Basic Facts On Environmental Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Noise can be defined as unwanted sound. This type of pollution is caused by recreational, industrial and transport activities. Whereas disorganized sounds at low levels may not necessarily be harmful, intolerable levels can affect humans both psychologically and physiologically. The objective of environmental noise control is to improve the acoustic surrounding. Persons that are working in areas with excessive pollution should undergo regular medical check-ups to rule out hearing impairment.

There are numerous other sources of this kind of pollution other than manufacturing industries. They include, among others, architecture, transport and urban planning. The most stubborn causes of pollution in this context worldwide are aircraft and road traffic. While some sources of pollution are fairly easy to control others like human social activities present a major challenge.

There are various methods that may be employed indoors or outdoors depending on the source. The available potions can be used for walls, ceilings, floors or exterior walls. The type of material chosen is determined by, among other factors, the function of the structure. Theaters, recording studios and auditoria produce sound that can be easily absorbed by baffles. Sound masking is the active addition of other sounds that help minimise other unwanted sounds.

The planned introduction of hybrid vehicles is set to reduce the level of sound pollution in the streets. This, unfortunately, will take an extremely long time to be realised. It is estimated that at least half of the vehicles have to be replaced on the roads if the pollution is to be controlled. Other ways of controlling the problem include modification of tire tread designs and improving diesel stacks. Speed control is an additional measure that can be undertaken.

As in road traffic management, little has been affected in the aircraft sector, other than elimination of loud engine designs. A promising form of aircraft improvement is flight restriction. This can take the form of departure flight path, preferred runway use and time of day restrictions. This is however questionable because it negatively impacts on flying convenience, aircraft safety and economics.

Several materials have been incorporated into buildings to improve the acoustic properties. Panels made of steel are usually fitted into walls. Good panels are those that have very little interference with the substrates. Fabric covers are usually used in a number of buildings to improve absorption. The fabrics are made into sound curtains or blankets that are fitted onto surfaces or noisy equipment.

Noise from industrial equipment can be reduced by redesigning the machinery to operate in a manner less prone to produce extreme sounds. Additionally, workers can be provided ear protection equipment, shock mounting source equipment and creation of solid barriers. With regard to more conventional office environments, remedies may also involve researching for silent office equipment such as printers and photocopy machines.

A wisely laid out plan for environmental noise control is crucial in eliminating all areas of pollution. In a nutshell, sound management methods include insulation and absorption, vibration isolation and vibration damping. Sound insulation employs large barriers to prevent transmission of sound. In damping, vibration energy is extracted from the thin sheet and dissipating as heat.




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