In order to fully understand the meaning of the term noise pollution, it is necessary, first of all, to discover the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape. In this case, we can state the following:
-Contamination derives from Latin, specifically from "contaminatio - contaminationis" which, in turn, comes from the verb "contaminare", which can be translated as "to dirty" or "to alter the purity of something."
-Sonora, on the other hand, also emanates from Latin, in its case from "sonorus", which is synonymous with "sounding". Specifically, it is the result of the sum of two components: the verb "sonare", which means "to make noise", and the suffix "-oro", which is used to indicate "plenty".
The act and result of polluting is known as pollution . It is a process that refers to altering, in a harmful way, the normal or natural conditions of something. Sound , on the other hand, is that which sounds (generates a noise).
Noise pollution , in this framework, refers to an excess of noise that modifies the characteristics of the environment in a region. Also known as noise pollution , this environmental alteration negatively affects the quality of life.
Unlike air pollution , water pollution or soil pollution , noise pollution is not cumulative nor does it persist over time once it occurs. If industrial waste is dumped into a river or a field for ten consecutive days, said pollution will have accumulated over the days and will remain in place until some type of sanitation is carried out. Noise pollution, on the other hand, exists as long as the source generating the noise remains active; then it disappears.
Noise, considered a polluting agent, is a loud and persistent sound that causes discomfort and even damage to humans and animals. The disorders caused by noise pollution can be physical or psychological.
In addition to everything stated about noise pollution, we have to highlight another series of characteristics that it has:
-It is difficult to quantify.
-It is located in what are very specific spaces.
-It is only perceived by one of the senses: the ear.
-It is the most economical type of pollutant, since only the human voice is enough to generate it.
Air traffic over urban areas, the operation of machines on public roads and music played very loudly through loudspeakers are some examples of noise pollution. People who are constantly subjected to these stimuli may experience problems with their eardrums or have difficulty resting, to name a few possibilities.
In the same way, we cannot ignore other consequences suffered by people who are more or less frequently subjected to noise or acoustic pollution:
-Loss of hearing ability.
-Stress.
-Cardiovascular conditions.
-Aggressive behaviors.
-Low productivity.
Likewise, areas with high noise pollution encounter the fact that the value of the properties that exist there is lost.