Man has a poor track record of recognizing disease-causing agents. And often, once the agents have been recognized, people are still reluctant to change. Tobacco is an obvious example of this, but there are many more including: lead, asbestos, mercury, certain pesticides, and some foods such as trans fats.
One commonly overlooked disease causer is noise pollution. (See our article, “How noise pollution affects the body,” for detailed information on this.) Right now, the World Health Organization found that traffic noise alone is harmful to the health of almost every third person in Europe. One in five, they found, were exposed to nighttime sound levels that could significantly damage health. The numbers are similar elsewhere.
As our population continues to grow, the sources of noise will continue to become more numerous (and obnoxious). Unfortunately, in the United States we’ve made negative progress in the way of legislation. The 1972 Noise Control Act—which was created to protect Americans from noise that poses a threat health and welfare—was terminated in 1982 due to a lack of federal funding.
As individuals, we are incapable of completely changing our environment to eliminate excess noises—such things will need to be left up to government, city planners, etc.—however, there are still things we can do while we wait:
1. Turn off your electronics. Computers, game systems, televisions and the like all make noise when they’re not in use—whether it’s a fan spinning or that high-pitched, barely-audible screech some TVs make in standby. Over time, all of these sounds cause stress on the ears. Turn them off when you are not using them. A little extra effort is worth it; as a bonus, you’ll save some money on electricity.
2. Sound proof your space. There are a lot of things you can do to reduce the sound at home (or perhaps your workplace).
If you have hard floors, rugs will go a long way in the fight to dampen sound.
Windows are a known weak point in many structures. Installing better windows, sealing window frames, or hanging curtains (even thin ones) will help reduce the sound coming from outside.
If you have noisy neighbors on one side of you, put furniture or a big bookshelf (preferably full of books) against that wall.
If you have laundry machines in a separate room, shut the door. Also try running appliances like dishwashers and bread machines when you’re getting ready to leave the house for a bit. When you’re gone they can make as much noise as they want.