research paper on noise pollution in india

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• Indian J Community Med
• v.39(1); Jan-Mar 2014

Community Noise Pollution in Urban India: Need for Public Health Action

Limalemla jamir.

Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Baridalyne Nongkynrih

Sanjeev kumar gupta, introduction.

The decadal growth of the urban population in India rose to 31.8% during the last decade (2001-2011).( 1 ) Rapid urbanization has led to various public health challenges, including environmental pollution. Most activities that cause pollution are essential to meet the needs of the growing population and development. Therefore preventive measures to minimize pollutants are more practical than their elimination. Noise is regarded as a pollutant under the air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.( 2 ) It has been defined as unwanted sound.( 3 ) Noise consists of unpleasant obtrusive, annoying, distracting, or persistent sounds that interfere with sleep or the ability to concentrate or enjoy life. The WHO guidelines for community noise recommend less than 30 A-weighted decibels (dB[A]) in bedrooms during the night for a sleep of good quality and less than 35 dB(A) in classrooms to allow good teaching and learning conditions. The WHO guidelines for night noise recommend less than 40 dB(A) of annual average (Lnight) outside of bedrooms to prevent adverse health effects from night noise.( 4 ) Noise is an underestimated threat that can cause a number of short- and long-term health problems. It is increasingly becoming a potential hazard to health, physically and psychologically, and affects the general well-being of an individual.( 5 ) Excessive noise interferes with people's daily activities at school, at work, at home, and during leisure time. It can disturb sleep, cause cardiovascular and psychophysiological effects, reduce performance and provoke annoyance responses and changes in social behavior.( 6 )

It also interferes with communication, and this can even endanger life. However, it is a physical pollutant, not visible and the damage occurs silently, going undetected. This is also because sensitivity of the human ear gets automatically adjusted to ambient noise levels, even to increasing noise levels. Moreover, noise pollution control is overshadowed by other types of pollution such as air, water pollution, largely due to lack of awareness about its health implications.( 3 ) Epidemiologic studies on hearing and noise exposure are also lacking although it is the most common preventable cause of sensori-neural hearing loss.

There are two major settings where noise occurs, viz., community noise and industrial noise. Community noise (also called environmental noise, residential noise, or domestic noise) is defined as noise emitted from all sources, except noise at the industrial workplace.( 3 ) Major sources of community noise are automobiles, construction work, loudspeakers, recreational activities, fireworks, etc.

Measurement of Noise

The response of the human ear to sound depends both on the sound frequency (Hertz) and the sound pressure (decibels). The range of hearing by a healthy young person is 20-20,000 Hz.( 3 ) There is individual variability in the sensitivity to different frequencies. Sensitivity to higher frequencies decrease with age and exposure to noise. Noise exposure at one time can occur from various sources, therefore the average sound pressure level over a specific time period is usually measured.

A widely used scale to measure sound pressure levels is the weighting scale, “A-weighting.” It correlates with the subjective response of auditory system, and is expressed as decibels in A-Scale (dBA). Though it is simple and convenient to use, it has limitations of poor predictability.( 7 ) Measurement of noise is done by noise level meters, at locations where people work. Noise dosimeter, which is worn by the person, has the advantage over noise level meter, of capturing the average noise exposure even while moving around. Impulse-sound level meters are preferably used for measuring impulsive sounds, as their short integration time is appropriate for the short integration time of the cochlea, where injury from noise exposure occurs.

To control the generation of noise by various sources in the environment, the Central Pollution Control Board, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has set standards of sound for different categories of areas (residential, commercial, industrial and silence zones), separately for day-time and at night [ Table 1 ]. It has also set permissible noise limits for vehicles at the manufacturing stage and noise standards for firecrackers.( 8 )

Ambient air quality standards in respect of noise

Recently, on 23 rd March 2011, the Central Pollution Control Board established phase I of the Real Time National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network. It covers 35 locations in seven metro cities (Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore, and Chennai). It is a part of the implementation of the National Environmental Policy-2006 (section 5.2.8 [IV]), under which ambient noise is included as an environmental quality parameter. By phase II and phase III, 160 locations spread over 25 cities in 18 states will be established. Ongoing monitoring and appropriate implementation will be possible by this systematic network with central receiving station in Delhi.

Magnitude of Community Noise Pollution

Several studies have been conducted in various parts of the country to assess the ambient noise level. Majority of the total environmental noise is caused by motor vehicles.( 9 ) Day time noise levels measured along roads between two campuses of a University in Balasore, Orissa, ranged from 70.1 dB(A) to 120.4 dB(A) which are above the permissible limits for road traffic noise (70 dB[A]). Noise generated by different vehicles was also measured. None of the vehicles emitted within the permissible limits for road traffic noise.( 5 ) Vehicular air horns emitting loud noise and their misuse have been reported to be the major contributor to high noise levels.( 10 , 11 ) In a study which measured noise levels in the four zones as categorized by the Central Pollution Control Board, the highest average day-time noise level was detected in silence zones (73.53 dB[A]), i.e., not less than 100 m around hospitals, educational institutions, court, and religious places; and lowest in Residential areas (63.5 dB[A]). The highest average noise level for night time was in traffic intersection areas (71.18 dB[A]) and lowest in the industrial areas.( 9 )

Increasing population, transportation demands, vehicular increase, and congestion of roads are factors that have intensified traffic noise pollution significantly in recent years. Studies assessing noise levels in different settings, week day and holidays, and different zones observed that average noise levels were above the permissible standards.( 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) Another convenient mode of transport in urban areas, the metro trains, were found to generate noise levels, above the permissible levels of 65 dBA (day) and 55 dBA (night) (commercial zone).( 16 ) Although the ambient noise level is reduced due to its predominant underground location, workers are at higher risk, particularly those stationed at the high noise level areas (engine noise, electric generator etc.).

Daily exposure to such noise levels over a long period can have harmful effects. With rapid urbanization, often unmatched by proper layout of roads, highways and buildings, industrial, residential, and commercial areas lie in close proximity. This disturbs the peaceful environment of residential areas. The ambient noise levels in silence zones were found to go even up to 90 dB.( 17 ) Both day time and night time noise levels in these silence zones were above the permissible limits.( 18 ) It causes distractions and annoyance in not only in institutional areas, but also much discomfort and mental disturbance to patients in hospitals. Night time noise levels in residential areas also exceed the prescribed limits of 55 db(A) in day-time and 45 db(A) at night time.( 19 )

In addition to the continuous traffic noise which people are exposed to, community festivities, public address systems, noise from machines at construction sites, etc, affect the quality of life. According to a study conducted in a residential area in Delhi during Diwali festival, the average ambient noise level on Diwali ranged from 76 to 80 dB(A), which was 1.2-1.3 times higher than on normal days in the area (57-69 dB[A] Leq).( 20 ) Intense high impact noise emitted by fireworks pose a great risk, and can result in damage to the auditory apparatus. Neighborhood noise can also create an unfriendly atmosphere, misunderstandings, and hostility.

The World Health Organization has listed critical health effects, with corresponding noise levels and exposure time in specific environmental settings.( 3 )

Health consequences of community noise pollution

The adverse health effects of noise are auditory disorders such as hearing impairment, tinnitus, ear ache, noise-induced hearing loss, and non-auditory manifestations which include headache, psychological disturbances manifested by irritability, inability to concentrate on one's work thereby reducing work efficiency, disturbance in sleep and rest, and interference with speech communication.( 21 )

Hearing impairment has been defined as an increase in the threshold of hearing.( 3 ) The affected person is unable to understand speech in day-to-day life. Noise-induced hearing impairment mainly occurs in the frequency range of 3,000-6,000 Hz, and with increased exposure, at lower frequencies. Speech intelligibility can be reduced even at 10 dB, averaged over 2,000-4,000 Hz, over both ears. Above 30 dB hearing impairment (averaged over 2,000-4,000 Hz, over both ears), a social hearing handicap is noticeable. Significant hearing impairment occurs on exposure to prolonged exposure to noise levels of 70-85 dB.

Noise-induced hearing loss has been scientifically established as an adverse health effect of noise.( 22 ) In temporary hearing loss, the hearing threshold is elevated temporarily, known as temporary threshold shift. With chronic exposure, permanent threshold shift occurs. In this case, hearing loss becomes permanent due to irreversible damage to the sensory cells of the cochlea. Noise-induced hearing loss usually first affects the hearing threshold at high frequencies above the range of speech perception at around 4 kHz. Hence, it is often not noticed till it becomes severe.( 23 ) The susceptibility of an individual to develop noise-induced hearing loss varies greatly. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the extent of hearing loss a person will acquire when exposed to a certain noise.( 21 )

Though there are studies in India which have measured the level of community noise, there is scarce published literature on the health effects of community noise pollution. However, such studies have been conducted in various countries. It is highly likely that similar consequences are occurring in India as well.

A study among workers exposed to road traffic noise in Brazil reported that 28.5% had suspected noise-induced hearing loss on audiometric assessment. Those working in noisier areas were more affected (38.8%) than those in areas with lower noise levels (24.2%).( 24 ) Noise-induced hearing loss was estimated among automobile drivers, traffic police, road side hawkers, shop keepers, and garment workers in Bangladesh. More than two-thirds of the participants were unaware of their hearing impairment and 78% had poor knowledge about the adverse effects of noise on health.( 25 ) Tinnitus and hearing loss were reported by traffic policemen, in a study conducted in Bangladesh. Hearing loss was associated with the duration of exposure. With exposure time of 6-10 years, 20% had mild sensori-neural hearing loss and those exposed for 11-20 years, 28% had mild to moderate sensori-neural hearing loss.( 26 ) Noise-induced hearing loss was also detected on audiometric tests among traffic personnel in Malaysia.( 27 ) Auditory morbidity is a serious issue which should not be neglected. It can lead to miscommunication, accidents, loss of livelihood, etc. It can be prevented or greatly reduced by periodic audiometric check-ups, ear protection, and awareness training.

Studies have also reported hypertension to be associated with noise exposure. A study conducted in Pakistan showed that workers exposed to high noise levels were more likely to be hypertensive (Odds ratio: 4.41, confidence interval: 2.123-9.196), and at risk for pre-hypertension (Odds ratio: 3,809; confidence interval: 1.804-8.042) when compared with those working at normal sound levels.( 28 ) Another study observed that residential proximity to high traffic and traffic noise predisposed to higher blood pressure and hypertension.( 29 ) A study conducted in Denmark observed increase in systolic blood pressure per 10 dB(A) increase in 1 year mean road traffic noise levels.( 30 ) Other cardiovascular manifestations with noise exposure have also been studied.( 31 ) A study conducted in Stockholm observed that myocardial infarction was associated with long-term road traffic noise exposure of 50 dBA or higher (adjusted odds ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 0.95-1.33).( 32 ) The associations have been found to be weak although long-term exposure to LAeq, 24 h values of 65-75 dB are associated with cardiovascular disease, being stronger for ischemic heart disease than hypertension.( 3 ) However, such findings are important as increasing number of people are exposed to such noise levels.

A primary psychologic response to noise is annoyance. At a noise level of 50 dB, an adult can get moderately annoyed, and around 55 dB, seriously annoyed.( 3 ) In a study across Europe, the relation between noise annoyance and medically diagnosed illness was assessed. People who were annoyed by neighborhood noise over a long time were found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and migraine. People who were persistently annoyed by traffic noise were found to be at higher risk for respiratory health problems. Lower risk of annoyance-induced illness in older persons was suggested to be due to being concealed by senility. Emotional stress triggered by noise was suggested to play a role in the respiratory problems in children.( 33 )

A study conducted in Orissa found that, though people experienced noise-induced symptoms such as headache, bad temper, hearing problem, loss of concentration, and sleep disturbance, they were unaware of the ill-effects of noise on health.( 10 ) Noise pollution creates negative emotions of annoyance in the people.( 9 ) Residents living near roadways reported frequent irritation (52%), hypertension (46%), and loss of sleep (48.6%) due to noise pollution.( 15 ) Sleep is disturbed when indoor noise levels are above 30 dB, and 45 dB for sleeping outdoors. After-effects of sleep disturbance include headache and inability of concentrate in one's work and irritability.

Noise exposure among vulnerable groups, such as children, is an area of major concern. A comprehensive study among Austrian children observed that children in the noisier areas had manifested psycho-physiological changes. Resting systolic blood pressure and urinary cortisol were raised. Elevated heart rate to a stressor (reading test), and higher perceived stress symptoms were also observed.( 34 ) In another study, children exposed to higher noise levels had different physiological parameters, viz., high blood pressure and low heart rate, when compared with those in quieter areas.( 35 ) Children exposed to aircraft and road traffic noise had impaired cognition such as reading comprehension, recall, and reported annoyance.( 36 ) Early hearing impairment in children is a grave consequence of continuous exposure to noise. High impact loud sounds can cause more damage. Toys and fireworks are the major sources of such damaging sounds.

Another serious issue is the exposure of young people to high noise levels which exceed 100 dB LAeq, in places of entertainment. LAeq is the Equivalent Continuous Level. When a noise varies over time, the Leq is the equivalent continuous sound which would contain the same sound energy as the time-varying sound. Frequent exposure to such high noise levels could significantly cause hearing impairment.( 7 )

As per the Global Burden of Disease Report 2004 of the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of moderate to severe hearing loss (41 decibels or greater) was 278 million, and mild hearing loss (26-40 decibels) was 306 million. In India, the prevalence of hearing loss was estimated to be 63 million (6.3%).( 37 ) It is a common cause of Years lived with disability.

Recommendations

Fortunately, hearing loss due to community noise pollution is largely preventable. Preventive and control measures have been recommended, viz., stringent implementation of legislation, efficient engineering products, proper planning of roadways, considering their proximity to human settlements. In industry setting, personal protective equipment such as ear muffs and ear plugs are required.( 38 ) Good practices to prevent noise-induced ailments in children should be adopted.( 39 ) Noise attenuation by placing vegetations around buildings have also been recommended.( 40 , 41 ) Recommendations of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee include ban on pressure horns, phasing out of three wheeler autos, extensive plantation of trees on the roadsides, encouraging use of noise-absorbent materials, adequate noise barriers around silence zones, monitoring of loudspeaker, and generator sets to ensure compliance with prescribed rules.

Above all, awareness of the public and stakeholders is the key component in the prevention and control of community noise pollution. Basic and essential information should be extensively disseminated, such as noise levels created by common sources of noise pollution, adverse health effects on both the person creating noise, and the public preventive measures and conditions punishable under law.( 42 ) Graphic displays in public places are a good medium to spread the message. School campaigns, health education programs, and publicizing through print and electronic media can actively address this issue. Involvement of non-governmental organizations in generating public interest and co-operation, and providing audiological facilities will immensely help the cause.

Further exploratory studies are urgently required in India. Socio-demographic factors and determinants of noise-induced health effects, co-morbidities, population-specific thresholds for normal or impaired hearing should be studied.

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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NOISE POLLUTION AND ITS LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN INDIA

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With the advancement of science and technology at an unprecedented pace, the urban centers of today’s world have evolved not just in size but also in terms of the living conditions provided by them. This has brought about an increasing new awareness about the noise pollution, which has become a part of our day-to-day lives. Studies have been conducted to trace the amount of damage caused by the noise from various natural as well as man-made sources, especially traffic. In fact, noise has come to be associated with the mental, physical, emotional and psychological well-being of an individual, be it human beings or even animals. In legal terms, noise can be considered as an assault on an individual. Apparently, this is a potential hazard to the provisions of sound living conditions and needs to be checked at planning, administrative and judicial level. This paper identifies the various legislative provisions available in India and other parts of the world to check this menace. Referen...

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Wake up to noise damage

How noise pollution can cause irreversible harm and how to prevent it..

Noise pollution is said to have many adverse health effects, including cardiovascular. Is this an issue with sizeable concern? Dr Kalpana Nagpal, senior consultant and robotic surgeon, department of ENT and head and neck surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says noise pollution, and its potential impact on cardiovascular health, is a growing concern that warrants attention. Here is a clinical perspective on this issue:

Numerous studies have established a link between long-term exposure to elevated noise levels and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Chronic noise exposure can lead to physiological changes such as increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These changes can contribute to the development of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and other cardiovascular disorders over time. Additionally, noise pollution can disrupt sleep patterns, which is another risk factor for cardiovascular problems. Given the widespread nature of noise pollution in urban environments and its potential cumulative effects, it represents a significant public health concern that should be addressed through appropriate measures, such as noise monitoring, urban planning and public awareness campaigns.

What are the major hazards of noise pollution?

Noise pollution poses several major hazards to human health and well-being. Firstly, exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to various auditory problems, ranging from temporary hearing impairment to permanent hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This condition is irreversible and can severely impact an individual’s quality of life , making it difficult to communicate and engage in daily activities.

Secondly, noise pollution can have detrimental effects on overall physical and mental health. Chronic exposure to noise can lead to increased stress levels, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems (such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease), cognitive impairment, and even psychological disorders like irritability, anxiety and depression.

Noise pollution has also been linked to decreased productivity, reduced learning abilities in children, and a general decline in overall well-being. These far-reaching consequences underscore the importance of addressing noise pollution as a significant environmental and public health concern.

Does it impact hearing if subjected to for years, as most city dwellers or people close to highways and airports do?

The human ear is remarkably sensitive and can be damaged by excessive noise levels over time. Continuous exposure to noise levels above 70  decibels (dB) can gradually cause permanent hearing loss, even if the exposure is not intense enough to cause immediate harm. Many urban environments, such as busy streets and  neighbourhoods near airports, consistently exceed this threshold. As a result, city dwellers and those living near major transportation hubs are at an increased risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss over the years. This type of hearing loss is typically gradual, and individuals may not notice the changes until significant damage has already occurred.

From a clinical standpoint, NIHL is a permanent and irreversible condition that can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. It is caused by the progressive degeneration of hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. As these hair cells are damaged or destroyed by excessive noise exposure, the ability to hear certain frequencies diminishes, leading to difficulties in understanding speech, enjoying music, and perceiving environmental sounds. Early  intervention and preventive measures, such as using hearing protection devices and limiting exposure to loud environments, are crucial to preserving hearing health for those living in areas with high levels of noise pollution.

How can we protect ourselves?

Earmuffs which filter 30 decibel noise is advised in people working in factories or workshops where they are constantly exposed to loud noise. Honking on the roads should be punishable. Use of earmuffs for all the workers in factory should be mandatory and noise levels at weddings and parties should be under limits.

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Noise pollution in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): An emerging environmental threat

• Published: 30 January 2020
• Volume 192 , article number  152 , ( 2020 )

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• Jaydip Dey 1 ,
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Noise pollution in urban areas is an emerging environmental threat which local agencies and state authorities must consider in planning and development. Excessive noise is becoming a significant problem adversely affecting the physiological and psychological health of the citizens. Present study was carried out to assess and quantitatively evaluate ambient noise levels in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) consisting of 9 cities namely Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Thane, Ulhasnagar and Vasai-Virar. The noise environment was assessed on the basis of equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (L eq ), day-night noise levels (L DN ) and noise limit exceedance factor (NEF) during day and night time of working and non-working days in four different area categories, viz. industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones. Present study shows that silence zones have been the worst affected areas where noise pollution levels and NEF indicate excessive violation of permissible noise limits due to unplanned, congested and unruly spaces for developmental and commercial activities, followed closely by residential and commercial zones. Cities with separate industrial and commercial zones showed less noisy surroundings in comparison with those cities where land use pattern of industrial and commercial zones is around or overlapping each other. It can thus be concluded that appropriate demarcation and planned use of city space is important to avoid exposure to rising noise pollution levels. Based on the noise pollution in (MMR), various control measures are suggested including awareness campaign and strict compliance of the rules and regulations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute for providing the necessary infrastructure support and permission to publish this research.

The authors are also thankful to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for providing financial support to carry out this study.

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Komal Kalawapudi, Taruna Singh, Jaydip Dey, Ritesh Vijay & Rakesh Kumar

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Kalawapudi, K., Singh, T., Dey, J. et al. Noise pollution in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): An emerging environmental threat. Environ Monit Assess 192 , 152 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-8121-9

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Received : 02 August 2019

Accepted : 23 January 2020

Published : 30 January 2020

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-8121-9

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