The densely populated capital Dhaka continues experiencing severe noise pollution, posing a serious threat to public health. Dhaka often tops the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world, according to media reports. Sound pollution has turned acute in the capital and three other metropolitan cities as it is going far beyond the permissible level, putting the health of professionals working on the roads at high risk.
Some 25.3 percent of professionals working on the roads in five city corporations – Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Rajshahi, Cumilla, and Sylhet – are suffering from hearing impairment, says a study. The research, conducted on 647 people working on the roads and highways in the five city corporations, has found that noise levels range between 84 dB and 99 dB while roadside noise level is much higher than the allowable limit.
According to the World Health Organisation, generally 60 dB sound can make a man deaf temporarily and 100 dB sound can cause complete deafness. Noise pollution, also known as sound pollution causes various health problems, including hearing loss, headache and heart problems, health experts say.
Sound pollution is the disturbing noise with harmful impact on the activity of human life. The source of ambient sound worldwide is mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor-vehicles engines and construction works as well.
Sound pollution causes
various health problems,
including hearing loss,
headache and heart problems
Earlier experts and authorities came up with several suggestions like devising measures to properly enforce the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, determining the jurisdiction of government agencies on sound pollution control, and making hearing aid devices and sign language training available across the country. But the situation is deteriorating day by day due to a lack of coordinated efforts by the government agencies concerned with no sign of improvement. Besides, lack of research on the negative impact of sound pollution, unavailability of specific data on the menace and lack of awareness about it are also affecting the fight against noise pollution.
The government must enforce the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules to ensure a safe hearing environment for the future generations. Government and non-governmental organisations should launch campaigns at different levels, beginning from the family to the state level, to raise awareness about sound pollution and its impacts.
Noise pollution cannot be controlled effectively in the country without the dedication of the agencies concerned to their necessary tasks, including creating public awareness and combatting noise pollution. The government agencies should make concerted efforts to tackle noise pollution in capital Dhaka and other metropolitan cities immediately.
