What is Noise Pollution?

What is Noise Pollution?

Noise pollution is any sound which you can hear, consciously, or even unconsciously.

Noise pollution is here, it’s all around us, all the time. We live with noise pollution 24/7.

Noise pollution comes from many sources. Each of us contributes by creating noise pollution in many different forms.

Noise pollution adds to stress and increases health risks. Our work suffers, and we lose sleep because of noise pollution.

The list for sources of noise pollution is virtually endless – traffic, airplanes, stereos, televisions, machinery, cell phones, dogs, conversations, and yes – even nature itself is a source with wind, rain, thunder, animals, etc.

As noise pollution goes up, the quality of life goes down.

So what can we do to reduce or eliminate noise pollution in our daily lives?

There are two basic approaches to reducing noise pollution. First, reduce or eliminate the source of the noise pollution. Second, if we can’t control the noise pollution source, then we have to insulate ourselves from it in some manner.

Which approach you take is determined by the situation. Sometimes you may have to use both in order to get satisfactory results.

Example: The barking dog. Okay, almost everyone has experienced this form of noise pollution. Very annoying. Approach one generally works best for this scenario. Eliminate the source. Talk to the owner. All too often we passively allow people at the source of the noise pollution to continue because no one ever speaks up. Just remember, talk nice, and the person is less likely to get defensive or get annoyed, you may be surprised at the results. But definitely speak to them. Beyond that, you may need to use whatever resources are at you disposal, Solicit the help other neighbors, use local ordinance enforcement, your condo association if applicable, etc.

Every noise pollution situation will require its own unique a solution, but the rewards will be worth it. So get out there and start fighting the fight against noise pollution. Start by just looking at what’s around you. Turn off unused TV’s, radios, clean fans and appliances. Oil squeaky doors and hinges. Just look around, small changes can make big differences over time.

You’ll make a better world for us all … you, me, children, all of us.

Thanks and God bless …..

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Noise Pollution Robs Kids of Language Skills

Noise Pollution Robs Kids of Language Skills
Source: New Scientist magazine, issue #2081

CHILDREN who live in noisy areas have poorer reading skills than those in quieter areas. Now researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, are suggesting that this is because they find it harder to recognize and understand human speech.

In the first study to explain how noise and reading ability are linked, Gary Evans and Lorraine Maxwell compared 58 seven and eight-year-olds from a school which lies in the flight path of one of New York City's airports with 50 children of the same age from a quiet neighborhood.

They gave the children a variety of reading and hearing tests. For example, the children had to identify certain words in a list, read out nonsense words to show their grasp of consonant-vowel combinations and identify recorded words that were partially obscured by static. All the tests were carried out in a quiet place.

As expected, the children from the noisy neighborhood had poorer reading skills. But the researchers also found that those children found it harder to recognize and understand spoken words. They conclude that in order to cope with the din, the children near the airport cut down the burden of noise they were being subjected to by "filtering out" certain sounds which include human speech.

Because reading skills are in part acquired by listening to others, ignoring speech hampers their development. Researchers believe that by listening to speech, children learn to distinguish phonemes, the distinct sounds that work together to make up a word—such as the three phonemes which make up the word "cat". Once children have developed this ability from listening to speech, they can apply it to text.

Arline Bronzaft, a noise specialist at the City University of New York, says the researchers' findings would probably apply to schools near any large airport. "It doesn't matter where you are—London, the Netherlands or Los Angeles—this study is very significant," she says, because of the link that it establishes between noise exposure and language development.

The research, to be published in the journal Environment and Behavior, could provide new ammunition to groups that want to strengthen restrictions on noise from airports and other sites. Supporters of more stringent noise restrictions have had difficulty proving that noise really is harmful, and the Cornell study will give them a big boost, says Bronzaft.

However, several previous studies, by Evans and others, have found evidence of high blood pressure and levels of the hormone adrenaline, which is linked to stress, in people exposed to noise for long periods.

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

Workplace safety - noise pollution

Workplace safety - noise pollution
Source: Better Health Channel

Excessive noise levels over a long period of time will damage your hearing. This may happen so gradually and painlessly that you may not notice the minor deterioration from one day to the next. Excessive noise in the workplace presents a risk of hearing damage and other health problems.

The parts of the ear that process high frequency sounds are usually the first to be affected. The degree of hearing loss depends on the loudness of the noise and your level of exposure. Sudden explosive sounds, such as gunshots, can cause immediate damage.

Some people exposed to excessive noise develop tinnitus, which is described as a constant ringing sound. For most cases of noise-induced hearing loss, there is no cure. Hearing aids only amplify sounds and can’t replace normal hearing.

Associated effects of constant noise
Apart from damage to hearing, exposure to constant and excessive noise can cause other health problems including:
• Headache
• Elevated blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Digestive disorders
• Increased susceptibility to colds and other minor infections.

The workings of the ear
The vibration of air molecules makes up a sound wave. Low frequency sounds have waves that are far apart, while high frequency sounds have waves that are bunched together.

Sound waves are funneled from the outer ear into the middle ear, where they vibrate the eardrum. The three tiny bones lying on the other side of the eardrum pick up the vibration and pass it on to the inner ear.

The vibration is picked up in the inner ear by a small, spiral shaped organ called the cochlea. Hairs on the cochlea sense the vibration and pass on the message to the brain via the cochlear nerve. These sensitive hairs are bent, damaged and broken by excessive noise. The resulting scar tissue can’t conduct sound. The parts of the ear that process high frequency sounds are usually the first to be affected.

Dangerous decibels
The loudness of noise is measured in decibels. Sensitivity to noise differs from one individual to the next, but experts believe that damage to hearing occurs when noise levels are higher than 85 decibels, which is about the loudness of heavy traffic.

The risk of hearing loss increases as the noise becomes louder. Length of exposure is important too. For example, it is not recommended to listen to noises of 109 decibels for any longer than two minutes at a time.

If you have to raise your voice or shout to be heard, or if your ears ring or sounds seem muffled afterwards, then the noise level was too loud and harmful.

Reducing noise exposure in the workplace
Noise levels can be measured using a sound level meter, which detects the pressure of sound waves as they move through the air.

Reducing exposure to excessive noise in the workplace can be accomplished in many different ways:
• Change or modify equipment.
• Locate the equipment in a more isolated area, or soundproof the room.
• Make sure that people spend time working in quiet areas too.
• Try to run noisy equipment early or late in the day when fewer people will be exposed.
• Use personal hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs.

Ongoing monitoring
Occupational health and safety officers can offer advice and information on reducing noise in the workplace. Noise levels should be regularly monitored and work practices continuously improved to preserve the hearing of workers. Companies can offer annual hearing tests to their employees.

Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be restored. See your doctor immediately if you suspect any noise-induced hearing loss.

Where to get help
• Your manager or supervisor
• Your elected Health and Safety Representative and your workplace occupational health and safety coordinator
• Your doctor
• Your union.

Things to remember
• Damage to hearing occurs when noise levels are higher than 85decibels, which is about the loudness of heavy traffic.
• The degree of loss depends on the loudness of the noise and your level of exposure.
• Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be restored.

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

Noise pollution and the Church

Noise pollution and the Church
Source: Internet posting

An Italian priest has been ordered to pay €60,000 (£49,000) in damages because the bells of his church were too loud, and were rung for too long at "unsocial hours".

The judgement, handed down by a court in the town of Chiavari, has widespread implications for what is often seen as Europe's most Catholic nation, and perhaps the country with the highest density of churches. The case brought by a retired university teacher, Flora Leuzzi, is one of several alleging that over-enthusiastic tolling constitutes noise pollution.

Professor Leuzzi, who lives close to the Carmine church in Lavagna, near Genoa, began her campaign against its belfry 13 years ago. The judge found that the sound it emitted was louder than average. He also agreed that Leuzzi's hearing had been marginally impaired.

This was a courageous move on Professor Leuzzi's part. Why should everyone in the vicinity of a church have to endure prolonged bell ringing? In some cases the decibel level can get up into the 80's.

Bell ringing is really a form of Christian triumphalism, announcing to all within earshot that god is on his throne and all proceeding according to some alleged divine plan. This isn't a message an atheist, agnostic or those of religions other than Christianity are interested in having boomed into their living rooms.

Professor Leuzzi isn't the first to be angered by church related noise pollution. A Times article provides a few other examples:

A resident of Bétera in Valencia launched legal action against the local priest because the church bells rang 72 times a day. He said that he suffered insomnia and had to seek psychiatric treatment.

Another resident of San Sebastian in La Gomera, the Canary Islands, played heavy metal music at top volume outside the church to protest at the noise of the bells.

One council, in Baza, near Granada, fined the local church €600 (£440) for the noise caused by the church bells.

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

The Science of Noise Pollution

The Science of Noise Pollution

The term ‘noise’ is also another word for ‘sound’ but generally used when the noise becomes objectionable. Obviously many sounds are pleasant to the ears. It’s when the sound is irritating we call it noise pollution.

Adding to this is that each of us have different sensitivity levels to noise. Even the specific frequency of the sound can affect how we perceive sounds.

In addition, the time and the situation can determine whether or not a sound is to be considered as objectionable noise pollution.

Music, a chirping bird, or even just the wind through the trees though pleasant during the day can become objectionable at night when we are trying to sleep. In the quiet of the night even the slightest noises are amplified.

Another example is when we are trying to focus our thoughts, such as in a library. Everyday sounds can be very distracting and become noise pollution when we are attempting to concentrate.

More than being just irritating, noise pollution can affect our health and well being. Because this is an extensive subject, and a serious side of noise pollution, it will not be addressed here in any detail. If necessary seek out a qualified professional to help if you feel your health is being affected. Do not dismiss the importance of this dark side of noise pollution.

Generally, noise pollution can be attacked two different ways. The first is to identify the source and then reduce or eliminate it. It second is to isolate us from the objectionable noise.

Which method used must be determined on a case by case basis. In some instances, it many require use of both approaches to get satisfactory results.

My preference is always to first try and eliminate the offending noise at the source. When the noise source cannot be removed or reduced to acceptable levels, there is a wealth of products to help, from simple earplugs to noise canceling headphones.

There’s building products designed specifically to eliminate or reduce noise, and even white noise generators which help to mask the offending noise.

Links to some of these products can be found on this site. If you don’t immediately see what you are looking for, a quick search will get you a wealth of ideas and products to check out.

Author: Noise Pollution News (YourGuyJoe) Copyright@July 2008

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

The Definition of Noise Pollution

The Definition of Noise Pollution

The reality is that there is not a black and white answer to what can be defined as noise pollution.

This is because when it comes to noise pollution there are other factors to take into consideration. Some primarily considerations are time and situation.

Some noise pollution examples are;

The sound of birds chirping .... pleasant right? .... well, at 5:30 AM which is when they usually start by me ... not so pleasant at that time .... noise pollution?

Enjoying a party, music, dancing, laughing, talking ... great fun right? ... well not if you’re the next door neighbor and you’ve got to be up early for work the next morning ... noise pollution?

Okay, one more example;

A couple sitting nearby, speaking softly to each another .... most times this wouldn’t be thought of as noise pollution, right? ... but what if you’re studying for final exams in a library ... or listening intently to a movie ... or in church ... or at a funeral service .... noise pollution? ...wow, the situation really makes all the difference, doesn’t it.

So to define or classify something as noise pollution .... generally stated, any noise, of any volume which could be deemed irritating or inappropriate because of the time and circumstances.

But definitely, any noise which can have negative effect on someone’s hearing, health, or well being would be classified as noise pollution.

Please check out the other posts on this site, if you don’t immediately see what you are looking for, a quick search will get you a wealth of ideas and products to check out.

Author: Noise Pollution News (YourGuyJoe) Copyright@August 2008

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

TV Background Noise Disrupts Child Play

TV Background Noise Disrupts Child Play
Source: The New York Times

Many parents watch the news or other shows as children play nearby.

But new research shows that even when the television is just background noise, it may be disruptive to a child’s normal development.

It’s estimated that 75 percent of very young children in the United States live in homes where the television is on most of the time, even though the kids often aren’t watching it.

University of Massachusetts researchers recently studied how TV background noise might affect young children.

The study, published in the current issue of the journal Child Development, looked at 50 1, 2 and 3 year olds.

Each child came to a lab with a parent and was allowed to play for an hour with various toys. For half the time, a television was on in the room, showing an episode of the adult game show Jeopardy! as well as commercials. During the other half hour, the TV was turned off.

As expected, the children paid little attention to the adult television show, glancing at it for less than a few seconds at a time, and less than once a minute.
Even so, the distraction of the background noise had a significant effect on how children at every age played.

When the television was on, the children played with each toy for significantly shorter periods of time, and focused attention during play was also shorter compared to how they played when the TV was off.

Researchers said that even though the children weren’t interested in the show, background TV is an “ever-changing audiovisual distractor'’ that disrupts their ability to sustain various types of play.

The finding is important because many well-meaning parents who wouldn’t let their young children watch television may not realize that even adult programs that don’t interest children still can have an effect.

“Background TV is potentially a chronic environmental risk factor affecting most American children,'’ said Marie Evans Schmidt, a research associate at the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital in Boston and lead author of the study. “Parents should limit their young children’s exposure.”

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

Eliminate Noise To Reduce Stress

Eliminate Noise To Reduce Stress
By Lee Blue

Stress is a fact of life that most of us have learned to accept and grown accustomed to enduring in our busy lives. But minimizing noise, an element that often compounds stress, can lead to better concentration, increased productivity and can reduce your overall stress level.

There are many types of audio and visual noise that can cause distractions that break concentration and increase stress. There’s the noise of traffic and conversations when we’re walking down the street, but then there’s the subtle everyday noises of our homes and offices that can easily distract us: doors shutting, the television playing, conversations in the next cube, phones ringing, fingers tapping on the keyboard. A study conducted by Cornell University found that office workers exposed to constant noise showed physiological signs of stress, even though they did not report feeling stressed at all. Not only does the noise distract you, but it can be stressing you and you don’t even realize it.

While we can’t necessarily control the fact that the noises exist, there are ways to minimize or eliminate these noises from infiltrating our personal space.

And when outside and background noise is minimized or eliminated, the result can be a noticeably positive change in human productivity. A study by the Federal Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise revealed that when the outside noise of airplanes flying over a school was reduced, test scores among high school students increased by 12%. Now, airplanes are a dramatic example of noise, but the evidence shown in the study speaks for itself – reduction in noise reduces distractions, increases productivity.

Here are some suggestions to reduce the sources of noise and stress in your life.

Check Your Environment – When you sit down to complete a task that requires your full attention, and you find yourself easily distracted, take a look around – is your office disorganized, have a décor that encourages a lack of concentration, or is the furniture arranged in a way that encourages distraction? For example, if your desk faces a window that overlooks a busy street, maybe you should turn your desk in another direction. How does your space or office feel? If the colors and décor are too loud and busy with bright colors, patterns and designs, it may be time for a makeover to tone it down a bit if the space is constantly distracting, rather than inspiring, you. On the other end of the spectrum, if your office décor has muted tones and bare walls, you may need to spruce it up a bit to make your office more interesting. Lastly, clutter is an unappreciated distraction for many of us. If your desk is buried under piles of old files and junk mail, your mind can easily trail off to thinking about what’s in the pile instead of being focused on the task at hand.

Tune the Noise Out – Even after making sure there are no distractions in your own personal space, you still face the noise of others. Especially for many of us who work in open offices with cubicles, something as small as a quiet conversation between two coworkers can destroy our concentration. Earplugs are an option, but are limited in their ability to truly turn off the outside noise in your environment.

A set of headphones, such as the EX29 Extreme Isolation Noise Reduction Headphones, can completely tune out the noise. Unlike noise cancellation headphones that attempt to balance the noise coming into the headphones to the noise outside of the headphones to create quiet, noise reduction headphones go a step further and block outside noise. In addition to blocking out distracting noises to help increase concentration, the EX29 Extreme Isolation headphones do not need batteries and you can wear them for hours without fatigue. If you use them to listen to music, you do not have to raise the volume to override outside noise – instead, you will be able to enjoy the intricate nuances of your favorite music.

Get Your Downward Dog On – A routine yoga practice can reduce the “noise in your head” so that when you do sit down to concentrate, you won’t be distracted by the noise between your ears. There are several different types of Yoga for various fitness levels, and with the focus on breathing to ease the flow of oxygen throughout the body, most people notice a significant difference in stress levels from their very first Yoga session.

There are many medical research reports to support the health benefits of the exercise done in Yoga, and many Yogis claim success in gaining an ability to focus on the present moment, making them more productive and less stressed than non-Yogis.

Research from sources such as Cornell University, Yale University, University College London, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health point to a link between noise and stress. While there are many other ways to reduce the stress in your life, the above suggestions are a prescription to minimizing the noise and stress that you inevitably face everyday.

About the Author: Lee Blue is an avid musician, composer, and home studio recording artist. He uses Extreme Isolation headphones in his recording studio as well as his office during work to block out distractions. Learn more about noise reducing headphones at http://www.quietheadphones.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=74032&ca=Computers+and+Technology

Subscribe FREE to Noise Pollution News

Pod Hearing Hazards - How To Take Care Of Your Ears

Pod Hearing Hazards - How To Take Care Of Your Ears
by jasonjcox

Many people have been suffering from hearing problems since the introduction of iPod and other portable music devices. One of the reasons that the iPod stands out among its competitors is that it is one of the loudest portable music players available right now.

The loudness also becomes a vice as people use iPods music capabilities to its full extent, paying little or no attention to the effects frequent loud music can have on their hearing.

If you frequently listen to your iPod at a high volume it can cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. The effects of noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. The symptoms increase when a person is frequently exposed to loud noises for a long period of time. Prevention is the only cure for noise-induced hearing loss. Here are a few tips to help take care of your ears while listening to your iPod.

Use noise canceling or sound-isolating headphones. The earphones that come with iPods are hazardous because they fit directly into the ear. These earphones boost sound by as much as nine decibels. You have the equivalent to the sound of a lawnmower going directly into your ear. Since the earphones do not fit snugly into the ear, it is possible for background noise to interfere with the music.

The listener has to turn the music up louder make up for the extra noise in the background. Turning up the music helps the listener hear the full range of the music by drowning out any extra noise. Sound-isolating headphones fit snugly into the ear so that background noises cannot be heard over the music. This way, the music can be kept at safe volume.

Turn the volume down. Many people listen to their iPod at a higher volume than is necessary to hear the music well. People are good at turning the music up when they cannot hear it well. Most are not as adept at turning it down once the background noise has subsided. When there is not any noise in the background, turn the music down a couple of notches to see if you can still hear it well.

If the lower volume sounds fine, leave it there. This a good practice to follow even if you do not have the music turned up because of background noise. Since the length of time you listen to loud music is a factor in hearing loss you should periodically test a lower volume level.

Use your ears wisely. Theres something about music that just makes it sound better when its louder. The thing to be careful about with noise is that you do not listen to it too loud for too long too frequently. Ask yourself, Do I have to have it up this loud? You really do not have to listen to every song at the louder settings. Listening to a few songs at a lower volume will make the one song you absolutely must listen to loudly more enjoyable. Think of it as an indulgence while you are on a diet.

Know your family history. If your family has a history of hearing loss, then you are more at risk for hearing problems as well. Loud music for lengthy periods of time will only increase the probability of hearing problems. If your family has a history of hearing problems, you should take extra precautions to preserve your hearing.

Get your hearing checked. This is the only way to accurately gauge your current level of hearing. Having your ears checked will give an early warning to hearing loss. You should have your hearing checked around the same time that you have your eyes checked. This way your doctor can measure the change from visit to visit. If a negative change in hearing is detected, your doctor may be able to give you treatment to improve your hearing or preservation tips to keep it from getting worse.

Quit smoking. Smokers already have a chance of hearing loss than non-smokers. Listening to loud music increases those chances. Being able to listen to your music worry-free is one of many reasons to quit smoking.

Having an iPod is like having a fast car: the speedometer may go up to 220, but the speed limit only allows you to go 70 for your safety. Just because the iPod can play music loudly does not mean you have to listen to that way. Protect your hearing because once its gone, you may never get it back.

About the Author

For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website Best-MP3-Players-Online.com

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Don't Let Your Dog Drive You Barking Mad!

Don't Let Your Dog Drive You Barking Mad!
by goldvein

You love your dog, but he barks! It can be really annoying to you and your neighbors if it becomes incessant barking. You need to understand why your dog barks if you hope to be able to control it.So what can you do to control or reduce your dog 's barking and make him the most loved dog on the block?

Understanding Why Your Dog Barks

Dogs bark for many reasons, even though they appear to be barking for no reason. They are trying to communicate something to you or anyone else who is willing to pay attention. Dogs have sensitive hearing the volume or pitch of a siren/alarm may aggravate your dog and start him barking. Your dog will bark habitually if he is bored, uncomfortable, untrained or anxious for any reason. You'll find that if your dog gets cold during the night, he will often bark in protest. Dogs must have a warm, draught free dog house and should be fed in the evening to ensure that they sleep while we sleep. Barking at the normal movements or usual noise from your neighbors should be considered unacceptable behaviour. So how do you train your dog to minimize his barking?

Training Your Dog to Bark Less Often

First off, there are the traditional methods. Dog training and dog obedience schools help train the dog and also teach you how to handle your pet too, so that you can grow a lasting bond with your dog. Of course if you take your dog out and give him lots of exercise, he'll be a lot less inclined to bark. A tired dog has less energy to bark and a tired sleeping dog can't bark at all! Barking problems are unique among dog behavior problems. You don't want to eliminate your dogs barking, just control it so that your dog lets out one bark to warn you and then he stops barking.

Sometimes barking is good, it 's your dogs main way of communicating with you. He may have heard or smelled something and wants to let you know. Just acknowledging him may well stop the barking, if not try a NO, or Quiet command. If he stops barking reward him so that following your commands becomes pleasurable to him. One of the lesser known ways of stopping a dog from barking is by countering his noise with another noise. The noise you make will startle your dog and make him stop barking. Giving your dog something to chew on is also a good deterrent to barking. How many dogs have you heard barking with their mouths full?

Barking Control Collars

If the traditional methods don't seem to be working it may be time to try a barking control collar. Many of these work by using sound so that the desired behavior can be associated with the sound. Some of the more sophisticated, (and of course expensive), models also use electric shocks to deter the dog from barking. In a survey of British dog owners it was found that they are overwhelmingly against using the electric shock no bark collars. The most humane bark collar available today is the citronella collar. These bark collars work by spraying harmless citronella in your dog 's face whenever he barks.

Bark control collars use two types of bark detection, either sound or vibrations from the dogs throat. Neither type is totally infallible; the vibration type can be set off by motion, and the sound type by external sounds. However both have proved to be effective in helping control your dog 's barking humanely. The best collars employ both methods at the same time to reduce the false readings and help bring barking under control.

Whichever method you use, barking can be brought under control in a reasonably short space of time, so persevere and enjoy your dog for years to come.

About the Author

Steve Dolan is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dogs click Dog Stuff, and for more about dog Training and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

OSHA Guide to Noise and Hearing Safety, Health And Conservation

OSHA Guide to Noise and Hearing Safety, Health And Conservation
by sannoble

One of the occupational hazards of living in the modern industrial age is noise exposure, both in and away from the workplace. Acoustic noise can be defined as unwanted sound and sounds louder than 80 decibels (dB) are considered potentially dangerous. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), more than 30 million Americans are regularly exposed to hazardous sound levels. According to the EPA the number of people exposed to work induced noise damage is around 9 million.

Noise is considered a necessary evil and the insidious effects of exposure above acceptable levels are generally not realized, mostly because there are no visible effects. The primary effect of excessive noise is hearing loss, either temporary or permanent, depending on the level and duration of exposure. What is even less well known are the secondary effects ranging from sleep disturbances: stress and fatigue, irritability, annoyance and lack of concentration. Noise induced lack of attention and the consequent loss in efficiency are matters of prime concern in the workplace. Not only is productivity impaired, but chances of accidents, impinging on worker and workplace safety, are also increased.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed regulations for acceptable threshold limits of noise in the workplace and mitigation of excessive noise. The 29 CFR standards 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, lays down permissible exposure limits for different durations of exposure. The recommend exposure level, as per the standard, is 85 dB A on an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) basis. If this limit is exceeded, feasible administrative or engineering controls are to be utilized. If such controls fail to reduce sound levels within the permissible exposure limits, personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be provided. Further, irrespective of the reduction of noise exposure to 85 dB A or below with the use of PPE, the employer is to implement a hearing loss protection program.

The 1910.95 standard refers to the mandated hearing protection program as the "Hearing conservation program". This program has five operational parts mandated: (1) Noise monitoring (2) Audiometric Testing (3) Employee Training (4) Hearing Protectors and (5) Record Keeping.

Noise monitoring
Sound levels in the workplace must be measured to ascertain which employees to include in the program, the need for hearing protection equipment and its suitability.

Audiometric Testing
All employees in the program must be subjected to a base line audiometric test to determine pre-existing hearing loss, if any. Annual tests are to be carried out thereafter to asses the effectiveness of the program and for appropriate remedial action as necessary. The standard specifically requires that the audiometric tests be carried out by duly qualified personnel under the supervision of an audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician.

Employee Training
All employees in the program must receive annual training on the effects of noise on hearing, hearing protection devices and the purpose of audiometric testing.

Hearing Protectors
Hearing protection devices must be made accessible to all employees in the program.

Record Keeping
Records of employee exposure (sound measurement), acoustic or exhaustive audiometer calibration, and audiometric test records must be updated. These records are to be maintained for specific periods of time.

Experience has shown that effective hearing loss protection programs are universally beneficial and that both employer and employees stand to gain from the programs. The employees are protected from hearing loss, fatigue and general debility. The employer benefits from improvement in employee morale and productivity and will also enjoy reduced medical and worker compensation costs.
About the Author Explained For Business Owners & Managers
Sandra Noble, CEO, Noble & Associates Consulting: I.T. Strategy Analysis/Assessments, Software Evaluation ERP/Oracle/SAP and the cure for Post Implementation Distress

Noble Finances: A/R Financing, Equipment Leasing & Lawsuit Funding

Get Cash From Receivables

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Is Your Condo Too Loud?

Is Your Condo Too Loud?
by Real Estate Advisor

While condo buyers have to look into various factors before deciding on the purchase of a condo, one major aspect that remains very important is the noise factor. Condo living and noise often seem to go hand in hand. Many condo owners are plagued by noise issues. Whether it is due to footfall noise caused by hardwood floors, or the sound transmitting through the walls, condo noise could be very disturbing. This common but unlivable problem can totally disrupt peaceful living, even though the condo may be otherwise perfect.

If you are a prospective condominium buyer, then here are a few points that are worth taking into consideration before your purchase.

Condo buyers are better off inspecting the condo to check if every part of the home is noise proof before finalizing the contract. Mike Komula, is an acoustician with Dudek, a California environmental consulting firm that helps builders assess the acoustic qualities of new buildings. Here are a few tips offered by him for buyers to check for in the condo before they sign a contract.

1. Check for noise by making some - The best way to see if the adjacent units produce noise that seeps through to the rooms in your condo is to test by making noise in the units next door. Test for noise by turning on the radio, flushing the toilets and walking along the floors. One should also check for the plumbing noises made by bath and sink taps which could produce vibrations along the walls or noise when too small.

2. Check multistory floor layouts: Check the layout of the floors to make sure that rooms are placed compatibly above one another. A kitchen or bath above your bedroom, instead of another bedroom, could prove noisy.

3. Sound insulation of windows: Make sure the windows have dual panes for better sound reduction. These absorb more sound than single pane windows. The type of glass pane used for window also counts greatly. Ensure that the panes are a lot thicker for better insulation of sound. Also, larger the air cavities between glass panes means greater noise reduction.

4. Solid doors: Use firmer doors that have a solid core instead of hollow ones to keep out noise effectively.

Builders are increasingly concentrating on noise management especially in multifamily projects and it is recommended that buyers speak to the builder to know about the construction details that enhance noise reduction.

Some of the questions to put across to the builder would be to verify the following:

1. If the shared walls are double walls. A double wall instead of a stud wall of 2x4 foot absorbs more noise due to the wider air gap between the 2 walls.
2. Check for the number of layers of drywall on each side because more the number of layers, better the sound absorption.
3. Check if walls and ceilings have good sound absorbing material such as resilient metal channels.
4. Check the floor for a lightweight layer of concrete topping. It offers substantial noise reduction in airborne and impact noise by adding mass.

Another important thing that Condominium buyers should check is the STC or Sound Transmission Class rating. An STC rating of 65 indicates that the walls and floor-ceiling construction between units are of better sound proofing.
Source: REALTOR magazine online

About the Author

San Diego Condos
La Jolla Condos
Mission Bay Real Estate

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Things That Go Bump In The Night
by Davinos Greeno

For those living under the flight path of the busiest airport in the world a good nights sleep has become a distant dream. A friend of mine that is sleep deprived explains why Heathrow is a Human Rights issue.

The sun is out and the birds are chattering. It is blissfully quiet and I am deep in slumber. A deep droning noise jerks me awake. No, it is not my Sunday afternoon nap under the pear tree. It is 4.30 a.m. on a summer 's morning and the first long haul flight of the day is about to land at Heathrow. I have to get up in two and a half hours to travel to work on a hot, sweaty tube train. Too late, though, to get back to dreamland. That jumbo has broken my sleep for good.

Welcome to life under the flight path of the busiest airport in the world.

In Isleworth, we can just about get used to the aeroplanes coming in every two minutes during the day because landings are rotated so that aircraft don't fly constantly over the same houses. But night flights? I don't think so.

Sixteen night flights have been allowed at Heathrow between 11.30 pm and 6am since 1993. Most of the flights arrive after 4.30 am. The government is looking into the possibility of more night flights, provided aircraft use quieter engines as the older and bigger aircraft make a horrendous noise.

So you can imagine how dismayed both myself, and the other 600,000 people living under Heathrow 's flight paths, were to hear that the government had won its appeal against the European Court of Human Rights' ruling that night flights should be banned because we are entitled to a good night 's sleep. In fact it was the European Court of Human Rights which overturned its previous decision in 2001 that "there was no overwhelming national interest for night flights at Heathrow, and therefore the residents' basic human right to sleep should not be sacrificed for the convenience of airlines".

So why a change of heart by the court? Economics. According to our local paper, the Richmond and Twickenham Times, the court found that the economic benefits to the country as a whole outweighed the interests of sleepless residents. The court said that there had been no violation of Article 8 of the Human Rights Convention (HRC), the right to respect for private and family life and home. However, it did find that under Article 13 of the HRC, the residents hadn't been given the opportunity to make their case fully in the UK courts. So the fight will go on.

Noise is one of the worst pollutants and can ruin your quality of life. Friends of the Earth remind us that night flights have caused many residents to suffer from constant tiredness, clinical depression, irritability, headaches and ear infections caused by wearing earplugs. It maintains that the noise caused by the night flights was substantially in excess of the World Health Organisation 's guidelines for avoiding sleep disturbance at night. If you have troublesome noisy neighbours, you are protected by the Noise Act of 1996. But, guess what, it doesn't apply to aircraft noise! According to the UK Noise Association, aviation is virtually above the law.

HACAN Clearskies (Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise) is the largest voluntary organisation in Europe dedicated to campaigning on behalf of those who suffer because of aircraft flight paths. Whilst not opposed to Heathrow per se, the organisation has fought various battles over the years. It played an important part, for example, in persuading the Government to introduce runway alternation, so that residents in South West London were not continuously bombarded with noise.

There is also the ongoing issue of whether there will be a third runway at Heathrow. Heathrow 's proximity to London means aircraft continuously circle over the capital and come in to land over crowded urban areas. (If the 2001 Concorde crash had happened in London, and not in Paris, the plane would have come down on Ealing!)

HACAN believes that a third runway would increase the possibility of a mid air collision over London. It would also mean 500 more flights a day and a plane flying over our houses every minute, not to mention bad air pollution, congested roads and public transport, and disruption of children 's schooling.

So let 's keep battling for a decent nights sleep. We may have lost this round of the battle, but it will continue now in the UK courts. For more information, go to the HACAN website.
About the Author<>

Davinos Greeno works for the ethical directory which sells fairtrade shoes plus we have Ethical Company Articles for you to read or publish.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Author: Paul Tobey

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your tinnitus? If you rated it higher than a five, then it's most likely that the constant ringing in the ears is interfering with your happiness, your life, and your well being.

Occurrences of tinnitus are on the rise and noise induced tinnitus seems to be the one making the most headlines, due to the expressed concern over iPods and other music related sound systems. There still seems to be quite a lack of awareness out there about the dangers of noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

You don't have to look far to find evidence of that. Just walk into your nearest movie theatre and feel the noise decibels penetrate your entire body. The audio levels are very often so unnecessarily loud that it borders on noise pollution! I actually wear ear plugs when I go see movies. Most people don't have a problem with the volume though. Well, at least not until they wake up one day with chronic tinnitus.

Though I am a huge advocate of live music, mainly because that's what I do for a living, I'm still dismayed to see concert goers hanging out right beside the speakers! There are no warning signs that indicate "danger, close a proximity to these devices may cause hearing loss or tinnitus." Maybe there should be a law that obliges festivals, clubs, and venue owners to promote awareness against temporary or permanent hearing loss and tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noise.

There is no cure for tinnitus. And, most insurance companies still do not recognize tinnitus as a debilitating condition and therefore will not cover medical expenses or loss of income caused by chronic suffering. However, tinnitus is often severe enough for many sufferers to seek medical attention. And, as most tinnitus patients will tell you, it is a long road ahead for anyone looking for relief from tinnitus symptoms. Finding relief can be an expensive journey. Many are spending anywhere from $100/month on anti-depressants to $2,500.00 for tinnitus retraining therapy. In many cases, patients will spend thousands more on anyone or anything that will give them promise of relief.

There has been continuous research both in the medical and scientific fields for a cure. However, I wonder how difficult it must be to compete for funding in the face of other epidemics like bird flu, aids, and rising cancer rates. How many people must suffer from tinnitus before the pharmaceutical companies spend large budgets on research? Any search on Google will reveal that millions are already suffering from tinnitus and this is a real serious global medical problem.

But, the biggest question still remains; why are we not doing more to create awareness about noise induced tinnitus? We are a socially responsible society, are we not? We properly label cigarettes, trans fat products, age-appropriate toys, movies, games and dangerous goods. It seems to me that the next step may be to lobby manufacturers to put warning labels on their audio systems and make the event producers give clear warnings at their loud events. These notices could read something like, "loud noise exposure can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and tinnitus."

Exactly how long will the insurance companies, manufacturers, event producers and government officials try to ignore this growing world wide epidemic? Exactly how long will it be before this collective pool of millions of people get together to affect corporate change and ask for warning labels on loud noise producing products? How long will it be before the insurance companies recognize tinnitus as a medical issue? How long will it be before the message goes out loud and clear?
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/noise-induced-hearing-loss-and-tinnitus-69078.html
About the Author:
After living with Tinnitus for seven years Paul Tobey has authored a self help guide Tinnitus Handbook called Tinnitus Free Living.

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Hvac Noise: Solving a Common Noise Problem

Hvac Noise: Solving a Common Noise Problem

Author: Murray Stacy

Noise pollution caused by rooftop and ground-level HVAC equipment including chillers, boilers, and air handlers has become one of the most annoying as well as dangerous environmental problems in cities worldwide. As urban noise increases and residential growth multiplies, residents and communities are demanding better noise reduction solutions for heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Outdoor community noise problems caused by commercial and industrial HVAC systems may require an acoustically engineered Sound Barrier Wall.

Sound barrier walls have been used extensively for years in the transportation and industrial fields. A sound barrier wall is an exterior structure, normally made of masonry or earth, designed to protect sensitive land uses, such as residential areas from noise pollution. These noise pollution abatement products are now being used to help eliminate unwanted noise from HVAC systems as well.

Traditional material for noise barrier walls for HVAC systems has been reflective products. Reflective products, like concrete or brick, simply redirect the unwanted sound waves in other directions, and can actually increase noise by unintentionally reflecting sound waves. There is a better solution. Absorptive sound enclosures and architectural screens actually absorb the unwanted sound waves, minimizing the risk of unintentional reflected noise. Absorptive sound walls reduce reflections and are able to maintain the effectiveness of the barrier. Therefore, the overall noise level is reduced. The advanced materials found in absorptive barrier walls present a much more effective noise barrier solution. There are different solutions for this problem such as the LSE System, an absorptive sound barrier created by Sound Fighter Systems, that actually absorbs the sound waves that hit it, thereby eliminating unwanted noise.

So, if you are facing problems with noisy HVAC equipment an absorptive sound barrier wall is obviously the most effective noise mitigation solution available for this very demanding application. Absorptive walls outperform and outlast all other noise reduction products. Plus, many systems such as the LSE System are an aesthetically pleasing HVAC sound wall with the added benefit of noise pollution reduction.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/hvac-noise-solving-a-common-noise-problem-73974.html

About the Author:
Murray Stacy is Vice President of Sound Fighter Systems, LLC, which has been researching, designing and manufacturing highly efficient absorptive noise barrier walls since 1973, making it the oldest established manufacturer of such products in America. Sound Fighter walls have been produced for unique noise mitigation applications around the world, and several of the company's walls are in their 30th year of effective service. http://www.soundfighter.com


Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Firearms Suppressors for Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Firearms Suppressors for Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Author: Jay J. Quilligan, M.D.

Silencers, or more properly 'suppressors', were originally designed by Hiram Maxim so that people could enjoy shooting in their backyards without disturbing their neighbors. During the Great Depression there was some concern on the part of the government that suppressed firearms would be used for poaching livestock by those in need during these trying years. Suppressors were thus included in the NFA Act of 1934 and subject to registration as well as a 200.00 transfer tax. Silencers have since been used by gangsters, spies and assassins in the movies and this has given them a somewhat unsavory image. Most people are of the opinion that silencers are illegal, when in fact they are quite legal in most states. In many foreign countries they are not only unregulated, but considered quite important for hearing protection and reducing noise pollution.

While suppressors certainly offer a tactical advantage as far as disguising the location of a shooter by both noise and flash reduction, we feel that a much more important aspect of suppressor use is hearing protection at the source of the noise. My background as an ear, nose and throat physician has given me significant knowledge and exposure to both the causes and effects of noise exposure with attendant permanent hearing loss. During my tenure in the U.S. Army, one of the most frequent problems that we faced was high frequency hearing loss secondary to noise exposure. While many of these individuals sustained their hearing loss in actual battle, others were only exposed in training situations. Even though supposedly adequate hearing protection was provided, these individuals still had hearing loss over time.

Research has shown that individuals regularly exposed to small arms fire in training situations are over ten times more likely to sustain noise induced hearing loss than individuals not so exposed. This is despite regular use of protective ear devices, which are supposed to reduce noise levels to below damaging thresholds. The cause for this phenomenon is most likely due to bone conduction of the noise directly into the middle and inner ears. While bone conduction hearing is certainly less sensitive than conduction through the normal ear canal, nonetheless the noise levels produced by repeated gunshots are certainly great enough to cause hearing loss over time.

Use of a properly designed sound suppressor on a firearm is no different than putting a muffler on your car. A sound suppressor on, for example, a 223 rifle can reduce the noise level from over 160 dB, which is quite harmful, to under 140 dB, which is the OSHA limit for noise exposure. This cuts off the noise at the source and eliminates dependence on ear protection devices, which are prone to failure. It also eliminates the risk of bone conduction hearing loss from excessive noise.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/firearms-suppressors-for-preventing-noise-induced-hearing-loss-293925.html

About the Author:
Jay J. Quilligan, M.D.
Quicksilver Manufacturing LLC
www.qsmsilencers.com

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Noise Pollution Can Hurt You

Noise Pollution Can Hurt You
Author: Phyllis Wasserman

Car alarms, screeching subway cars, loud bars and barking dogs are only a few of the annoyances that can harass people on a daily basis. In a large metropolitan city, these things are the norm and are actually harmful to your ears.

If you are exposed to this constantly you can suffer permanent hearing loss. A rock concert has the noise level of 110 decibels. Even a crowded restaurant can be as much as 96 decibels. And if the sound was not enough, it can damage your ears immediately. When noise is loud it can kill the nerve endings in the inner ear. There is no way to restore nerve endings that are dead. Hearing loss happens gradually, so you would not know about it unless you have your ears tested. By then it can be too late.

Noise also has other detrimental factors. It can cause high blood pressure, fatigue and headaches. It can cause anxiety and difficulty focusing on chores.

New York city became the first city in the United States to adopt a noise code in 1972. It is still in effect today. The law says that no car alarm can ring for more than 3 minutes and that construction can only occur weekdays between 7 A.M. and 6 P.M. and weekends 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. The only way it is enforced is through complaints. You can be fined $45 for "unreasonable noise" and as much as $8,000 for larger violations (say, in a nightclub).

Listening to an iPod? Don't spin the dial up more than two thirds. Earbuds can increase the volume and put your ears in constant danger.

The average rock concert has 115 decibels, fifteen minutes is the most you can handle without ear plugs. If they are properly fitted, ear plugs work very well. Foam earplugs are made to last only a couple of days. Wax ones are stronger. There are also custom made silicon-rubber earplugs, which you can wash and re-use for years. They can cost as much as $125.

Sound proofing your home is a good idea as well. Hang heavy window curtains and use acoustical tile where possible. If you really need some quiet time, go to the beach, swim, or go to the library.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/noise-pollution-can-hurt-you-1559.html

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Who Has Heard the Wind - Do Wind Farms Produce Noise Pollution?

Who Has Heard the Wind - Do Wind Farms Produce Noise Pollution?
Author: Jules Smith

Standing in a home a kilometer away from the nearest wind turbine --one of seventeen at the Pubnico Point Wind Farm in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia --Tony experiences a sensation that he describes as "similar to being close to a high power car audio sound system playing drums. Both situations cause problems that I would say resemble arrhythmia."

Wind farms have obvious advantages over more conventional power sources. Unlike nuclear reactors, there's no radioactive waste to dispose of, no risk of catastrophic meltdown. Unlike coal-fire plants, there are no greenhouse gases to choke the atmosphere, no open-pit mines scarring the countryside. And unlike hydro plants, there are many more suitable locations compared to the relatively few available for dams.

Yet, no system is perfect.

One potential problem associated with wind power is noise, like that experienced by Tony. In some locations, residents living near wind farms find the sound to be an annoyance. A few, reporting acute and persistent health problems, have abandoned their homes, unable to sell them.

But are the reported problems justified? If they are, what's causing them? And what can be done to solve them, or at least to prevent them in the future?

Different Kinds of Noise

The study of acoustics is a complex science, but we can simplify the issue at hand to address a few major components that affect the perception of noise. One is the pressure of the sound, typically measured in decibels.

Stand next to a large turbine turning in a strong breeze and you'll likely hear little more than a gentle whoosh with each rotation of the blades, and perhaps a buzz from the gearbox and the generator. In all, it's not much louder than the wind in the trees. Even at a wind farm consisting of dozens of turbines, the audible noise level is usually much less than that from other commercial or industrial facilities. If the farm is near a major roadway, the traffic noise will probably drown out anything you hear from the turbines. Wind speed and direction also play a role; if the wind is blowing toward you and is very strong, the noise will be louder.

To put some numbers to it, a study by the British Wind Energy Association (http://www.bwea.com) reported that the sound from a wind farm 350 meters away (a typical setback distance) was less than that of an automobile moving at 65 km/h a hundred meters away.

A second component to consider is frequency.

Sound, like light, can be described by a spectrum. In the middle of the spectrum we have audible sound, that which most people can hear, in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Above this is ultrasound, like that produced by a bat's echolocation system. Below the audible range is infrasound.

It is this low-frequency sound that seems to cause most of the complaints about noise. Higher frequency sound in the audible range drops off quickly as the distance increases. Lower frequency sound travels further.

But how can noise you can't hear hurt you?

Wind Turbine Syndrome

Symptoms reported by some residents near wind farms include sleep disorders, headaches, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, and even the arrhythmia Tony experienced. Some physicians group these under the label Wind Turbine Syndrome.

Like most maladies that acquire the "syndrome" label, a degree of controversy surrounds this condition. Exact causes are not always clear. In some cases where residents have claimed to be bothered by audible noise from nearby turbines, sound measurements have indicated little or no noise above normal background levels. There may be no measurable levels of infrasound either.

Of course it is possible that those reporting the symptoms of Wind Turbine Syndrome are more sensitive to sound and vibration than most people, or even than detection instruments.

It's also possible that other factors are at work. Could the illness be, to some extent, psychosomatic in nature? Attitude clearly influences how our bodies handle stress. Hugh Piggott, editor of the Scoraig Wind Electric site (http://www.scoraigwind.co.uk) comments, "Experience has shown that the degree of irritation or pleasure derived from the odd little noises made by wind turbines depend to a large extent on the perceived benefits therefrom .... Noise is one of the few byproducts of wind energy production. For some it is music and for others it is not."

Whether the underlying cause is psychosomatic or not doesn't change how sufferers feel. Their symptoms certainly are real. And if noise from turbines is the cause, it should be addressed.
Better Designs, Better Locations

As with any technology, designs usually improve over time. This is true of wind turbines. The BWEA study mentioned earlier noted that older turbine designs often placed the blades downwind of the tower. As wind passed the tower it created turbulence that interacted with the passing blades, causing a low frequency pulse. Newer designs place the blades upwind of the tower and increase the distance between the blades and the tower, reducing interaction between the two, further minimizing noise generation.

Other innovations have been introduced as well. Norm Kienitz, President of Cape Breton Power Limited in Nova Scotia (http://www.capebretonpower.com) explains, "More advanced blade designs are more efficient and less noisy. Most modern utility scale wind turbines are pitch controlled rather than stall controlled, this is often (but not always) less noisy. Finally, there is a trend toward direct drive machines, which are typically quieter through variable speed operation, fewer mechanical components and especially no gearbox."

Since even the most sophisticated turbine design will still produce some noise and vibration, it's important to situate turbines, and especially large scale wind farms, a suitable distance from residential areas. How far is a matter of debate. Some groups have proposed measurements based on multiples of the length of the turbine blades, while others suggest fixed distances ranging from 300 meters to 2500 meters. Still others insist that wind turbines should only be placed offshore, but that would severely limit the number of available sites and present other obstacles including access to transmission lines and interference with shipping lanes. A more objective approach would necessitate a detailed site survey taking into account the local terrain, predominant wind speed and direction, existing noise levels, and the proposed turbine design.

Cape Breton Power Limited employs this approach before implementing a new project. In addition to choosing sites carefully and applying reasonable setback distances, they also conduct ambient noise studies to assess for impact before it occurs. As Kienitz notes, "These types of problems are easier to prevent than to cure."

Still, there are other considerations. Kienitz goes on to explain. "Proximity to residences often influence turbine location, but this also needs to be considered in the project milieu: access to the grid, availability of infrastructure and access, environmental concerns, wind resource, and geotechnical issues."

That may mean that an otherwise ideal location for a wind farm will be close to some residential neighbors. At some point proceeding with a wind farm may mean accepting the fact that it's impossible to please everyone.

Accepting a Compromise

No solution is perfect, so if we wait for the ideal answer we'll never move beyond our present situation. Eventually we'll find ourselves in the dark. Kienitz observes, "Wind power will never be the whole answer to our energy problems, but it can be a part of it. We have to make choices as a society of what we want. We need to be solution oriented, and that means deciding what the compromises are that we are willing to accept - aesthetically, financially, environmentally. I have run into people who bemoan the aesthetics of wind power, the environmental impact of hydro, the pollution of thermal plants (coal, oil) and are horrified at the thought of nuclear energy. But they still want their lights to work when they flick the switch."

Keeping the lights on may mean accepting a compromise. Kienitz concludes, "When it comes right down to it, I would rather have a wind turbine in my backyard than a coal fired station in my neighborhood."
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/who-has-heard-the-wind-do-wind-farms-produce-noise-pollution-222758.html
About the Author:
Jules Smith is the principal of LightningStrike Studios , a professional business and technical writing firm.

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Noise Pollution and Fighting it With Acoustic Foam

Noise Pollution and Fighting it With Acoustic Foam
Author: Stephen Morgan

Noise pollution (or environmental noise in technical areas and venues) is termed as displeasing or annoying human or mechanically caused sound that is or can be described as alien to the environment.

I guess to most of us the major source of this pollution would come from transportation systems, as anyone who has tried to hire a car from the main AVIS car rental depot at Heathrow Airport would testify to. Based on the perimeter road at Heathrow sometimes the noise of landing 747’s can make it a little difficult explaining to the attendant what problems you may have had (or not) with the car you are returning.

However before we all start to assume that noise pollution is purely something that occurs in major cities let us consider the effect of noise pollution in rural communities. Now noise from recreational vehicles has become quite a major issue with the rural communities. Quad Bikes or All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) have become a serious problem in the countryside. They have increased massively in popularity and are joining the more traditional two wheeled bikes as the vehicle of choice for off road riding.

The bottom line is that we live in a noisy world and by that I mean not just the sound of cars and traffic etc but the way we live our lives and perhaps more importantly where we are now living and the density of the accommodation we provide ourselves.

In the old days when basically all you had to worry about was the old cottage in the middle of the field 6 miles away from the nearest neighbour you could make as much noise as you wanted and it wasn’t a problem. Nowadays basically we have people living on top of each other, underneath each other and in fact all over the place and more importantly interfacing with modern day technologies in ways that hitherto would have thought to have been impossible. As such the use of the acoustic foam and the noise dampening systems are essential.

If we take for example the situation in many cities nowadays when we have whole plethoras of modern communication links such as underground railway systems, over ground railway systems, modern two-way flyovers and in fact transports communications and residential accommodation right next to each other. Without adequate noise reduction systems in place and incorporated within the structure of the residential and work accommodation than pretty quickly life within these new cities would become pretty intolerable.

As we have said before, enter stage left acoustic foam. Without these new technologies providing the noise insulation, the quality of life in most built up areas would be appalling.

At this point it becomes pretty obvious to all concerned quite what a debt we owe to noise reduction systems and soundproofing in general that quite often mere words on no longer enough.

Having lived in the centre of London and also spent time on the northwest coast of County Donegal in Ireland, when it comes to noise pollution I know which one I prefer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/science-articles/noise-pollution-and-fighting-it-with-acoustic-foam-150365.html

About the Author:
Stephen Morgan writes about a number of industrial issues such as acoustic foam and soundproofing . A keen proponent of all aspects of free and independent services available, he advises those who are interested in investigating further to look at sound proofing

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

How to Stop Hearing Loss?

How to Stop Hearing Loss?
By: Rudy Silva


My mother is almost 90 years and has a hearing loss problem. Her problem started when she was around 70 years. But, most health or physical issues start much earlier. They start from the early twenties or sooner. As you age, your various organs and physical structures start to weaken and deteriorate and become less active. The deterioration rate depends on your emotional and physical health.

Your health depends on your eating habits and the nutrients that you supply to your body.

Loud Noises

How can you tell if you will have hearing loss when you get older? First you have to protect your ears from over stimulation. Listening to loud music with or without ear phone can damage your ear and make them less sensitive as you age. It is best to keep the volume natural. If you work in a high noise surrounding, then you need to use protective ear covers.

Next, when you clean your ears of ear wax, is the wax hard or soft? If it is hard, then you need to eat more good oils - omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. These oils - olive oil, fish oil, flax oil, hemp oil, caster oil, and primrose oil - help keep ear wax softer and easier to clean out of your ears. Hard wax is hard to clean out of your ears and tends to deposit on your ear drum, slowly over time, making it stiff and less able to vibrate.

Anti-oxidants

Make sure your diet is high in anti-oxidants. This can be in the form of food - fruits and vegetables - or supplements. But keep in mind that only a certain amount of the supplements you take are absorbed. So you normally need to take more than is recommended. A good anti-oxidant will help fight off and eliminate free radicals that damage the tissue in your ear drum and surrounding areas. Free radicals can damage your ear by causing ear inflammation. This inflammation can cause loss of hearing and permanent damage to your ear.

MSM Remedy

One other remedy that you can use to keep your ears healthy is to use MSM eye drops. A few drops in both ears, just before bedtime, will keep your ear drum from hardening and permeably. MSM accumulate in cell walls to make them soft and flexible which allows nutrients to enter the cell and toxins to move out of the cell. MSM is also an anti-oxidant since it will tie up protein that can accumulate in your ear tissue and damage it.

MSM eye drops are available on the internet and are inexpensive. Just a side note, use them for your eyes and give yourself more health benefits. Using MSM in your eyes will insure that you will never have Glaucoma. Again MSM will make tissue permeable and the will release pressure form the eyeball - Glaucoma- or release pressure from behind the eardrum bring the eardrum back to normal.

So, protect your ears from loud noises, especially if these noises are heard for long periods at time. Then eat a lot of fruits and vegetables or chose a good anti-oxidant supplement to get the anti-oxidants that will protect your ears from free radical damage. Finally, use MSM eye drops in your ears to keep your ear drum flexible so it can vibrate and give you hearing.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Rudy Silva, nutritionist, writes and researches health issue. To get more tips and information on health remedies subscribe to his weekly newsletter at: www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com and get a special free health report.


Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Understanding How Aviation Headsets Reduce Noise

Understanding How Aviation Headsets Reduce Noise
By Chris Spears

Purchasing aviation headsets is a crucial step in protecting your hearing and flying safely, especially in smaller aircraft. Some people simply choose by reputation, buying either a Telex headset or Peltor headset because these are well-known brands popular in the aviation industry, but it isn’t that simple.

Both brands produce quality products, but they also each offer a variety of headsets that work in different ways and may suit different needs. To choose the right style and model of aviation headset, you need to first understand what the manufacturers are talking about when they describe how their products work.

Both Telex and Peltor headsets come in a wide range of styles that offer varying levels of hearing protection. In fact, each offers different types of hearing protection as well. The three types are usually referred to as Passive Noise Reduction, Active Noise Reduction and Digital Noise Reduction. Some people refer to noise reduction as “noise attenuation,” but the terms are interchangeable.

Passive Noise Reduction – These are sometimes referred to as NNR headsets, and are the least expensive. They use insulation and thick padding to cut down on cockpit noise. The earphones are designed to create a tight seal around the ears. With these, you’ll receive about 25 decibels of noise reduction. Most of this will be high-frequency noise.

Active Noise Reduction – Like NNR, active noise reduction (ANR) headsets use insulation to protect hearing. In addition, there is an electronic signal that “cancels out” incoming noise to provide noise reduction in the low-frequency range. The electronic signal is not an audible sound, but a frequency pulse that matches incoming sound as an opposite signal. Quality ANR Peltor Headsets can provide up to 30 decibels of noise reduction depending on the brand.

Digital Noise Reduction – The most expensive option also gives you the most protection because it adds a final level of protection beyond even ANR. In these, electronics monitor the actual surrounding sounds and mimic them with opposing signals to cancel the noise. Telex headsets and most other quality brands also feature a filtering system that prevents cancellation of non-repeating noises so that the wearer will be aware of changes in engine sound that could signal an emergency.

Digital noise reduction provides the most protection in the mid-frequency ranges.

You should find out what decibel level of noise you are going to routinely be exposed to before shopping for any kind of aviation headset. (Smaller aircraft generally produce more noise than larger craft, and any prop plane will be significantly louder in the cockpit than a jet airplane) This will help guide you in your choice, since all Telex headsets and Peltor headsets clearly indicate the level of decibel protection provided.

You will also want to consider the type of microphone you prefer, the fit of the ear cups and other factors. If you visit aviation supply websites, you can also download detailed specifications for any number of headsets, including the most popular brands such as Peltor and Telex headsets; so that you can compare features side by side to find out which ones best suit your needs.

About the Author: Kevin Hall is a fitness guru. Kevin buys all his Diet Supplements & Fat Burners at the interactive website retailer http://SupplementstoGo.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=146694&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Do You Suffer From Squeaking Floorboards?

Do You Suffer From Squeaking Floorboards? - This Article Helps Users Understand The Best Solutions To Cure This Annoying Noise!
By Stuey Stephens

I'll start by explaining how squeaking floorboards starts.

Quite often, over a period of time, the flexing of the floor or expansion and contraction of the timber may loosen floorboard nails.

It is the resulting movement of the wood against the nails or against the neighbouring boards that produces the typical irritating squeak.

The simplest cure is to drive the floorboard nails in deeper with a nail punch, which allows the tapered edges of the nails to grip the wood more securely.

We have found that sometimes, however, this may not be a lasting solution.

If the problem persists, use either a larger or ring-shank nails. You can buy all of the items I talk about from general DIY stores - I'm sure that you will have a local store to you. Alternatively companies like Screw Fix or B&Q or other DIY stores should be able to help.

Using larger nails or ring shank nails will give a better grip as they are designed for situations like creaking floor boards; however they need to have clearance holes drilled through the boards. I would recommend you use a normal electric or hand-drill to do this.

The clearance holes must be slightly larger than the diameter of the nail to ensure that they grip the bottom of the board securely.

After you have put the nails in make sure that you fill any redundant holes with matching wood filler - the closer the colour match the better. You can almost completely disguise the nail heads this way.

If the boards can't be re-nailed satisfactorily (for example, because of twisting or bowing), use countersunk stainless-steel woodscrews.

Remember that you need to bury the heads of the screws deep enough to cover them with filler or with matching wooden plugs. I also recommend that you dampen the wood thoroughly before fixing - this makes the wood 'give' and allows the screw heads
to essentially be countersunk as the boards are screwed down.

About the Author: Visit Stuey at http://www.stueysblog.co.uk He is a full-time blogger on electronics, technology and DIY.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=53803&ca=Advice

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Noise In Air Purifiers

Noise In Air Purifiers
By Jason Uvios

The sale of air purifiers across the United States has skyrocketed over the past few years. With research showing that indoor air pollution is 2 to 10 times more than outdoor pollution, there are valid reasons for people to get worried. The only option they now have to deal with the pollution is to install air purifiers in their homes.

Air purifiers are mainly of two variants – the ionic air purifier and the HEPA air purifier. The technology in the two are different and so is the method they work. An ionic air purifier just draws the neutrally charged particulates to the charged plates inside the purifier. This technology ensures that there is little or no sound during the cleansing process.

A HEPA air purifier works on a completely different principle where a filter is used to collect pollutants from the air. To do so a fan revolves at high speed to draw in the air form the room and the pollutants floating in the air gets deposited on the filter. The HEPA filters are effective for particulates as small as 0.3 microns. It would make sense here to pint out that the width of human hair is about 100 microns.

However there is a drawback to the HEPA air purifier. While at work the HEPA ones actually produce some sound which can be annoying for many. The sound is produced because of the fan inside revolving at high speed. While for some it would not be
too much of a bother, and some even may actually like the white noise produced, there would be individuals who will hate a constant buzzing sound.

When you are buying an air purifier you expecting some clean air, and not a gadget which produces inconsistent noise. You can obviously do something to tackle this problem. When we buy air purifiers we take a note of our room size. Now, if we buy a
purifier which just has the capacity to clean our room then we must have it working to its utmost. This means that fan will always be revolving at the highest speed. The result would be the noise.

However, if we take a purifier with the capacity of cleaning a 800 square feet room for a room of size 200 square feet, then we can always have the fan inside the purifier work at low or medium levels. This will result in less noise. The purifier, all of a sudden will sound quieter. The only thing that would be of concern is the size of the purifier might be too big for the room.

About the Author: Jason Uvios Writes about on Noise in Air Purifiers to visit :- http://www.air-purifiers-canada.info, http://www.air-purifiers-usa.info and
http://www.air-purity-now.info
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=95727&ca=Home+Management

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Stop The Noise-Home Remedies For Snoring

Stop The Noise-Home Remedies For Snoring
By David Faulkner

Some people tend to snore when they breathe through their mouth while sleeping and their tongue is incorrectly positioned within the oral structure, effectively blocking their airway. You may have tried different things only to find that so far nothing has helped. You wake up un-rested, cranky, and irritable and on top of all that, your family may also be cranky and un-rested because your snoring may have kept them all awake also.

Things You Can Do

Your doctor may be able to recommend something for you. You could see a sleep specialist who could recommend you to a sleep clinic to monitor and possibly see if there is a medical condition that needs to be corrected. Here are some simple home
remedies for snoring that may help. Sleep on your side. Prop pillows or tennis balls behind you so you do not roll on your back. Avoid alcohol or tranquilizers before sleeping. These cause your nervous system to relax the muscles of your throat and jaw causing you to snore. If you have trouble sleeping and you need a sleep aid, talk to your doctor. Be sure to get your allergies treated.

This can also contribute to snoring. You may also want to buy a mouth guard. This will also help with teeth grinding as well as helping the jaw muscles from becoming too relaxed. Elevated your head more when sleeping sometimes when your muscles become too relaxed you will snore more. If your body is raised a bit this will help reposition your breathing, not just your head but also your body. You can use bed risers under the top of your bed where your head is then use your pillows to raise your head and this may help.

Things To Remember

If you are pregnant or overweight, this will also contribute to snoring. You will want to let your doctor know about snoring when you are pregnant. This will affect the amount of oxygen you and your baby are getting while you are pregnant. If you are overweight, you will want to talk to your doctor about a plan to rid yourself of some weight. This can also help you with snoring. Extra weight around the neck and chest can contribute to snoring along with sleeping on your back. A simple home remedy for snoring may be all you need to help you sleep better. For more info see http://www.1stopsnoring.com/Snoring_Relief on Snoring Relief.

There can be different causes for snoring and home remedies for snoring that may work for you. Remember you are not the only one going through this. Your partner, family, friends and co-workers are also dealing with you who have not gotten a good night sleep and you may be cranky, irritable and suffer from lack of sleep and may even have some concentration issues that may be affecting your work performance.

About the Author: You can also find more info on http://www.1 stopsnoring.com/How_To_Stop_Snoring on How To Stop Snoring and http://www.1stopsnoring.com/Snoring_Earplugs on Snoring Earplugs. http://1stopsnoring.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Snoring. Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=175170&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News

Why Using Noise Reduction Headphones With An Mp3 Player Is Better Than Earbuds

Why Using Noise Reduction Headphones With An Mp3 Player Is Better Than Earbuds
By Shell Harris

MP3 players and portable CD players usually come with the standard “earbud” headphones. Earbuds fit into the ear like a hearing aid and are lightweight and portable. Their advantages, however, stop there. When it comes to the quality of the music you are listening to, that quality can be greatly diminished due to the inability of earbud headphones to filter out the noises that you are not interested in listening to; such as the voices, car engines, train noises, and barking dogs that may be all around you when you are out in public.

One of the great advantages of MP3 players, such as iPods, and portable CD players is that you can take them with you wherever you go. Sometimes the very reason for bringing them along on an outing is so that you can entertain yourself while you are engaged in other activities, such as jogging, riding on the subway, or waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Soothing music being piped into your ear can go a long way in easing tension when you are running errands; and upbeat, rhythmic music can help tremendously when you are exercising and need incentive to go that extra mile.

Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative to earbud headphones. Noise reduction headphones can enhance the quality of the music you are listening to by making sure that you get nothing but the music, in exactly the way you should be hearing it. While earbuds sit inside your ear, possibly causing irritation and discomfort, headphones are styled to fit around your ear like earmuffs, guaranteeing that they will not only reduce outside noise, but will feel comfortable as well. While, with earbuds you usually have to increase the volume to be able to hear the music that you are trying to listen to, noise reduction headphones can keep the volume at a comfortable level and allowing you to enjoy your music in the top-quality manner that it is intended to be heard.

The portability of MP3 players encourages prolonged use, especially by teenagers. Unfortunately, the combination of increased volume and longer listening time may cause hearing damage which can lead to hearing loss. The use of noise reduction headphones can help protect hearing by delivering music without the increased decibel level. This also allows listener to enjoy their music longer without suffering hearing damage.

Noise reduction headphones work not only by surrounding your ears, therefore helping to block out outside noises, but also by using noise-cancellation technology, which further enhances your “music only” experience. Not only do noise reduction headphones help to filter out all noises except what your MP3 player is outputting, they also contain your music thus not disturbing those around you. The noise reduction works both ways – you hear your music like you are supposed to, and others don’t have to listen along with you.

A good set of noise reduction headphones does not have to be cumbersome, either. Taking into consideration what portable music device users need, the makers of noise reduction headphones are making their product light, foldable, and easily portable.

When you purchase your MP3 player or portable CD player, one of the best things you can do after that is to put aside the earbud headphones that come with it and buy a good set of noise reduction headphones. You won’t be sorry.

About the Author: Lee Blue is an avid musician, composer, and home studio recording artist. He uses Extreme Isolation headphones in his recording studio as well as his office during work to block out distractions. Learn more about noise reducing headphones at http://www.quietheadphones.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=30207&ca=Computers+and+Technology

Subscribe to Noise Pollution News