Noise pollution - a bane in our society

Andrew Scott

Noise pollution is spreading fast throughout the modern world and today it has turned out to be a major problem particularly in the urban areas. Even in countries such as Sri Lanka during functions such as weddings and parties people are unable to enjoy themselves in a quiet atmosphere, primarily due to the loud blare of music bands and their instruments. Recent studies in many countries have revealed that if noise continues to pollute our atmosphere at the rate it does right now, within a few more decades many people will become deaf due to the adverse effects of noise pollution which is now spreading throughout the world like an incurable cancer.

Recent studies in the West have also proved that patients from rural areas respond to the same treatment more effectively than those from the urban areas who have to cope up with a high level of noise pollution. All these clearly suggest that man needs quietness for his physical, mental an emotional well-being and to maintain a peaceful mind.

Unhealthy atmosphere

Specially in modern Sri Lanka, noise pollution continues to add to the long list of pollutants that drastically effect the health of the people of this country. Both in the outside environment and even within our houses noise pollution continues to increase unabated at an alarming level.

For instance, in large scale building sites, in garages, workshops and factories and even within the walls of certain houses which are quite unconcerned about the bad effects of noise pollution much is added to the malady of noise pollution which bears immediate as well as long-term negative effects on the smooth functioning of the human ears, as well as on the functioning of the human brain, in addition to the negative effects it bars on the emotional and mental noise of all humans as well as animals, specially domesticated animals, who are compelled to live in this unhealthy atmosphere of noise pollution about which many seem to be unconcerned.

Our modern life with telephones of all sorts ringing every time, TVs, radios, music centres, modern kitchen gadgetries, vehicles and several other things that produce unbearable noise, is beset with an atmosphere charged with noise throughout the day and this disturbs the normal rhythm of the human mind which always opts for a quiet environment.

Silent person

Man's working hours have also become noisier than it was during the past with blaring sounds of modern machines and vehicles. Today all kinds of entertainment and celebrations are incomplete without noise - more the sound the better the enjoyment! It is ironic that most of the present day people, particularly the younger generation, think that solitude and silence are twin signs of inactivity and sadness and a silent person is often regarded by them as a bore.

Though this noise culture has invaded the length and breadth of all countries, silence too is an important component of the human life. It is well-known that in certain serious diseases doctors' advice their patients to live away from the noisy atmosphere which may prevail even in their modern homes. Continuous noises are not only harmful to the ears but they also have an adverse and serious effect on patients suffering from cardiac and several other diseases the modern world is heir too.

A quiet environment which has a grace of its own always has a soothing effect on anyone's mind. It is because man by nature seeks quietness that beautiful and natural surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas are chosen to spend the holidays which are greatly valued and appreciated as very relaxing both to the mind as well as to the body.