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Noise Pollution

Considering the role that noise pollution plays on our health as humans, I want to understand what is being done when this environmental issue becomes a problem. Looking through which government agency handles this topic, I found that it is the Environmental Protection Agency that regulates noise sources. These sources range from rail and motor carriers, low noise emission products, construction equipment, transport equipment, trucks, motorcycles, and the labeling of hearing protection devices. 

One thing I found was an act that was instituted in 1972 called the Noise Control Act. This act established a national policy to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health and welfare. Though most control of noise rests with State and Local governments, Federal action is essential to deal with major noise sources. 

What I am most interested in when looking at noise pollution, is the effects it has on adults living in a major city. How does the constant buzz of life and movement effect our health and concentration. Does it have something to do with our constant need to always be doing something, going somewhere, and the inability to sit still?  

Comments

  1. kschererOctober 13, 2019 at 9:48 AM

    I love this idea!! I feel like noise pollution is like the step child to all environmental health issues and b/c there are not immediate and blatant health consequences as a result, like poisoning from hazardous chemicals people might ingest. However there are some very serious mental and physical impacts as a result of long term exposure and it is exposed to low income communities at a disproportionate amount.

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  2. Aubrey MatthewsOctober 17, 2019 at 11:33 AM

    You both make great points - Immediately when I read Aika's post I was like noise pollution doesn't seem like that big of a deal unless you work in a loud environment constantly like a construction zone or with guns and ordinance. I know in the military we had to do a pre and post hearing test and let me say my hearing now is terrible after all the years being in. I think we don't realize our hearing gets a bit worse every-time we play loud music, put in headphones, concerts/bars/clubs, the common things we don't think about.

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