Unpleasant or undesirable sound is noise. The pitch of a sound means how shrill or bass it is. Sounds with a high pitch or those which are very loud are not only unpleasant, but also injurious.

Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause headache, loss of concentration, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and partial or permanent loss of hearing. Even a short burst of very shrill or very loud noise can damage hearing. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels (dB). Noise of 115 dB or more is harmful to the ears. Prolonged exposure to a noise level of above 80 dB can lead to the loss of hearing.

Controlling noise pollution

a) The central pollution control Bard has set different maximum permissible noise levels or day and night in residential, commercial and industrial areas. These standards should be maintained.

b) Noise- producing industries should be located away from human habitation. Those working in such industries should protect their ears with earmuffs or cotton plugs. In general, industrial noise level can be reduced if machines are maintained properly.

c) The use of loudspeakers and amplifiers should be restricted.

d) Traffic noise can be reduced by blowing horns only when necessary, using silencer and keeping vehicles in a good condition.

e) Silence zones should be created near residential areas, educational institutions and hospitals.

How you can protect the environment

1) Save newspapers for recycling. Use reusable plates and cups instead of paper ones.

2) use both sides of your writing and drawing paper

3) do not litter; put all your rubbish in the bins

4) plant trees

5) be sure to switch off the lights when you leave a room

6) don’t let the water when you brush your teeth

7) you can walk or ride your bicycle for short distance