Kamal Institute of Higher Education and Advance Technology organized the first edition of knowledge series starting with a guest lecture on “Is Noise pollution the next big thing” on 20th March 2021. The speaker for this event was Ms. Bhavna Gupta, an eminent motivator and public speaker.
Ms. Bhavna began with an introduction to the concept of NOISE POLLUTION. She explained that it is generally defined as regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms. According to the World Health Organization, sound levels less than 70 dB are not damaging to living organisms, regardless of how long or consistent the exposure is.
Noise is more than a mere nuisance. At certain levels and durations of exposure, it can cause physical damage to the eardrum and the sensitive hair cells of the inner ear and result in temporary or permanent hearing loss, known as noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing loss does not usually occur at SPLs below 80 dBA (eight-hour exposure levels are best kept below 85 dBA), but most people repeatedly exposed to more than 105 dBA will have permanent hearing loss to some extent.
She added that excessive noise exposure can raise blood pressure and pulse rates, cause irritability, anxiety, and mental fatigue, and interfere with sleep, recreation, and personal communication. Children living in areas with high levels of noise pollution may suffer from stress and other problems, such as impairments in memory and attention span. Noise pollution control is therefore important in the workplace and in the community.
Ms. Bhavna laid emphasis on the various causes of noise pollution namely:
• Unnecessary usage of horns.
• Using loudspeakers either for religious functions or for political purposes.
• Unnecessary usage of fireworks.
• Industrial noise.
• Construction noise.
• Noise from transportation such as railway and aircraft.
She also discussed the measures by which we can reduce noise pollution.
• Use Earplugs
• Turn off Appliances at Home and offices
• Shut the Door when using noisy Machines
• Lower the volume
• Follow the Limits of Noise level
• Control Noise level near sensitive areas
• Use Noise absorbents in noisy machineries
The event was concluded with a thank you note by Dr. Anudeep Arora, Director, KIHEAT. The students actively participated and promised to spread awareness among their fellow beings and motivate their elderly to stop noise pollution.