Noise can make our lives difficult, and even make us sick.
Zoom in on this new pollution almost as important as that of the air !
Endless construction noises in the apartment above, cars speeding up, planes taking off, shrill cries of children... In France, 25 million people are affected by noise pollution and 9 million are particularly overexposed. This public health issue even has a cost estimated at 155.7 billion euros per year in France. Noise is in fact the second environmental factor causing damage to health, just after air pollution ! Deciphering this noise pollution which can seriously disrupt our quest for Clean Living.
What is the difference between noise nuisance and noise pollution?
We speak of noise pollution for very loud and/or repetitive noises that immediately alter the hearing system (tinnitus, whistling, auditory fatigue, hearing loss, etc.). Noise pollution is more complicated to understand, because its impact is not immediate. In addition, noises, often linked to human activity, can be tolerable and tolerated at first glance. It is by persisting over time that they become annoying and have harmful consequences on our health, and even on the environment. To take an example, underwater noise pollution is now threatening whales and dolphins!
The sources of noise pollution are known and identified. In pole position: passenger and goods transport (roads, metro, air transport, etc.). Then, neighbourhood noise, day and night. Finally, the noise of machines (from household appliances to construction site tools).
The impact of noise pollution on our health
Noise has serious consequences on our health. Hearing problems, of course, but also problems with high blood pressure, sleep and concentration problems , and even depression! In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified noise pollution as a public health problem, the second leading cause of morbidity linked to environmental factors .
Currently, 1 in 5 Europeans are exposed to high noise levels. And according to a 2020 report Noise in Europe by the European Environment Agency (EEA), this figure is expected to increase in the coming years .
How to protect yourself from noise pollution?
It all depends on what kind of noise pollution we are talking about. Inside a home, the noise should not exceed 30 decibels so as not to disturb everyone's well-being. Outside, it is not desirable that we are exposed to 85 decibels for several hours in a row. To give you an example, the noise of a lawnmower is around 90 decibels and a plane taking off is close to 150.
The law provides - in addition to the thresholds not to be exceeded - a risk of fine for non-compliance. Each European country must also combat noise pollution linked to transport infrastructure by establishing noise exposure maps and action plans to remedy them: hybrid engines, noise barriers, soundproofing of windows, etc.
Moreover, research and development departments in soundproofing have been innovating for years on the types of materials to use to limit the impact of noise.
Recently, a scientific study indicates that natural sounds , in addition to camouflaging noise pollution, would have a positive impact on blood pressure, and even stress levels. Let's have background music of birdsong, and why not install a Zen fountain with a gentle waterfall sound like in nature!
Different noise sensitivity
Have you heard of hyperacusis? This is the term used to describe hypersensitivity to everyday sounds. Discomfort, stress, etc. This condition is treated by retraining your brain to better tolerate noise. Because we are not all equal when it comes to noise and certain noises in particular. Some people cannot stand the sound of chewing, others the screams of children. This intolerance is often explained as manifestations of our unconscious that wants to tell us something about ourselves, our behavior, our history, our level of frustration in life. We must then delve into our inner silence to better understand.
