Introduction
This project focuses on the evaluation of the impact of noise pollution in the Bloomington area. This study will utilize the measurements of noise levels, in dB, of the more urban areas of Bloomington and assess how damaging the surrounding noise is on the environment and people. The CDC determines a prolonged noise level of 70 dB may start to cause damage to human eardrums; they also state that a noise level of 120 dB will cause permanent damage upon hearing (CDC, 2019). Figure 1 is provided below to provide a range of dB of everyday noises (OSHA, 2020). The figure below indicates that prolonged levels of basic classroom chatter could lead to chronic health complications.
Figure 1, Source: OSHA, 2020
Noise pollution is often referenced as the unseen pollutant and is named one of the most inescapable forms of pollution since is linked to nearly all urban areas. (Harnapp, Noble, 1987). As the world and current society becomes increasingly urbanized; noise pollution seems to be the inevitable. The evaluation of the noise pollution is pertinent for a future of our urbanized society and evaluating possible long-term complications. In the 21st century, technology has led our society to embrace owning a car, traveling, manufacturing, etc. These practices lead to noise pollution becoming the unseen pollutant; it is important for us to determine how we can be aware of how we are affecting our surrounding environment and each other. It is estimated that over 200 million people in the world are affected daily by noise pollution (Geravandi, etc, 2015). There are various forms of noise, these include ambient noise, background noise and intrusive noise. Intrusive noise is determined to be the most harmful to public health and the environment; this is developed from point sources which are the noise a factory makes, the landing of an aircraft or the noise of city buses, (Harnapp, Noble, 1987).
Noise Pollution on the Environment
Noise pollution negatively affects the environment in various ways as well. Man-made sounds can confuse different biological groups such as, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and invertebrates (Sordello, etc, 2019). Additionally, when biological species attempt to communicate with their partners or detect prey or predators, man-made sounds can imitate or mask the sound of the biological group (Sordello, etc, 2019). Noise pollution can also be known to affect birds as well. Noise pollution can cause physical damage to their ears, stress, flight-fright responses, avoidance responses, changes in communication, potential changes to population and interference with the ability of birds to hear predators (Ortega, 2012). Noise pollution has also been known to raise cortisol levels in multiple species including seahorses, dogs, and fish (Kight, 2011). Studies have also indicated that pregnant species exposed to excessive environmental noise at 85 dB can experience premature birth or adverse pregnancy complications. Pregnant rats and their offspring have been evaluated after prolonged noise exposure; their offspring have had decreased dental calcium levels and developmental defects of their long and parietal bones (Kight, 2011). Therefore, a direct impact on animal fetuses can be indicated within the womb from high areas of noise (Kight, 2011). A study completed on female giant pandas indicated increased stress levels, increased cortisol levels and agitated behaviors when exposed to high amounts of noise (Kight, 2011). Species are also prone to cardiovascular impacts with excessive sound exposure, causing spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. Noise pollution can also damage DNA in biological species as well. Noise stressors can lead to altered chemical production or alter gene expression (Kight, 2011).
Noise Pollution on Human Health
In evaluation of the effect of noise pollution on human health, the effects of noise pollution can cause psychological, reproductive, and stress-related damage. Prolonged high noise exposure can lead to hypertension, anxiety, nervous tension, and other mental health problems (Harnapp, Noble, 1987). It can also lead pregnancies to adverse complications such as early birth due to noise stressors on the fetus (Dzhambov, 2018). Noise pollution can induce hearing damage and disrupt natural rhythms in the body (T.G, 2018). Prolonged noise pollution has led to chronic increases in hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These increased hormone levels can lead to hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure and immunodeficiency. Additionally, chronic noise exposure can also lead to hearing loss, difficulty sleeping, social handicaps, decreased motivation and productivity, decreased learning and teaching ability and increased drug and alcohol abuse (Mead, 2007). Studies implicate that noise pollution increasing heart disease related deaths. The effects of long-term traffic exposure affect 3% or 210,000 individuals of coronary artery disease deaths. Studies also indicate that the noise threshold for cardiovascular problems is about 50 dB of nighttime exposure (Mead, 2007). This level of noise exposure is equivalent to the noise level of light traffic; indicating that many of the population is easily susceptible. Additionally, studies have also indicated a possible connection between air pollution and noise pollution. Populations exposed to air pollution are also greatly affected by noise pollution as well (Mead, 2007) Additionally, noise pollution can affect the health of young children by causing respiratory complications, dizziness, and fatigue (Oguntunde, etc, 2019). A study published by the Environ Health Perspective assesses these health risks with increased exposure in Figure 2 provided below (Hammer, etc, 2014)
Figure 2, (Hammer, etc, 2014)
Hypotheses and Methods for Data Collection
The data for this experiment was collected utilizing a sound level meter. This tool can determine sound levels by measuring sound pressure; the units are in dB. Since noise pollution occurs more often in areas of high urban activity, the most populated areas of Bloomington were measured for sound activity. Sound levels were measured along Kirkwood Avenue, North College Avenue, and 3rd street; the sound levels were primarily collected near campus and near the surrounding urban heart of Bloomington. The data was collected at multiple different times of the week and at different times of day. It was estimated that noise levels would be higher on Friday or Saturday evenings with a hypothesized range of 75-80 dB. It was estimated that noise levels would be at their lowest on weekday evenings with a hypothesized range 60-70 dB. Areas with high construction activity were also hypothesized to have the highest levels of noise pollution; these were hypothesized to around 90 dB.
Data Collection and Measurements
| Sound Level (in dB) on Kirkwood Avenue | ||
| Day of the Week | Time of the day | Sound level range (dB) |
| Monday | 1pm | 67-80 |
| Monday | 7pm | 70-82 |
| Wednesday | 1pm | 65-80 |
| Wednesday | 7pm | 70-85 |
| Friday | 1pm | 73-85 |
| Friday | 7pm | 73-90 |
Table 1, Kirkwood Avenue
| Sound Level (in dB) on North College Avenue | ||
| Day of the Week | Time of the day | Sound level range (dB) |
| Monday | 1pm | 65-80 |
| Monday | 7pm | 68-83 |
| Wednesday | 1pm | 67-85 |
| Wednesday | 7pm | 70-85 |
| Friday | 1pm | 72-85 |
| Friday | 7pm | 71-90 |
Table 2, North College Avenue
| Sound Level (in dB) on 3rd street | ||
| Day of the Week | Time of day | Sound Level range (in dB) |
| Monday | 1pm | 65-80 |
| Monday | 7pm | 65-78 |
| Wednesday | 1pm | 65-80 |
| Wednesday | 7pm | 66-80 |
| Friday | 1pm | 65-78 |
| Friday | 7pm | 67-82 |
Table 3, 3rd Street
Photos of Locations for Data Collection
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Data Analysis
A one-way ANOVA test was done to evaluate the significance of the data collected. The significance was determined by utilizing the calculated p-value; if it is less than 0.05, then the data is significant. The determined p-value was 0.4793 which indicates that there is not enough evidence to indicate a significance of increased sound exposure between each location. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference between noise exposure collected during the time of day or day of the week. It can be concluded that prolonged noise exposure at any time of day or any day of the week can lead to possible long term health complications for individuals within the area.
| Kirkwood | North College Avenue | 3rd Street | |
| Mean | 73.58 | 74.83 | 77.58 |
| Standard Deviation | 7.45 | 8.36 | 8.65 |
| P-value | 0.4793 | 0.4793 | 0.4793 |
Table 4, One-Way ANOVA
Discussion
The collected data could not confirm the original hypotheses due to the indicated p-value which rejected the significance of increased sound exposure with each location. However, the collected data indicated that noise exposure is prevalent and notable in Bloomington, IN. The collected data indicates that these noise levels at prolonged periods of time pose a risk of causing hearing damage to the city’s population. While those who are passing through or visiting the area have a decreased risk; those who are working or living within the heart of Bloomington live with the risk of potential hearing damage and the risk of other health complications, such as hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, or anxiety. However, the effects of exposure are dependent on the frequency, intensity of the noise, exposure time and susceptibility of an individual or population; therefore, the full effects of surrounding noise pollution is unknown (de Paiva Vianna, etc, 2015). In determination of the effect of these noise levels on the surrounding environment, these evaluated areas of Bloomington have low animal populations due to increased urban activity. However, the effects of noise exposure in larger cities or in areas with high animal populations could radiate into animal habitats and cause long term complications.
Limitations of Research
In assessment of the limitations of this research, a consideration of the current worldwide pandemic is necessary. A full evaluation of noise pollution within the area cannot be carried out due to decreased social and business activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has decreased social gatherings within the city, decreased the number of students on Indiana University’s campus, and decreased the activity of surrounding restaurants and businesses. With these factors in consideration, the measured noise levels within this experiment may be at a record low due to this decreased city activity. Another limitation of this research is the population of Bloomington Indiana in comparison to the population of larger cities within Indiana or the United States. According to the 2019 U.S. Census, Bloomington has a population of 85,755 people (United States Census Bureau, 2019). In comparison, Indianapolis city has a population of 876,384 (United States Census, Bureau, 2019). These statistics may suggest that if this research were to be completed within the most populous or highest areas urban activity in Indianapolis, the measured noise levels may have a significant increase.
Possible Solutions
All in all, the measured noise levels of Bloomington, IN suggest that these levels at prolonged periods of time may cause permanent hearing damage and may lead to several health moderate to severe health complications. Noise pollution is an inevitable part of increasing urban activity and any city lifestyle; however, several reducing noise pollutions is possible with several government initiatives. The most cost effective and legal interventions for reducing noise pollution would be to reduce emergency transit vehicle sires, garbage, and street maintenance equipment with contractual agreements (Hammer, etc, 2014). Another strategy to reduce noise pollution would be to use trees or greenspaces as sound absorbers. Greenspaces can be provided as a buffer to areas with increased noise exposure (Dzhambov, 2018). Greenspaces have been known to reduce noise exposure by 5-8 dB (Dzhambov, 2018). While these are physically effective, greenspaces are also effective at addressing psychological noise exposure (Dzhambov, 2018). Lastly, utilizing the government to take next steps to reduce noise pollution, such as finishing homes, schools, hospitals, or businesses with sound-absorptive materials, to ensure safe and healthy housing for the surrounding community (Hammer, etc, 2014).
Further Research
In further study of noise pollution, a comparative analysis of noise exposure between Bloomington with Indianapolis could be done. Additionally, different cities within the United States could be assessed for noise exposure to evaluate what areas are in true need for sound reducing strategies and legal action. Noise pollution could also be evaluated amidst the current pandemic. With reductions in social and business activity, the stressors of noise pollution are at a record low. A study of the differences of noise exposure before/after the pandemic with noise exposure amidst pandemic could evaluate possible improvements with human health due to a possible prolonged break of heavy noise stressors.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Noises Cause Hearing Loss?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 Oct. 2019, www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
de Paiva Vianna, Karina Mary et al. “Noise pollution and annoyance: an urban soundscapes study.” Noise & health vol. 17,76 (2015): 125-33. doi:10.4103/1463-1741.155833
Dzhambov, Angel M et al. “Lower Noise Annoyance Associated with GIS-Derived Greenspace: Pathways through Perceived Greenspace and Residential Noise.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 15,7 1533. 19 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijerph15071533
Geravandi, Sahar, et al. “Noise Pollution and Health Effects.” Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences, Kowsar, 20 Jan. 2015, sites.kowsarpub.com/jjhs/articles/60312.html.
Hammer, Monica S et al. “Environmental noise pollution in the United States: developing an effective public health response.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 122,2 (2014): 115-9. doi:10.1289/ehp.1307272
Harnapp, Vern R., and Allen G. Noble. “Noise Pollution.” GeoJournal, vol. 14, no. 2, 1987, pp. 217–226. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/41143800. Accessed 21 Sept. 2020.
Kight, Caitlin R., and John P. Swaddle. “How and Why Environmental Noise Impacts Animals: an Integrative, Mechanistic Review.” Wiley Online Library, Ecology Letters, 2 Aug. 2011, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01664.x.
Mead, M. Nathaniel. “Noise Pollution: The Sound Behind Heart Effects.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 115, no. 11, 2007, doi:10.1289/ehp.115-a536b.
Oguntunde, Pelumi E et al. “A Study of Noise Pollution Measurements and Possible Effects on Public Health in Ota Metropolis, Nigeria.” Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences vol. 7,8 1391-1395. 29 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.234
Ortega, Catherine, P “Chapter 2: Effects of Noise Pollution on Birds: A Brief Review of Our Knowledge – Efectos De La Polución Sonora En Aves: Una Breve Revisión De Nuestro Conocimiento.” Ornithological Monographs, vol. 74, no. 1, 2012, pp. 6–22. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/om.2012.74.1.6. Accessed 21 Sept. 2020.
OSHA. “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Safety and Health Topics | Occupational Noise Exposure | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2020, www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/.
Sordello, R., Flamerie De Lachapelle, F., Livoreil, B. et al. Evidence of the environmental impact of noise pollution on biodiversity: a systematic map protocol. Environ Evid 8, 8 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-019-0146-6
T.G. “NOISE POLLUTION: UNFOLDING SOLUTION.” ASEE Prism, vol. 27, no. 8, 2018, pp. 13–13. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/26820043. Accessed 8 Oct. 2020.
U.S. Census Bureau. “U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Indianapolis City (Balance), Indiana.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, U.S Census Bureau, 1 July 2019, www.census.gov/quickfacts/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana.
U.S. Census Bureau. “U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Bloomington City, Indiana.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, U.S Census Bureau, 1 July 2019, www.census.gov/quickfacts/bloomingtoncityindiana.
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