Emerging particularly alongside the development of industry and technology, population growth, and urbanization, noise pollution has become one of the most significant environmental problems of modern times.

What is noise?

Noise refers to harmful sound levels that negatively affect the lives and health of humans and other living beings.

Sources of environmental noise

The main sources of noise are divided into three groups: transportation vehicles, industrial facilities (factories etc.), and household and social appliances (kitchen appliances, musical instruments, elevators, air conditioners, generators). 

Among environmental noise sources, the one that most disturbs people and is the most widespread is the noise caused by motor vehicle traffic. The second most common source is indoor noise, referred to as “neighborhood noise.”

Noise control

Since noise is a systemic problem that must be addressed in relation to its source, the environment in which it spreads, and the people and living beings affected by it, controlling it requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The problem not only involves technology and urban planning but also has social, legal, and economic dimensions.

In recent years, global efforts to protect people from environmental noise have focused on creating quiet areas within cities, promoting an acceptable “soundscape” by emphasizing local, characteristic, social, cultural, and natural sounds, and designing buildings with “quiet façades.” Additionally, noise maps are being developed to identify areas with high noise levels, and numerical assessments are being made to evaluate health risks associated with chronic noise exposure.

Effects on human health

Exposure to noise can lead to hearing impairment, high blood pressure, heart problems, metabolic and respiratory disorders, premature births and infant mortality, sleep disturbances, stress, and numerous other health and psychological problems.

Studies have shown that noise has particularly detrimental effects on both work and academic performance.