Why in News
In this festival season governments must prevent making of violative firecrackers.
Stringent measures are taken this time in concern of Air and Noise pollution.
Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000
The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 (the Rules) are a set of regulations enacted by the Government of India.
This act works under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
This act is to regulate and control noise pollution in the country.
The Rules were notified on February 14, 2000, and came into effect on April 14, 2000.
The Rules apply to all areas in India, except for areas notified as silence zones or zones of special significance.
Silence zones are areas where noise levels are to be maintained at the lowest possible level, such as hospitals, educational institutions, and courts.
Zones of special significance are areas where noise levels are to be maintained at a specified level, such as industrial areas and commercial areas.
The permissible noise in a residential area during the day is 55 dB(A), and the permissible noise level in a residential area at night is 45 dB(A).
The Rules also prohibit the use of certain types of noise-producing instruments, such as loudspeakers and public address systems, during certain times of the day.
What is Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is the presence of excessive or unwanted sound that can have a negative impact on human and environment health.
It can come from a variety of sources, including traffic, construction, aircraft, and industrial activity.
Noise pollution can have a number of negative effects on human health,
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Sleep disturbance
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Cardiovascular disease
Cognitive impairment
Noise pollution can also have a negative impact on the environment,
Disturbing wildlife
Reducing property values
Making it difficult to enjoy outdoor spaces
WHO recommends that noise levels should not exceed 70 dB over a 24-hour period, and 85 dB over a 1-hour period to avoid hearing impairment.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that the highest permissible level of noise exposure in the workplace is an average of 85 dB over an 8-hour day.
These limits are based on the fact that exposure to loud noise can damage hearing, even if the exposure is for a short period of time.
Hearing damage is irreversible, so it is important to protect your hearing from loud noise.
Here are some examples of noise levels in different environments:
Whisper: 30 dB
Normal conversation: 60 dB
Vacuum cleaner: 70 dB
Lawn mower: 80 dB
Motorcycle: 90 dB
Rock concert: 110 dB
Jet engine: 120 dB
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