"O barulho é a tortura do homem de pensamento" (Schopenhauer)

quarta-feira, 14 de maio de 2014

How To Reduce Noise Pollution and Its Negative Effects

Noise pollution can negatively impact the body in significant ways, including elevated blood pressure, impaired cognitive functioning, and other effects of chronic stress. The following are effective strategies you can use to limit the negative impact of noise pollution and safeguard your health and happiness.



Limit The Noise
Your first line of defense against noise pollution is to do what you can to control your environment, and limit the noise that enters your space. The following are ways that you can limit environmental noise and blunt the effects of noise pollution: 
  • Double-Paned Windows and Weather Stripping: If you live in a noisy city or near an airport, you can reduce noise in your home considerably by installing dual-paned windows, weather stripping, and even added insulation. As a bonus, these changes can also reduce your heating and cooling bills, and help the environment! 
  • Reduce Workplace Noise: If you work in a noisy office, you may want to talk to your employer about taking steps to reduce office noise, which has been found to affect the health and productivity of workers. 
  • Turn Off The T.V.: When you’re at home, a constant backdrop of television can have an effect on you as a distraction and potential stressor. 
  • Make Bigger Changes: You may even consider moving or changing jobs if you experience significant levels of noise that you can’t reduce in other ways. It sounds like a drastic step, but considering the toll that a noisy environment can take on your health, it may be an option to consider.