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Sound is measured in decibels.
...
A short period of more than 90
decibels can damage the hearing. Tiny hairs in
the hearing mechanism, once destroyed by excessive noise,
never grow back. The damage is permanent.
NOISE POLLUTION-
rcontinued from page 7)
constant levels, from air condi–
tioners, freeways or other back–
ground noise, can over a long
period cause hearing loss rang–
ing from slight to total deaf–
ness.
But excessive noise does more
than damage the delicate hearing
mechanism. l t has been found to
affect the nervous system, the
endocrine system, the stomach
and emotions. Likewise it has
been demonstrated that noise
adversely affects the heart and
blood vessels, causing high blood
pressure and an increase of the
cholesterol level.
Sudden noise, such as a car
backfiring or fireworks can cause
a jump in pulse rates and blood
pressure, muscular contractions
and changes in the flow of diges–
tive juices. Noise sets nerves on
edge. It produces stress emotion–
ally and physically.
l t is becoming increasingly rec–
ognized that the noises of civiliza–
tion are part ly responsible for the
diseases of civilization. Still, sorne
people, more often than not
young people , enjoy noise- at
least they think they enjoy it. But
chances are they've known noth–
ing else. To them noise is often
synonomous with power. A loud
motorcycle or automobile says,
"Look at my power, everybody!"
and in sorne cases even serves as a
kind of mating call.
The deafening (Jiterally!) au–
dio leve! at which disco or rock
music is usually played has an
actual physical impact on the
body. Whíle it may be inter–
preted as being powerful and
desirable, it is far from that. Dr.
Carlín said he went to a d isco
with two deaf friends. "1 was
going to tell them 1 had to leave
because the noise was hurting.
14
They left first because the deci–
bel count was so high they felt
pain in major organs of their
body
[sic]
although they could
not hear."
Young or old, we are victims of
more than the noise we can hear:
many machines produce noise
above or below the range of
human hearing. Even though our
ears cannot pick up these noises,
they too may affect the body,
bringing about such symptoms as
headaches, nausea, loss of equilib–
rium and fatigue.
What Can You Do?
Unless you attempt to flee to the
country, miles from civilization,
foregoing all of its loud gadgets,
you cannot completely escape
harmful noise. But to sorne
degree you can lessen its effects.
Here are sorne of the recommen–
dations of various experts who
have studied the problem of noise
pollution:
1) Avoid wherever possible
subjecting yourself to loud noise.
2) Keep background noise to a
mínimum.
3) Keep doors and windows
closed when there is a lot of out–
side noise.
4) Use heavier draperies,
weather stripping and other noise
deadening materials.
5) Have ear plugs available for
use when needed.
There are laws on the books in
many areas that, if enforced,
would cut down on sorne noise.
Enforcement, however, is a prob–
lem. The police are too busy chas–
ing criminals to answer a "1oud
stereo" complaint. The reply one
police department gave expressed
its frustration. When a caller
complained because a neighbor
had set up an amplified drum set
in his back yard, the police officer
asked, "What do you want us to
do about it?" "Well," the caller
replied, "can' t you get him for
disturbing the peace?" To which
the policeman responded, "He's
not disturbing
our
peace!"
The real solution to the noise
problem involves a fundamental
change in the way society func–
tions. Speaking about the harmful
effects of noise, Dr. Carlin stated,
"Adults should know better, but
it is the children
1
worry about.
With the loud music, the other
noise pollution, the future doesn't
look good for them unless their
values are turned around."
The values of the whole world
do neec;i to be turned around. So
much needless stress from noise
could be eliminated if people
would just be considerate of
others. Keeping the stereo turned
down, keeping the dog quiet, not
honking the horn or squealing the
brakes without reason, not rev–
ving the engine. Just plain unsel–
fish consideration. Rare in this
world.
The other basic step in solving
the problem is to eliminate harm–
ful noises at their point of origin
by designing products and using
procedures that do not exceed
realistic, enforced noise leve!
standards.
That 's the way it will be in the
World Tomorrow. When society
is set up and run God's way, there
will be thoughtful planning
against injurious side effects from
human endeavors. There will be
plenty of joyful sounds, but
nerve-wrac~ing,
harmful noise
will no longer be a factor in
people's lives.
God describes that time this
way: "the work of righteousness
shall be peace; and the effect of
righteousness quietness and
assurance for ever. And my
people shall dwell in a peaceable
habitation, and in sure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places"
(lsaiah 32: 17-18). o
The
PLAIN TRUTH