News and Resources
A sleepless Louisiana community battles noise pollution: ‘It’s like torture’
The article highlights the struggles of a community on Hano Road, Louisiana, which faces persistent noise pollution due to frequent gravel and garbage truck traffic, mainly active between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m. This issue reflects a broader national problem, as the federal Office of Noise Abatement and Control has been defunct for four decades, leaving noise regulation largely to local governments.
Philly lawmaker proposes loud muffler ban
Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon introduced House Bill 2556 to combat vehicle noise pollution. The bill proposes banning the sale of devices that increase exhaust noise and penalizing violators with fines and potential jail time.
How noise pollution from planes, trains and automobiles can harm human health
The NPR Short Wave episode discusses the issue of noise pollution, emphasizing its harmful health impacts such as increased blood pressure, stress hormones, and risks of cardiovascular diseases. Joanne Silberner highlights everyday sources like highways and gas-powered tools and their disproportionate effects on poorer communities.
Why scientists who study noise pollution are calling for more regulation
The NPR article written by Joanne Silberner, emphasizes the need for stricter noise pollution regulation due to its documented health effects, such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Despite the Noise Control Act of 1972, noise regulation has been underfunded and understudied, evident with the closure of the EPA's Office of Noise Abatement and Control in 1981. Quiet Communities recently sued the EPA to encourage enforcement of noise regulations.
Quiet! Our Loud World Is Making Us Sick
The Scientific American article discusses the health risks of noise pollution, including heart disease and diabetes, caused by disruptions to sleep and increased stress. Jamie Banks, who founded Quiet Communities to advocate for noise regulation after experiencing excessive landscaping noise, remains hopeful for future federal action to address and regulate harmful noise levels.
Most N.Y.C. Drivers Who Honk Are Breaking the Law. Can They Be Stopped?
The New York Times article explores the challenge of enforcing bans on illegal honking in New York City, despite its negative health effects. Efforts like noise cameras and advocacy by experts like Arline Bronzaft aim to curb the practice, but persistent driving habits and limited public awareness make it difficult to significantly reduce noise pollution from honking.