Does Noise Pollution Affect the Economy in any Way?

Many experts estimate that the average noise level in North America is doubling every 10 years. Common sense tells us that, sooner or later, all of us will be affected by the noise. In many highly industrialized areas, it is already high enough to cause hearing impairment, nervousness, hypertension, ulcers and suicidal tendencies. Clearly noise pollution is a problem that must be faced now.

The following are some aspects that demand your emotional and scientific contributions.

1. Measurement of noise using the decibel scale; threshold frequency; threshold of pain; intensity that produces hearing damage.
2. Effects of noise pollution on man and their animals. Can man adapt to increasingly high noise levels?
3. The present magnitude of the problem; projected changes in the nature of the problem.
4. Chief sources of excessive noise. You might include here the area of your community.
5. Control of noise pollution. You might investigate some specific sources such as power lawnmowers, motorbikes, sports cars, transport trucks, snowmobiles and motorboats. Are the high noise levels produced by these devices necessary? How could the noise be decreased? Is cost the main reason why noise has not been decreased? Are the noise levels below the limit set by law?
6. Laws regarding noise pollution. Who sets them? What are they? How strictly are they enforced?
7. Is an ever-increasing noise level an inevitable consequence of our way of living? Could laws that prohibit excessive noise affect the economy in any way?