Sound occurs when the complex system inside our ears picks up vibrations in the air, which our brains interpret as the birds chirping, clacking keys on a computer and roaring traffic. Our days are permeated with sound - it's inescapable. But when sound becomes bothersome, we call it noise. When noise in a particular area is constant and damaging, we refer to it as noise pollution.
Construction and traffic can contribute to noise pollution. If you're passing through an area with a good deal of noise pollution, such as a construction site, you might not mind this noise since it is a temporary disturbance that isn't likely to cause hearing loss, stress or other health issues. But if your home - which should be a bastion of peace, quiet and calm - is in an area with frequent or pervasive noise pollution, this could be dangerous to your health. Conditions brought on by noise pollution include insomnia, hearing loss and heart health issues. You can suffer noise-induced hearing loss by being exposed to noise above 85 decibels for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, noise between 120 and 140 decibels can actually cause the ear to feel pain.
Here are some common sources of noise pollution in neighborhoods:
Traffic sounds from a major highway, including passing traffic, vehicles that are not properly maintained and honking horns
Airport traffic if you live near an area where planes are frequently taking off and landing above your house
Venues where major concerts and events are held and loudspeakers are used
Construction sites that involve heavy machinery
Industrial sites, including factories
Living nearby dogs with high-pitched barks
Leaf blowers, lawn mowers, power tools and other loud at-home machinery
Train tracks with frequent traffic
Living near a fire or police station