Scientists push for tougher noise regulations – One Green Planet

EPA’s journey in noise regulation began promisingly. The creation of the Office of Noise Control and Abatement after 1972 legislation led to the development of regulations aimed at mitigating noise from sources such as garbage trucks. Despite the clear link between excessive noise and hearing damage, the office faced a defunding under the Reagan administration in 1981. That funding cut halted further progress, and responsibility for noise regulation was shifted to local communities.

Currently, people living near highways, railroads, or noisy neighborhoods often lack adequate protection from noise pollution. This lack of regulation contrasts sharply with local successes, such as Washington’s 2022 ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. The ban, which took six years to implement, underscores the potential for meaningful noise regulation at the federal level.

Studies have consistently shown the harmful effects of noise pollution on health. Chronic exposure to traffic noise is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The World Health Organization estimates that traffic noise in Western Europe causes 1.6 million healthy life years lost each year. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive noise regulation.

In the U.S., the last significant data on noise exposure were collected in 1981, leaving researchers like Richard Neitzel of the University of Michigan to rely on outdated information. Neitzel’s research suggests that a modest 5-decibel reduction in noise could significantly reduce the incidence of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, potentially saving billions of dollars in health care costs.

Noise pollution disproportionately affects low-income and disadvantaged communities where highway and industrial noise sources are more prevalent. These communities often lack the resources to enforce local noise ordinances, exacerbating their exposure to harmful noise levels.

Despite the clear need for action, mainstream environmental organizations have largely ignored noise pollution in favor of more traditional issues such as air and water quality. As Denis Hayes, a prominent environmentalist, notes, noise pollution lacks the emotional appeal that drives donations and support for other environmental causes.

The call for stricter noise pollution regulations is a matter of public health and environmental justice. As scientists and advocates continue to push for change, there is hope that noise pollution will finally receive the attention and regulation it deserves.

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