GC: n
CT: What is Noise Pollution? The traditional definition of noise is “unwanted or disturbing sound”. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life. The fact that you can’t see, taste or smell it may help explain why it has not received as much attention as other types of pollution, such as air pollution, or water pollution. The air around us is constantly filled with sounds, yet most of us would probably not say we are surrounded by noise. Though for some, the persistent and escalating sources of sound can often be considered an annoyance. This “annoyance” can have major consequences, primarily to one’s overall health.
Health Effects: Noise pollution adversely affects the lives of millions of people. Studies have shown that there are direct links between noise and health. Problems related to noise include stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is the most common and often discussed health effect, but research has shown that exposure to constant or high levels of noise can cause countless adverse health affects.
S: http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html (last access: 19 February 2015)
N: 1. noise (n): early 13c., “loud outcry, clamor, shouting,” from Old French noise “din, disturbance, uproar, brawl” (11c., in modern French only in phrase chercher noise “to pick a quarrel”), also “rumor, report, news,” apparently from Latin nausea “disgust, annoyance, discomfort,” literally “seasickness” (see nausea).
Another theory traces the Old French word to Latin noxia “hurting, injury, damage.” OED (Oxford English Dictionary) considers that “the sense of the word is against both suggestions,” but nausea could have developed a sense in Vulgar Latin of “unpleasant situation, noise, quarrel” (compare Old Provençal nauza “noise, quarrel”). Meaning “loud or unpleasant sound” is from c.1300. Replaced native gedyn (see din).
pollution (n):
2. Unwanted noise or unpleasant sounds that cause discomfort.
The production of noise by motor vehicles, jet planes, machinery, etc., viewed as harmful to man and his environment.
3. Noise pollution refers to undesirable levels of noises caused by human activity that disrupt the standard of living in the affected area. Noise pollution can come from:
- Traffic
- Airports
- Railroads
- Manufacturing plants
- Construction or demolition
- Concerts
Some noise pollution may be temporary while other sources are more permanent. Effects may include hearing loss, wildlife disturbances, and a general degradation of lifestyle.
S: 1. OED – (last access: 19 February 2015). 2. TERMIUMPLUS. 3. http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Pollution (last access: 19 February 2015).
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CR: environment, pollution .
