Some people think that the amount of noise people make has to be controlled strictly. Others, however, say that people should be free to make as much noise as they wish. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
ESSAY #146 FROM OUR BOOK
Noise pollution is a matter of great concern nowadays. Knowingly or unknowingly, every one of us contributes to noise pollution, because most of our day-to-day activities generate some noise. Some people are of the opinion that there should be some restriction on the level of noise from human activities. Others do not believe in such regulations. This essay intends to discuss both perspectives. I, however, side with the former view.
The most important argument given by those in favour of noise control is that loud noise may adversely affect people in many ways. Noise above a certain level can cause hearing loss. Occupational noise exposure is the most common cause of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). For example, repeated exposure to noise pollution at a construction site can cause NIHL to construction workers, an effect that cannot be reversed.
Furthermore, there are the emotional or psychological effects such as irritability, anxiety and stress. Lack of concentration and mental fatigue are significant health effects of noise. It has been observed that the performance of school children is poor in comprehension tasks when schools are situated in busy areas of a city and suffer from noise pollution disturbance. Therefore, it is imperative that some check should be there on noise production.
On the other hand, those who oppose such laws against noise generation, give their reasons as follows. They assert that some amount of noise is inevitable. The sources may be domestic, natural, commercial or industrial. People believe that making noise at times is their basic right to express their emotions. They want to cheer and shout for their favourite team and dance to the beat of loud music when happy. They take any regulation on noise, as infringement of their basic rights.
To sum up, suitable action has to be taken to attenuate the noise levels and control noise pollution. It is high time we all realize that noise pollution is a slow poison.
