Commercial areas noisier than industrial estates

Hyderabad: Noise pollution, a by-product of urbanization and industrialization, is now recognized as a major problem in urban areas. Interestingly, commercial areas are creating more pollution compared to the industrial areas in Hyderabad.

According to a latest study by Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), the noise pollution in the industrial areas is being controlled, but the commercial areas are more affected.

For instance, in January 2019, industrial areas like Sanathnagar, Jeedimetla and Gadapothram recorded 71.7 decibel. The noise pollution in the same areas has reduced to 60.5 decibel in the latest data. On the other hand, the noise pollution in commercial areas like Abids, JNTU and Panjagutta recorded 67.3 decibel in January. However, the noise pollution rose to 72.4 decibel, according to the latest data.

Excessive honking, impatient drivers and traffic jams are the reasons for the increasing noise pollution in the city, say experts. The noise pollution in the residential areas is observed all but constant, with a fluctuation ranging between 55 decibel and 59 decibel.

Noise exposure has been known to induce noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, vasoconstriction and other cardiovascular adverse effects. Chronic noise exposure has been associated with sleep disturbances and increased incidence of diabetes.

"Our ears can stand a maximum of 85 decibel, before it begins to damage by the noise. Anything above 85 decibel can damage your hearing. Normal conversation is typically in the range of 60 to70 decibel. If the sound around us reaches 120 decibel, it is very harmful," says Dr Anil Kumar, ENT surgeon.

How long can you stay in a noisy environment?

8 hours in 85 db sound

4 hours in 88 db sound

2 hours in 91 db sound

1 hour in 94 db sound

30 minutes in 97 db sound

15 minutes in 100 db sound

If you are exposed to such high noise levels as stated above, then you should make sure that you are not exposed to any noise for the rest of the day. For instance, if you are exposed to 88 dB for 4 hours, the rest of your workday should be spent without much noise exposure.

Noise at work

There are legal restrictions that regulate the allowed noise level in work settings. The maximum noise level is 85 decibel. Unnecessary noise should be reduced. If you are exposed to noise levels above 80 decibel at workplace, you should wear hearing protection.