Noise Pollution: Monitoring and mitigation strategies

Pollution is a buzz word now; Air Pollution and Water Pollution come to mind immediately. But the noise we experience day in and day out by listening to loud music, horns on the road, weddings etc., has an impact which goes unnoticed most of the time.

During the industrial revolution comes to India, in the form of start up new projects, road projects and make in India buzz, industrial noise pollution, silently. Generally power plants, DG sets, factories operate round the clock producing noise beyond permissible limits affecting workers and nearby communities which include infants, just born and adults. This noise is continuous, high density and long lasting.

In J&K we experience unwanted noise at homes, in offices, in hospitals, schools, roads and in industrial areas. The data is not available as it should be with the concerned agencies which makes it difficult to gauge the actual scenario. The hearing issues generally intermingle with other ailments and no credible data is collected. Our children are used to headphones which creates confusion, anxiety and depression in children. Parents have to curb this menace at home for a health future generation.

Rising Concern among Policy makers

Industrial noise pollution has caught the attention of policy makers in recent times. Noise Pollution from the industries and industrial clusters is considered a growing challenge in India. With the increase in hearing loss cases of the industrial workers coming to the fore due to high decibel working environment. This has been directly relating to the high decibel levels emitted by machines, tools, traffic, construction, loud entertainment, heavy machinery, DG sets and construction sites where noise emitted is exceeding the noise standards published by CPCB and are mandated by law.

The Invisible Threat within Industrial operations

Noise emanating from the industrial establishments is actually a negative effect of the methodology and process being undertaken in an industrial setting. In such environment the noise is produced and exceeds 80db which has a potential to damage human nervous system.

Health risks highlighted by WHO

The WHO says 85db noise for a prolonged period leads to irreversible hearing loss, decreased productivity for workers and it therefore becomes imperative for the industry to control the unwanted noise of the machinery and equipment and control noise levels. Such patients reported disturbance, confusion, depression, ill health and loss of concentration, stress, sleep disturbance, other health issues. The economic loss has also been reported due to less work by the industrial workers.

Causes of industrial noise pollution

During manufacturing process in a steel industry it creates huge noise to the tune of 110dB by metal cutting, welding and grinding. Such an intense noise is bound to cause severe health issues which include hearing loss, depression, and sleeplessness to the human body.The use of heavy machinery and equipment such as turbines, generators, compressors when turned on create huge noise up to 110db which is enough to cause irreversible damage to the human system.

Transport and logistics sector, trucks, conveyer systems create lot of noise in warehouses and factories.

Types of industrial noises

There are four types of industrial noises which are generated from various sources and decimated and propagated in the industrial settings.

Continuous noise: This noise is emanating from machines operating continuously like engines and stone crushers. In case of crushers noise is created continuously along with the dust particularly so when the conveyer belt is not jacketed.

Intermittent noise: This type is produced from a period of activity and inactivity like noise from excavator, plane overhead, washing machine etc

Impulsive noise: This is a sudden impact noise and is an example hydraulic hammer or mechanical press.

Tonal noise: Here in this scenario almost all acoustic energy is centered around specific frequencies giving specific tone to the sound so produced as the case of a mining fan.

A 1000 KVA DG set without acoustic treatment can generate sound levels above 100 decibels. Manufacturing processes such as drilling, grinding, and stamping add to the problem, while construction and mining activities like blasting can exceed 120 decibels, levels .

Health and Environmental Impacts

The effects of industrial noise pollution are far-reaching. For workers, prolonged exposure leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disorders, stress, and cardiovascular issues. Productivity also decreases, as high noise levels reduce concentration and increase fatigue.

For nearby communities, noise spreads beyond factory premises, disturbing schools, hospitals, and residential colonies. Continuous disturbance leads to sleep disruption, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Wildlife is also impacted; animals in nearby ecosystems experience disrupted communication and breeding cycles due to constant industrial sound.The plant life is also affected by the continuous noise.

Effect of noise pollution

Effect and impact of noise on the workers who are exposed for a long duration face many health risks which include hearing loss which cannot be reversed, stress and anxiety leading to mental issues. Environmental impact is also high as the nearby communities humans and livestock face continuous noise. This leads to many legal cases and complaints with the concerned authorities.

Legal framework in India

Under Air Act 1981 and EP Act 1986 noise has been recognized as an air pollutant. The Noise Pollution (regulation and control rules) divided areas into residential, commercial and silence zones. Noise pollution is finding a reference in Motor Vehicles Act, Factories Act and Railways Act also.

Through comprehensive environmental pollution index the CPCB undertakes air, water pollution assessment and CEPI is used to assess the overall environmental quality of industrial clusters, which includes air, water, and land, though noise pollution is a component of this assessment but the implementation nad focus is lacking.

CPCB Noise Standards in India

To protect health and the environment, the CPCB under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 sets limits as:

Industrial Area: 75 dB(A) during the day and 70 dB(A) at night.

DG Sets: Maximum permissible noise is 75 dB(A) at 1-meter distance, and every DG set must be fitted with an acoustic enclosure and silencer.

Implementation Challenges

The reason for worsening noise levels in industrial areas is mainly the rapid urbanization and poor enforcement of regulations. Many industrial areas continue to operate above permissible decibel levels despite regulatory framework aimed at mitigation.

Due to non seriousness in data collection and recognition of the problem, India has invested little in noise pollution abatement which has resulted in large sick population particularly the older adults who bear the brunt in their later life. The health care cost also goes up and the productivity is also compromised.

Mitigation strategies

The Govt of India understood that noise emanating from different sources may be from industrial activity, generator sets, public address systems, construction activity, vehicular horns, mechanical devices, music systems is impacting the well being of public it was necessary to control and regulate noise from all these sources noise standards as notified by the CPCB for the regulation and control of noise producing and generating sources and is published as “The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000” so it became mandatory for all citizens of India to adhere to such regulations and to the industry producing noise beyond the permissible limits.

Compliance

It is an important aspect of any industry to adhere to the rules and regulation. Although these rules are mandatory and invite legal action but the industry in India needs to recognize noise control for their own well being and for the economic uplift of their industry. They have to ensure that noise level does not exceed beyond 80db for consecutive 8 hours.

Protective Gear

It is morally and ethically important for the industry to provide personal protective gear to its workers which can be ear plugs and face masks for personal protection.

Administrative Control

Implement shift system in the workers and do not expose the worker to a noise level of above 80 db for more than 8 hours and rotate the shift. Each industry can designate silent zones where such workers can take rest. There is Public Liability Insurance Act 1991 which has an option of Environment Relief Fund, Employees Compensation Act 1923 etc.

Technological Control

This can be in the form of sound proofing of walls, floors and ceilings by a sound absorbing material. The wear and tear of heavy machinery and equipment also causes an increase in noise and the regular maintenance regime will reduce the noise and other pollutants also harmful to the human.

Noise monitoring

Every industry should have a well calibrated sound level meter for regular monitoring. This will help with accurate and real time noise measurements and stay compliant with the regulations so as to avoid lawsuits and legal battles on the environment.

Zoning and Planning

Establishment of a green buffer zone of local species around the industry will help to absorb and dissipate noise effects.

Non-compliance can result in notices, penalties, and even refusal of Environmental Clearance (EC) for new projects.

IoT and sensors, ANC systems using sound wave inversion to cancel unwanted noise, advanced acoustic material like sound dampening composites and vibration isolators.

Awareness and Training

It is felt that awareness part is very weak as the communities don’t consider this as serious a hazard as it is actually because of other related factors which take the lead in a sick person in such circumstances.

Sound level monitoring meters give on spot measurement and the board can pin point the exact site for regulation. Regular monitoring reduce the risk of workers from hearing loss and therefore the impact on economics can be reduced.

But my experience says the industry has an equipment say sound level meter but there is no man behind the machine which renders it useless. Technical innovation and that is what ESG framework suggests. The industry has to keep an environmental expert on its establishment and train their personnel on regular basis.

Preventive Measure and Research

There are preventive measures also which will include a thorough noise impact study. The data so collected can be gainfully used to identify primary sources of noise and the level during the industrial activity and thus allowing workers and employees to allow implement noise control strategies in an effective manner. On a scientific basis noise control solutions aims to control noise at the source and trace the pathway between the equipment and the worker for a better strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is deduced that industrial noise pollution is a serious concern and a major safety issue impacting environment, productivity of the workers and above all heath concerns. It is therefore pertinent and incumbent for the industry to analyze its causes and consequences.

Do you know that UNFCCC has not included noise in its charter for added emphasis? I feel it should be part of clean air programme because ambient noise is an issue for the communities.

There are more to it if we go for R&D because using quieter equipment, the implementation and introduction of noise reduction technologies like acoustic barriers, acoustic blankets are custom made and are proven to control industrial noise at source. Such investments, regularly upgrading their equipment and mitigating noise from the machines by acoustic enclosures the industries can proactively address noise pollution issues.

One thing needs to be kept in mind that noise pollution poses a significant challenge to the workers’ health and well being. It is possible to mitigate noise related issues by implementing noise control measures. By employing noise control measures, by protective gear and compliance to the regulations the industry can provide a safer environment.