Pollution by Noise and Light

Noise forms a constant threat since industrial revolution. Too much noise exposure is affecting hearing ability and disturbs the mental balance. Noise comes to the level of pollution while it interferes with human communication. If all the unwanted sounds are dumped into the atmosphere, it becomes a threat as it disturbs the ears and affects the mental health. All displeasing sounds created by human or machine, is pollution. It disrupts the regular activity of human or animal life.  It causes annoyance, aggression, high stress and sleep disturbances. The sources of noise should be controlled and it is to be checked in path of transmission. It is advisable to convert the traffic from dwelling sites.

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            Light and visual are other two pollutions that affect the ecosystem but have earned little attention. The excessive use of artificial light disrupts vision and affects health. Use of unappealing artificial lights is an energy waste. The overexposure to bright light decreases the production of melanin which in turn increases the risk of breast cancer. The animals and birds get confused by the artificial lights. This affects their breeding pattern and thus causes the extinction of various species. In the aesthetic sense it impairer’s one’s ability to enjoy and as a result headache and anxiety increases. The structures and buildings that obstruct the view of pretty scenes are visual pollutants. The smoke and haze scatters light and obstruct visibility. The dust along with the smoke from vehicles and forest fires affect the visibility. The artificial lights, emitted to the night sky which alters the beauty of natural scenes, is the main source of light pollution. It produces sky glow and which obstructs the vision of amateur and professional astronomers.

Noise pollution and light pollution are the by products of the modern life . The negative effects these have on our life can be reduced by the judicious use of these necessary evils.