Delhi stands second to four cities in noise pollution levels

“Long-term exposure to noise can lead to induced hearing loss and other issues”

New Delhi, April 24, 2018:

The National Capital of India, Delhi, is the second worst city in terms of high noise pollution levels, according to a report by the WHO. Noise pollution is a growing issue in the city, which is followed by Cairo, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Beijing in the line-up of cities where the levels have reached triple digits.

Noise pollution is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. One can tolerate exposure to 80 dB for up to 8 hours in a day; 85 dB for 4 hours; 90 dB for 2 hours; 95 dB for one hour; 100 dB for 30 minutes; 105 dB for 15 min and 110 dB for less than a minute without adequate sound protection.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), said, “Exposure to noise beyond permissible levels is a health hazard. Long exposure to loud traffic can lead to noise induced hearing loss in some cases. Noise shifts the body to sympathetic mode and takes us away from conscious-based decisions. One of the worst affected categories of people are the traffic police. Elevated noise levels can lead to development of tinnitus (buzzing sound in the ear). Tinnitus can further cause various psychological problems and the person may suffer from disturbed sleep, irregular blood pressure and sugar levels. On International Noise Pollution Awareness Day, it is imperative to create awareness on these aspects and take steps to curb noise, starting at a personal level.”

As per guidelines, the permissible noise levels in residential areas is 45 dB in night time and 55 dB in day time. Permissible noise limits in Silence zones are 50 dB in daytime (6am to 10 pm) and 40 dB in night time (10 pm to 6am).

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Vice President of CMAAO, said, “On road, one should use the horn only when absolutely necessary. Incessant honking can not only disturb traffic equilibrium but also others’ peace of mind. The IMA-NISS is observing 25th April as ‘No Horn Day’ all over the country, as traffic noise especially honking, is a major component of noise pollution in the country.“

Some tips to reduce noise pollution from HCFI.

• Signboards displaying ‘Silence zone’, ‘No honking’ must be placed near schools and hospitals.
• Efforts should be made to ban the use of horns with jarring sounds, motorbikes with damaged exhaust pipes, and noisy trucks.
• The use of loudspeakers in parties and discos, as well as public announcements systems should be checked and discouraged.
• Noise rules must be stringent and strictly enforced near such silence zones.
• Planting trees along roads and in residential areas is a good way to reduce noise pollution as they absorb sound.