decibel value greater than 80 decibels causes noise pollution.
- Noise becomes troublesome above 140 decibels.
Noise standards
The Central Pollution Control Board’s recommended noise standards for ambient air and for automobiles, domestic appliances and construction equipment’s were notified in Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
A.Industrial area -
- 75dB (day time) 70dB (Night time).
B.Commercial area-
- 65dB (day time) 55dB (Night time).
C.Residential area-
- 55dB (day time) 45dB (Night time).
- 50dB (day time) 40dB (Night time).
Effects of Noise
- Industrial plants, bottling machines, and supersonic aircraft can emit high-intensity sound that, when prolonged, can cause hearing damage.
- Constant noise in crowded public places, offices, and industries can lead to symptoms such as temper tantrums, headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
- Noise can also have detrimental effects on non-living materials. For example, explosive sound can create stress cracks.
Radiation Pollution
- The unintentional deposition or introduction of radioactive substances into the environment is referred to as radioactive contamination.
Types of Radiations
Radiation is classified as being either Non-ionizing or ionizing.
1. Non-ionizing
- It is longer wavelength/lower frequency lower energy radiation.
- Example-visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light; microwaves; radio waves; and radiofrequency energy.
2. Ionizing radiation
- It is short wavelength/high frequency higher energy.
- Ionizing Radiation has sufficient energy to produce ions in matter at the molecular level.
- They are dangerous to humans.
- Example- X-Rays/Gamma Rays , Alpha Particles , Beta Particles.
Electromagnetic radiations
- Electromagnetic radiations are disturbances in electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light.
- These radiations include gamma rays and other forms of energy.
- They have the ability to penetrate materials and produce effects even without being taken inside.
Alpha particles
- Alpha particles are known for their large size and limited air travel distance of only a few centimeters.
- As they move through matter, they are capable of producing a significant amount of local ionization.
Beta particles
- Beta particles are small particles that have high velocities.
- They are capable of traveling a few meters through space.
- Beta particles are able to penetrate tissues for a few centimeters.
When it comes to the effects of alpha and beta particles, their low penetration power means that they can only cause harm if they are absorbed, ingested, or deposited in or near living tissues.
Neutrons
-
These particles are known as uncharged large particles.They do not produce radiation on their own, but as they pass through non-radioactive materials, they have the ability to generate radioactivity.
Effects of Radiation
1. Skin that is damaged by excessive radiation radiation exposure may develop cancer later on.
2. Irradiated bone marrow can cause anaemia (low red blood cell count) and therefore fatigue and muscle weakness.
3. Over time, large doses of radiation can cause cancer and the formation of cataracts on the lenses of the eyes.
4. Radiation that causes genetic damage directly damages the reproductive organs, and therefore affects any offspring that individual may have after the damage has occurred.
5. If the children survive past the first few years of life, they tend to develop leukemia or microcephaly (slower cranial development).
Nuclear Accidents
1. Hiroshima and Nagasaki
- The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place on August 6, 1945.
- This was the first time an atomic bomb had been detonated over a human population.
- The bomb, which reached temperatures of approximately 100 million degrees Celsius, was detonated on a clear morning in Hiroshima, Japan.
- Three days later, Nagasaki also experienced the devastating effects of a nuclear attack.
- The radiation from the nuclear explosion remained active for years to come, causing various diseases in the generations that followed.
2. Chernobyl Accident
- The Chernobyl Accident occurred in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, and was named after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
- The release of radiation from the incident had a significant impact on both groundwater and surface water in the surrounding areas.
- The radioactive fallout affected large portions of Europe and continues to have long-lasting effects on the environment and human health.
Important one liners on this topic.
What is noise pollution?
Answer: The presence of any sound that is considered unwanted or excessively loud.
How is frequency measured?
Answer: In Hertz (Hz).
What is the range of frequencies that the human ear is sensitive to?
Answer: From 20 to 2000Hz.
How is loudness or intensity measured?
Answer: On the decibel scale (dB).
What decibel level can cause hearing damage over time?
Answer: 85 dB or higher.
What are the recommended noise standards for residential areas during the daytime?
Answer: 55 dB.
What are the effects of noise on humans?
Answer: Symptoms such as temper tantrums, headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
What is radioactive contamination?
Answer: The unintentional deposition or introduction of radioactive substances into the environment.
What are the two types of radiation?
Answer: Non-ionizing and ionizing.
What is the impact of large doses of radiation on the body?
Answer: It can cause cancer and the formation of cataracts on the lenses of the eyes.