Air, water, chemical and noise pollution are quietly cutting years from human life, raising risks of heart disease, cancer and infections. New findings reveal how tiny particles and toxins enter the body and harm organs, stressing the need for cleaner environments.


10 ways pollution is secretly shortening human lifespans

Baleen whales have evolved a special voice box to help them to sing underwater -- but this could also make them uniquely vulnerable to being drowned out by human noise pollution, according to new research published Wednesday. But the scientists also found a potentially serious challenge for the whales: the struggle to make themselves heard over noise pollution from ships.

Research shows human noise disrupt Whales' communication

Cows grazing on lush pastures with ornate metal bells gently tinkling around their necks may be one of the ultimate symbols of Switzerland, but not everyone is enchanted by such traditional scenes.

In the village of Aarwangen in central Switzerland, a complaint was filed earlier this year over the noise levels from a herd of around 15 cows grazing overnight on a field next to a residential area.

Two couples in rental apartments overlooking the field asked authorities to intervene to make the farmer remove the bells at night.&nbsp;

The reaction was swift and fierce, with overwhelming demands for a local vote to protect the traditional use of bells.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/less-diverse-nature-emojis-are-affecting-conservation-efforts-say-scientists-668859">Less diverse nature emojis are affecting conservation efforts, say scientists</a>

"My first reaction when I heard about the complaint was one of surprise," Aarwangen's Mayor Niklaus Lundsgaard-Hansen, who lives near the field in question, told AFP.

"I wasn't aware that cows made a lot of noise, but I have learned that they can disturb some people."

He was even more surprised at the massive response.

Petitioners needed to gather backing from just 10 per cent of those eligible to vote in the village of 4,800 people -- about 380 signatures -- to push the issue to a vote under Switzerland's direct democracy system.

Instead, they showed up with 1,099 signatures for the "Bell Initiative", aimed at maintaining the right of farmers to use cowbells at all hours.

"That's enormous," Lundsgaard-Hansen said.

The initiative was officially presented at a municipal assembly Monday evening, and the village decided it should be put to a popular vote that is expected to take place in June.

The backing was "overwhelming", Andreas Baumann, a neurologist who spearheaded the initiative, told AFP, adding that only four of the 166 people present at the meeting had opposed moving ahead with a vote.

<h2>- 'About tradition' -</h2>

Cowbells were once indispensable for keeping track of herds grazing on Alpine pastures, and while their usefulness has waned with the emergence of GPS trackers, they remain a powerful symbol of idyllic Swiss rural life.

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Last week, rituals related to Alpine farming, including driving cattle up to high mountain pastures for the summer wearing the decorative bells, were added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

But with many urbanites seeking tranquil havens in the countryside, often within commuter distance from cities and towns, the charm of cowbells sometimes wears thin.

A growing number of complaints have been lodged in recent years over noise levels from cowbells.

There have also been protests about churches ringing out the time every 15 minutes, night and day, as is typical in many Swiss communities -- something the "Bell Initiative" also aims to defend.&nbsp;

Such complaints frequently spark heated reactions in defence of traditions feared under attack in Switzerland -- a country of high immigration where foreigners make up a quarter of the population.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-anxiety-is-lying-to-you-saying-no-to-plans-isnt-all-that-bad-finds-study-668806">&nbsp;Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study</a>

"It's about our tradition," Baumann said. "Do we want to preserve what our ancestors created, or do we just put that into a museum?"

"The bells are in the DNA of Swiss people, and here in Aarwangen we want to preserve that."

Set on the banks of the Aare river against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Aarwangen counts 19 working farms, according to Lundsgaard-Hansen.&nbsp;

But the village, half an hour's drive from Bern and about an hour to both Zurich and Basel, "is not really a farming community", he said.

<h2>- 'Gives me hope' -</h2>

The couples who filed the complaints about the cowbells likely had not expected such an overwhelming pushback.

One decided to withdraw their complaint, while the other is looking to move out of the village, the mayor said.

Regardless of which way the village votes, the farmer in question could still be ordered to remove the cowbells at night if authorities find they surpass acceptable noise levels.

A judicial ruling is expected soon.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/end-fossil-fuels-12-year-old-indian-climate-activist-licypriya-kangujam-storms-cop28-stage-watch-668823">‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch</a>

Rolf Rohrbach, who runs a nearby cattle farm, said he loved the tradition.

"It gives me hope," he told AFP, insisting that the bells are needed to keep track of young cows.

Personally, he said he could think of nothing better than to hear the gentle ringing at night.

"When I sleep, I like it," he said. "I know my cows are home."

Cows grazing on lush pastures with ornate metal bells gently tinkling around their necks may be one of the ultimate symbols of Switzerland, but not everyone is enchanted by such traditional scenes.

Cows grazing on lush pastures with ornate metal bells gently tinkling around their necks may be one of the ultimate symbols of Switzerland, but not everyone is enchanted by such traditional scenes. In the village of Aarwangen in central Switzerland, a complaint was filed earlier this year over the noise levels from a herd of around 15 cows grazing overnight on a field next to a residential area. Two couples in rental apartments overlooking the field asked authorities to intervene to make the farmer remove the bells at night. The reaction was swift and fierce, with overwhelming demands for a local vote to protect the traditional use of bells. ALSO READ | Less diverse nature emojis are affecting conservation efforts, say scientists "My first reaction when I heard about the complaint was one of surprise," Aarwangen's Mayor Niklaus Lundsgaard-Hansen, who lives near the field in question, told AFP. "I wasn't aware that cows made a lot of noise, but I have learned that they can disturb some people." He was even more surprised at the massive response. Petitioners needed to gather backing from just 10 per cent of those eligible to vote in the village of 4,800 people -- about 380 signatures -- to push the issue to a vote under Switzerland's direct democracy system. Instead, they showed up with 1,099 signatures for the "Bell Initiative", aimed at maintaining the right of farmers to use cowbells at all hours. "That's enormous," Lundsgaard-Hansen said. The initiative was officially presented at a municipal assembly Monday evening, and the village decided it should be put to a popular vote that is expected to take place in June. The backing was "overwhelming", Andreas Baumann, a neurologist who spearheaded the initiative, told AFP, adding that only four of the 166 people present at the meeting had opposed moving ahead with a vote. - 'About tradition' - Cowbells were once indispensable for keeping track of herds grazing on Alpine pastures, and while their usefulness has waned with the emergence of GPS trackers, they remain a powerful symbol of idyllic Swiss rural life. ALSO READ | New Hampshire man arrested for threatening to kill Vivek Ramaswamy Last week, rituals related to Alpine farming, including driving cattle up to high mountain pastures for the summer wearing the decorative bells, were added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. But with many urbanites seeking tranquil havens in the countryside, often within commuter distance from cities and towns, the charm of cowbells sometimes wears thin. A growing number of complaints have been lodged in recent years over noise levels from cowbells. There have also been protests about churches ringing out the time every 15 minutes, night and day, as is typical in many Swiss communities -- something the "Bell Initiative" also aims to defend. Such complaints frequently spark heated reactions in defence of traditions feared under attack in Switzerland -- a country of high immigration where foreigners make up a quarter of the population. ALSO READ | Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study "It's about our tradition," Baumann said. "Do we want to preserve what our ancestors created, or do we just put that into a museum?" "The bells are in the DNA of Swiss people, and here in Aarwangen we want to preserve that." Set on the banks of the Aare river against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains, Aarwangen counts 19 working farms, according to Lundsgaard-Hansen. But the village, half an hour's drive from Bern and about an hour to both Zurich and Basel, "is not really a farming community", he said. - 'Gives me hope' - The couples who filed the complaints about the cowbells likely had not expected such an overwhelming pushback. One decided to withdraw their complaint, while the other is looking to move out of the village, the mayor said. Regardless of which way the village votes, the farmer in question could still be ordered to remove the cowbells at night if authorities find they surpass acceptable noise levels. A judicial ruling is expected soon. ALSO READ | ‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch Rolf Rohrbach, who runs a nearby cattle farm, said he loved the tradition. "It gives me hope," he told AFP, insisting that the bells are needed to keep track of young cows. Personally, he said he could think of nothing better than to hear the gentle ringing at night. "When I sleep, I like it," he said. "I know my cows are home."

Swiss village set to vote to keep cowbells ringing following 'noise' complaints

Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and the city of Dubrovnik is known for attracting thousands of visitors every year. But, the city has now introduced new rules to combat noise pollution which could directly impact people travelling to the city with wheeled suitcases.&nbsp;

People in the city have long complained of noise that wheeled suitcases make when dragged across stone-paved pathways. Residents living in the city complain the noise keeps them from sleeping almost every night.

<h2>What are the new rules introduced in Dubrovnik?</h2>

Mayor Mato Frankovic of Dubrovnik has introduced new rules which have effectively banned tourists from carrying wheeled suitcases on the streets. Tourists not complying with the ban would be fined $288.&nbsp;

Dwellers of the city have hailed the new rule, with one person writing online, “Sounds like a great idea, can we do the same at airports and stations, they are a menace.”

Watch:&nbsp;Greece: Rise of Right in Europe?

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According to media reports, the city administration plans to introduce a system in November under which bags from tourists will be collected outside the city and later dispatched to their addresses through courier.&nbsp;

The new rules have been implemented under a new initiative called the "Respect the City" programme, as reported by Schengenvisainfo News. This programme has been introduced by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/europe-becomes-fastest-warming-continent-in-world-claims-climate-report-606185">Also read:&nbsp;Europe becomes fastest warming continent in world, claims climate report</a>

In addition to managing the growing tourism, the city officials have also emphasised the importance of respecting the local environment and cultural heritage. Tourists are now being advised to keep their pets on a leash, refrain from climbing on monuments, and ensure they are appropriately dressed, including wearing a shirt while exploring the city. These guidelines have been put in place to encourage visitors to demonstrate their "respect" for the city and its surroundings.

<h2>Dubrovnik experiencing influx of visitors</h2>

The Dubrovnik Times has reported the city's consistent appeal to travellers, revealing that it has already witnessed a significant influx of visitors this year. With 289,000 arrivals and 763,500 overnight stays recorded since the beginning of the year, Dubrovnik has experienced a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

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Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and the city of Dubrovnik is known for attracting thousands of visitors every year. But, the city has now introduced new rules to combat noise pollution which could directly impact people travelling to the city with wheeled suitcases.

Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and the city of Dubrovnik is known for attracting thousands of visitors every year. But, the city has now introduced new rules to combat noise pollution which could directly impact people travelling to the city with wheeled suitcases. People in the city have long complained of noise that wheeled suitcases make when dragged across stone-paved pathways. Residents living in the city complain the noise keeps them from sleeping almost every night. What are the new rules introduced in Dubrovnik? Mayor Mato Frankovic of Dubrovnik has introduced new rules which have effectively banned tourists from carrying wheeled suitcases on the streets. Tourists not complying with the ban would be fined $288. Dwellers of the city have hailed the new rule, with one person writing online, “Sounds like a great idea, can we do the same at airports and stations, they are a menace.” Watch: Greece: Rise of Right in Europe? × According to media reports, the city administration plans to introduce a system in November under which bags from tourists will be collected outside the city and later dispatched to their addresses through courier. The new rules have been implemented under a new initiative called the "Respect the City" programme, as reported by Schengenvisainfo News. This programme has been introduced by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office. Also read: Europe becomes fastest warming continent in world, claims climate report In addition to managing the growing tourism, the city officials have also emphasised the importance of respecting the local environment and cultural heritage. Tourists are now being advised to keep their pets on a leash, refrain from climbing on monuments, and ensure they are appropriately dressed, including wearing a shirt while exploring the city. These guidelines have been put in place to encourage visitors to demonstrate their "respect" for the city and its surroundings. Dubrovnik experiencing influx of visitors The Dubrovnik Times has reported the city's consistent appeal to travellers, revealing that it has already witnessed a significant influx of visitors this year. With 289,000 arrivals and 763,500 overnight stays recorded since the beginning of the year, Dubrovnik has experienced a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘No suitcases allowed,’ Croatian city brings new rule to combat noise pollution

Chalmers’ Division of Applied Acoustics researchers conducted a laboratory investigation in which test subjects were subjected to concentration tests while being exposed to background traffic noise. The individuals were asked to stare at a computer screen and respond to specific letters before rating their perceived workload. According to the study, the individuals performed much worse on the performance test and felt that the task was more difficult to complete with road noise in the background. 
 
“What is unique about our study is that we were able to demonstrate a decline in performance at noise levels as low as 40 dB, which corresponds to the regular noise level in an office environment or a kitchen,” says Leon Muller, Doctoral student at the Division of Applied Acoustics in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

The background noise consisted of two audio sequences simulating trucks passing by at a distance of 10 and 50 metres. Both sequences were normalised to the same total indoor level of 40 dB.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-stress-hormones-during-pregnancy-linked-to-improved-language-skills-in-children-research-594442">Stress hormones during pregnancy linked to improved language skills in children: Research</a> 
 
“The audio sequence simulating the closer passages, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was usually the one that bothered the test subjects the most,” Muller says. “This could be because traffic that is further away is perceived as a more constant drone.” 
 
Housing is built closer to roads now. 
 
The new results emphasise an already problematic situation of negative impact on health and job performance due to traffic noise. In recent years, the distance between roads and newly built housing in Swedish cities has been allowed to shrink – a trend that can also be seen internationally. 
 
Put somewhat simplistically, the Swedish regulations for where construction is permitted are based on the average outdoor noise level over a 24-hour period – meaning that they do not take individual pass-bys into account. In addition, current regulations do not cover the peaks of low-frequency noise indoors, which is difficult to avoid and is, according to research, more disruptive and therefore more impacting on human health. 
 
In one study modelling low-frequency noise, Jens Forssen, Professor of applied acoustics at Chalmers, showed that such noise is primarily generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, and is difficult to shut out even with well-insulated windows and buildings that comply with all the construction norms and guidelines for sound insulation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-dermatologist-approved-tips-to-get-rid-of-sebaceous-filaments-that-look-like-blackheads-594074">Dermatologist-approved tips to get rid of sebaceous filaments that look like blackheads</a> 
 
Reduced vehicle speed can increase the noise exposure indoors. 
 
“The calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve ideal indoor sound environments near heavily trafficked roads,” Forssen says. “Reducing speeds is not a solution, as our calculations show that the indoor noise exposure can even increase at lower speeds.” 
 
Further, Forssen says that noise and the sound environment are a factor that is often considered too late in the planning process, and that there are advantages that could be achieved if adjustments were made in order to better utilise the space in terms of noise pollution. 
 
The researchers also agree that the most effective solution would be to avoid urban densification in areas where traffic noise would have too great an impact on health and wellbeing. 
 
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Chalmers’ Division of Applied Acoustics researchers conducted a laboratory investigation in which test subjects were subjected to concentration tests while being exposed to background traffic noise.

Chalmers’ Division of Applied Acoustics researchers conducted a laboratory investigation in which test subjects were subjected to concentration tests while being exposed to background traffic noise. The individuals were asked to stare at a computer screen and respond to specific letters before rating their perceived workload. According to the study, the individuals performed much worse on the performance test and felt that the task was more difficult to complete with road noise in the background. “What is unique about our study is that we were able to demonstrate a decline in performance at noise levels as low as 40 dB, which corresponds to the regular noise level in an office environment or a kitchen,” says Leon Muller, Doctoral student at the Division of Applied Acoustics in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The background noise consisted of two audio sequences simulating trucks passing by at a distance of 10 and 50 metres. Both sequences were normalised to the same total indoor level of 40 dB. Stress hormones during pregnancy linked to improved language skills in children: Research “The audio sequence simulating the closer passages, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was usually the one that bothered the test subjects the most,” Muller says. “This could be because traffic that is further away is perceived as a more constant drone.” Housing is built closer to roads now. The new results emphasise an already problematic situation of negative impact on health and job performance due to traffic noise. In recent years, the distance between roads and newly built housing in Swedish cities has been allowed to shrink – a trend that can also be seen internationally. Put somewhat simplistically, the Swedish regulations for where construction is permitted are based on the average outdoor noise level over a 24-hour period – meaning that they do not take individual pass-bys into account. In addition, current regulations do not cover the peaks of low-frequency noise indoors, which is difficult to avoid and is, according to research, more disruptive and therefore more impacting on human health. In one study modelling low-frequency noise, Jens Forssen, Professor of applied acoustics at Chalmers, showed that such noise is primarily generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, and is difficult to shut out even with well-insulated windows and buildings that comply with all the construction norms and guidelines for sound insulation. Dermatologist-approved tips to get rid of sebaceous filaments that look like blackheads Reduced vehicle speed can increase the noise exposure indoors. “The calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve ideal indoor sound environments near heavily trafficked roads,” Forssen says. “Reducing speeds is not a solution, as our calculations show that the indoor noise exposure can even increase at lower speeds.” Further, Forssen says that noise and the sound environment are a factor that is often considered too late in the planning process, and that there are advantages that could be achieved if adjustments were made in order to better utilise the space in terms of noise pollution. The researchers also agree that the most effective solution would be to avoid urban densification in areas where traffic noise would have too great an impact on health and wellbeing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Even mild traffic noise has an adverse effect on work performance: Study

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport announced the intention to eliminate late-night flights by the end of 2025 to reduce noise pollution, and carbon dioxide emissions. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Dutch court blocks plans to cut Schipol airport flights | WION Climate Tracker

Dolphins are magnificent creatures. They are generally considered as one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet. These creatures are now facing a threat that is impacting their communication skills.

WION Climate Tracker: Noise pollution in ocean hinders communication of dolphins

A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed.

With cumulative impacts likely in places where multiple mines operate, the study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 km&nbsp;in gentle weather conditions.

During the research, scientists estimated the impact of noise on an area spanning 4.5m sq km between Mexico and Hawaii called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) if mining companies are opened in the zone.

The thresholds set by the US National Marine Fisheries Service will be exceeded in a radius of 4 to 6 km of each mine as per estimates of the research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-claim-to-have-found-huge-ozone-hole-over-tropics-experts-alarmed-495198" hreflang="en">Scientists claim to have found huge ozone hole over tropics, experts alarmed</a>

According to Travis Washburn, co-author of the study, “The deep sea houses potentially millions of species that have yet to be identified, and processes there allow life on Earth to exist.”

The research, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, examines the potential for underwater noise pollution from seabed mining operations.

Scientists used noise levels from better-studied industrial activities as mining companies are yet to share their data on underwater noise pollution.

“If our modelling is correct, it could require rethinking of environmental regulations, including the number of mining operations allowed within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone,” said Craig Smith, co-author and professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii.

“Our models suggest that nowhere in … the whole 75,000 km sq is free from noise impact,” said Smith.&nbsp;

''It might require changing the regulations, so that the control areas are further away.''

“We have not been able to do the studies, but if mining operations went on simultaneously, it might have a big impact on a whole bunch of organisms.”

“The effective protection of the marine environment is guaranteed through requirements for environmental baseline studies and environmental impact assessments and monitoring, as set out in exploration and future exploitation regulations,” according to International Seabed Authority (ISA).

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed.

A new study has shown that deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science, shows that noise pollution creates a “cylinder of sound” from the surface to the sea bed. With cumulative impacts likely in places where multiple mines operate, the study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 km in gentle weather conditions. During the research, scientists estimated the impact of noise on an area spanning 4.5m sq km between Mexico and Hawaii called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) if mining companies are opened in the zone. The thresholds set by the US National Marine Fisheries Service will be exceeded in a radius of 4 to 6 km of each mine as per estimates of the research. Also read | Scientists claim to have found huge ozone hole over tropics, experts alarmed According to Travis Washburn, co-author of the study, “The deep sea houses potentially millions of species that have yet to be identified, and processes there allow life on Earth to exist.” The research, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, examines the potential for underwater noise pollution from seabed mining operations. Scientists used noise levels from better-studied industrial activities as mining companies are yet to share their data on underwater noise pollution. “If our modelling is correct, it could require rethinking of environmental regulations, including the number of mining operations allowed within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone,” said Craig Smith, co-author and professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii. “Our models suggest that nowhere in … the whole 75,000 km sq is free from noise impact,” said Smith. ''It might require changing the regulations, so that the control areas are further away.'' “We have not been able to do the studies, but if mining operations went on simultaneously, it might have a big impact on a whole bunch of organisms.” “The effective protection of the marine environment is guaranteed through requirements for environmental baseline studies and environmental impact assessments and monitoring, as set out in exploration and future exploitation regulations,” according to International Seabed Authority (ISA). (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Deep-sea mining noise pollution will stretch hundreds of miles: Study

Taking a cue from other nations in Europe, now Spain looks to install sound level monitors at 11 areas in Barcelona city. It is a major tourist destination and has several streets and plazas, which can get noisy at times. Now, it looks to check the troubling trend. Barcelona city councillor for climate emergency and ecological transition, Eloi Badia, said, “It’s an absolute priority. Noise pollution – with all of its sleep disorders, pathologies and stress – is one of the most important public health issues we have in the city, second only to air pollution.” &nbsp;

After the installation, the officials will check the level of the sound at the locations of the monitors. The acceptable decibel limits for any area may vary on several factors like the width of the street or the distribution of buildings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“If the limits are exceeded during two consecutive weekends, the area will be confirmed as acoustically stressed. In that case, the district will have to present an action plan that can be worked on with neighbours, restaurants and others to try to mitigate the damage that is being done. Our goal is to have a much quieter, more peaceful and friendly city,” Badia said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Taking a cue from other nations in Europe, now Spain looks to install sound level monitors at 11 areas in Barcelona city. It is a major tourist destination and has several streets and plazas, which can get noisy at times.

Taking a cue from other nations in Europe, now Spain looks to install sound level monitors at 11 areas in Barcelona city. It is a major tourist destination and has several streets and plazas, which can get noisy at times. Now, it looks to check the troubling trend. Barcelona city councillor for climate emergency and ecological transition, Eloi Badia, said, “It’s an absolute priority. Noise pollution – with all of its sleep disorders, pathologies and stress – is one of the most important public health issues we have in the city, second only to air pollution.” After the installation, the officials will check the level of the sound at the locations of the monitors. The acceptable decibel limits for any area may vary on several factors like the width of the street or the distribution of buildings. Watch WION's live TV here: “If the limits are exceeded during two consecutive weekends, the area will be confirmed as acoustically stressed. In that case, the district will have to present an action plan that can be worked on with neighbours, restaurants and others to try to mitigate the damage that is being done. Our goal is to have a much quieter, more peaceful and friendly city,” Badia said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Let there be silence! Spain to check noise pollution by installing sound level monitors in Barcelona city

Road traffic noise outside schools can harm primary school children’s attention span and stunt their cognitive development, a new study has shown.

The study, which forms part of the BREATHE project, included 2,680 children between 7 and 10 years of age across 38 schools in Barcelona.

They based their research by measuring the noise coming from the outside before lessons began. This was repeated six months later to calculate an average baseline level of noise pollution at each site.

Using online cognitive tests, the team tested the children’s short-term memory and attentiveness every three months for a year.

The study found that these children with higher average indoor noise levels – defined as above 30 decibels,&nbsp;about the volume of whispering&nbsp;– saw a slower improvement in attentiveness, measured by comparing their performance on tests at the start of the year with those at the end of the year.

It was further found that children exposed to higher average classroom noise levels over the course of the year performed worse than students in quieter classrooms only on the attention test, but not on the working memory tests.

"This finding suggests that noise peaks inside the classroom may be more disruptive to neurodevelopment than average decibel level," said lead researcher Maria Foraster, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.

"This is important because it supports the hypothesis that noise characteristics may be more influential than average noise levels, despite the fact that current policies are based solely on average decibels."

"Our study supports the hypothesis that childhood is a vulnerable period during which external stimuli such as noise can affect the rapid process of cognitive development that takes place before adolescence," said co-author Jordi Sunyer.

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Road traffic noise outside schools can harm primary school children’s attention span and stunt their cognitive development, a new study has shown. The study, which forms part of the BREATHE project, included 2,680 children between 7 and 10 years of age across 38 schools in Barcelona.

Road traffic noise outside schools can harm primary school children’s attention span and stunt their cognitive development, a new study has shown. The study, which forms part of the BREATHE project, included 2,680 children between 7 and 10 years of age across 38 schools in Barcelona. They based their research by measuring the noise coming from the outside before lessons began. This was repeated six months later to calculate an average baseline level of noise pollution at each site. Using online cognitive tests, the team tested the children’s short-term memory and attentiveness every three months for a year. The study found that these children with higher average indoor noise levels – defined as above 30 decibels, about the volume of whispering – saw a slower improvement in attentiveness, measured by comparing their performance on tests at the start of the year with those at the end of the year. It was further found that children exposed to higher average classroom noise levels over the course of the year performed worse than students in quieter classrooms only on the attention test, but not on the working memory tests. "This finding suggests that noise peaks inside the classroom may be more disruptive to neurodevelopment than average decibel level," said lead researcher Maria Foraster, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. "This is important because it supports the hypothesis that noise characteristics may be more influential than average noise levels, despite the fact that current policies are based solely on average decibels." "Our study supports the hypothesis that childhood is a vulnerable period during which external stimuli such as noise can affect the rapid process of cognitive development that takes place before adolescence," said co-author Jordi Sunyer. Watch WION's live TV here:

Road traffic noise can stunt cognitive development, reduce attention span of kids, says study

Dhaka, the carpet of Bangladesh is now the city with the highest noise pollution in the world. Almost all areas of the city have two to three times more noise than acceptable levels. People are suffering for various diseases including hearing loss, deafness, heart disease and also irritable moods as a result of the high level of noise.

Bangladesh: Dhaka tops chart for excessive noise pollution, 3 times higher than accepted level

Dhaka is the noisiest city on the planet; here are the top ten loudest cities, recommended levels & more

Implementation of decibel levels in India has been a herculean task by successive governments. It is when courts egg upon the governments that state kicks into action. Similar has been the case with noise pollution which is acknowledged as a source many lifestyle disorders but both state and communities fail to do anything about it.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;It is because, despite hundreds of countries adopting parliamentary democracy and individual rights, the sense of community justice counter prevails on rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. The possible exception in the matter is Western Europe. It is for this reason that matters related to individual rights and liberties get associated with community honour and primacy of a particular community in the civic life.

&nbsp;

It turns the debate on its head. The loudspeaker on a minaret will become a symbol of oppression but a similar speaker on a temple becomes a symbol of assertion in public space. This has been the tragedy of issues related to the environment, gender and individual choices in India. We live in a society wherein communities whip up imagined injuries of the past which it wants to be corrected in the present. It is in this binary that jallikattu, instead of a debate on animal cruelty, turns into Tamil pride. It is for this, despite court&rsquo;s position on firecrackers, the majority of Hindus continue to scorn at this effort as minority appeasement. The best example is Triple Talaq where mullahas made it into an issue of Islam rather than gender justice. A similar fate will await noise pollution if communities do not appreciate the beauty of individual rights.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Such has been the ugliness of our political correctness that dissent in the context of public display of noise and number becomes a weapon to paint a person as elitist or prudish middle class who does not understand the perspective of a subaltern. It is one thing to understand the phenomena and another to justify it in the mainstream. It is one thing to understand the phenomena of Kanwariya domination of public space and another to justify the rowdiness which accompanies it.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Indians despite having a beautiful Constitution are turning into rude people who would rather be comfortable in the life restricted by imagined bruises rather than to strive for a cherished future. Noise pollution problem and the failure to check it effectively in India is symptomatic of this very larger malice.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Our failure towards the environment and civic decencies, which include speaking softly, is a direct result of schizophrenic parenting an Indian child goes through. It isn&rsquo;t that school texts don&rsquo;t teach civic virtues to children. It is us who fail our children when we ridicule civic and environmental virtues at home. It is then, what is taught in school becomes an information to be mugged so that exams can be passed with a flying colour. The virtue gets devalued and instead of turning into a habit and wisdom it turns into an information only to be used once a year. This where we Indians fail.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For the fact that the courts had to goad the government to implement the law is also a reminder that political executive needs to do its own job. Even the issue of illegal abbatoirs in Uttar Pradesh was taken up by the government when the court pulled its weight. It is about time we change.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

The loudspeaker on a minaret will become a symbol of oppression but a similar speaker on a temple becomes a symbol of assertion in public space.

Implementation of decibel levels in India has been a herculean task by successive governments. It is when courts egg upon the governments that state kicks into action. Similar has been the case with noise pollution which is acknowledged as a source many lifestyle disorders but both state and communities fail to do anything about it. It is because, despite hundreds of countries adopting parliamentary democracy and individual rights, the sense of community justice counter prevails on rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. The possible exception in the matter is Western Europe. It is for this reason that matters related to individual rights and liberties get associated with community honour and primacy of a particular community in the civic life. It turns the debate on its head. The loudspeaker on a minaret will become a symbol of oppression but a similar speaker on a temple becomes a symbol of assertion in public space. This has been the tragedy of issues related to the environment, gender and individual choices in India. We live in a society wherein communities whip up imagined injuries of the past which it wants to be corrected in the present. It is in this binary that jallikattu, instead of a debate on animal cruelty, turns into Tamil pride. It is for this, despite court’s position on firecrackers, the majority of Hindus continue to scorn at this effort as minority appeasement. The best example is Triple Talaq where mullahas made it into an issue of Islam rather than gender justice. A similar fate will await noise pollution if communities do not appreciate the beauty of individual rights. Such has been the ugliness of our political correctness that dissent in the context of public display of noise and number becomes a weapon to paint a person as elitist or prudish middle class who does not understand the perspective of a subaltern. It is one thing to understand the phenomena and another to justify it in the mainstream. It is one thing to understand the phenomena of Kanwariya domination of public space and another to justify the rowdiness which accompanies it. Indians despite having a beautiful Constitution are turning into rude people who would rather be comfortable in the life restricted by imagined bruises rather than to strive for a cherished future. Noise pollution problem and the failure to check it effectively in India is symptomatic of this very larger malice. Our failure towards the environment and civic decencies, which include speaking softly, is a direct result of schizophrenic parenting an Indian child goes through. It isn’t that school texts don’t teach civic virtues to children. It is us who fail our children when we ridicule civic and environmental virtues at home. It is then, what is taught in school becomes an information to be mugged so that exams can be passed with a flying colour. The virtue gets devalued and instead of turning into a habit and wisdom it turns into an information only to be used once a year. This where we Indians fail. For the fact that the courts had to goad the government to implement the law is also a reminder that political executive needs to do its own job. Even the issue of illegal abbatoirs in Uttar Pradesh was taken up by the government when the court pulled its weight. It is about time we change. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Politics of noise and unauthorised loudspeakers

When my husband and I began hunting for our first home together earlier this year, I was full of the na&iuml;ve and clich&eacute;d optimism of one fatted on popular media narratives. I wanted an airy home where my curtains would flutter with the wind and natural light would flood the rooms. I wanted tasteful fixtures and woodwork, roomy balconies to retire to with a glass of wine while I watched the sun set over uninterrupted vistas. I may as well have been a lithe pixie flitting about in a home d&eacute;cor ad.

&nbsp;

We rented a place on the twenty-sixth floor and surprisingly many of those flighty wants on my list got checked. I got my balconies with uninterrupted views. I got nice fixtures and woodwork. The curtains do flutter on occasion. Sunlight does flood the rooms, to the point of being the unbearable light of my being in the summer. But, while I was concentrating on trying to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, I forgot about the everyday realities I&rsquo;d have to grapple with.

&nbsp;

There are many: the uninterrupted supply of dust that demands closed windows and doors (bye bye fluttery curtains), exorbitant electricity bills on account of those closed doors and windows. But the mother of them all has been and continues to be an aural assault of a multi-hued kind.

&nbsp;

Our apartment overlooks a massive tract of land that was once, or perhaps still is an ashram (a spiritual hermitage). It&rsquo;s dotted with structures, some just a storey high, others a few levels higher, and most of them seem to be inhabited.

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<h5>If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not &ldquo;practice&rdquo; my own?</h5>
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Also on the land are a few temples. Beyond the boundaries of the ashram are two mosques, one to the right of the landscape, the other hidden to the left but I know it is there, and this is how: see shortly after the muezzin of the mosque on the right begins his not-so-tuneful azan, the muezzin of the one on the left seems to jerk to attention and begins his own call to prayer, the stress of delay often apparent in the quivers of his notes. The flat lay of the land between us and them brings their speaker-amplified voices to the threshold of our home five times a day, every day. And in this case, perhaps ten.

&nbsp;

Not to be outdone though are the pandits&nbsp;(priests) of the ashram below. The quiet between the azan is ruptured by the totally tuneless aartis of the priesthood. Their cacophony falls short of banging on our windows to let itself in. The last month has been particularly awful. The navratras&nbsp;(nine-day festivity dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga) have pumped our priests full with what seems like a fresh resolve at discordant displays of devotion. I am filled with fear of Diwali.

&nbsp;

If all this wasn&rsquo;t enough, our building&rsquo;s society thought it would be just peachy to have a dandiya night two weeks back. I drove into the compound thinking I had gate-crashed a Delhi wedding do. Yo Yo Honey Singh&rsquo;s horrendous songs were being belted out on loudspeakers, crashing against walls and trees only to find themselves amplified further. This carried on till at least eleven at night. But what time things finish have no impact on what is to occur the next day. The azans began before sunrise, the aartis a little later, and then the azan, and then another aarti&hellip;

&nbsp;

Here&rsquo;s the irony: the last time we had a few friends over for dinner, we received a call from our tower&rsquo;s guard about a &ldquo;noise&rdquo; complaint. It appeared that our bluetooth speaker&rsquo;s output had caused offense, as did perhaps the cheery voices of eight people talking and laughing in our living room and balcony. If only we&rsquo;d been singing paeans of religious virtue to one another we too could have carried on till later like the cool dandiya kids.

&nbsp;

The azan and the aarti had seemed a nice balance at the start for our own inter-religious marriage. They had punctuated the balance of our own union which saw neither faith take precedence over the other. Perhaps it was the hubbub of our initial days of setting up the&nbsp;home that kept us from realising how soon they&rsquo;d be fighting for our attention. With neither of us interfering or enquiring even in to the way the other practices their faith, these daily renditions seem like nothing short of an intrusion.

&nbsp;

In all that&rsquo;s said and written about the &ldquo;freedom&rdquo; to practice religion in this great secular nation of ours, I&rsquo;d like to make the case for those whose faith doesn&rsquo;t manifest itself tangibly. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not &ldquo;practice&rdquo; my own? All I&rsquo;m asking is, do my ears not count?

&nbsp;

(WION)

&nbsp;

I tried to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, but I forgot about the everyday realities I?d have to grapple with

When my husband and I began hunting for our first home together earlier this year, I was full of the naïve and clichéd optimism of one fatted on popular media narratives. I wanted an airy home where my curtains would flutter with the wind and natural light would flood the rooms. I wanted tasteful fixtures and woodwork, roomy balconies to retire to with a glass of wine while I watched the sun set over uninterrupted vistas. I may as well have been a lithe pixie flitting about in a home décor ad. We rented a place on the twenty-sixth floor and surprisingly many of those flighty wants on my list got checked. I got my balconies with uninterrupted views. I got nice fixtures and woodwork. The curtains do flutter on occasion. Sunlight does flood the rooms, to the point of being the unbearable light of my being in the summer. But, while I was concentrating on trying to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, I forgot about the everyday realities I’d have to grapple with. There are many: the uninterrupted supply of dust that demands closed windows and doors (bye bye fluttery curtains), exorbitant electricity bills on account of those closed doors and windows. But the mother of them all has been and continues to be an aural assault of a multi-hued kind. Our apartment overlooks a massive tract of land that was once, or perhaps still is an ashram (a spiritual hermitage). It’s dotted with structures, some just a storey high, others a few levels higher, and most of them seem to be inhabited. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not “practice” my own? × Also on the land are a few temples. Beyond the boundaries of the ashram are two mosques, one to the right of the landscape, the other hidden to the left but I know it is there, and this is how: see shortly after the muezzin of the mosque on the right begins his not-so-tuneful azan, the muezzin of the one on the left seems to jerk to attention and begins his own call to prayer, the stress of delay often apparent in the quivers of his notes. The flat lay of the land between us and them brings their speaker-amplified voices to the threshold of our home five times a day, every day. And in this case, perhaps ten. Not to be outdone though are the pandits (priests) of the ashram below. The quiet between the azan is ruptured by the totally tuneless aartis of the priesthood. Their cacophony falls short of banging on our windows to let itself in. The last month has been particularly awful. The navratras (nine-day festivity dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga) have pumped our priests full with what seems like a fresh resolve at discordant displays of devotion. I am filled with fear of Diwali. If all this wasn’t enough, our building’s society thought it would be just peachy to have a dandiya night two weeks back. I drove into the compound thinking I had gate-crashed a Delhi wedding do. Yo Yo Honey Singh’s horrendous songs were being belted out on loudspeakers, crashing against walls and trees only to find themselves amplified further. This carried on till at least eleven at night. But what time things finish have no impact on what is to occur the next day. The azans began before sunrise, the aartis a little later, and then the azan, and then another aarti… Here’s the irony: the last time we had a few friends over for dinner, we received a call from our tower’s guard about a “noise” complaint. It appeared that our bluetooth speaker’s output had caused offense, as did perhaps the cheery voices of eight people talking and laughing in our living room and balcony. If only we’d been singing paeans of religious virtue to one another we too could have carried on till later like the cool dandiya kids. The azan and the aarti had seemed a nice balance at the start for our own inter-religious marriage. They had punctuated the balance of our own union which saw neither faith take precedence over the other. Perhaps it was the hubbub of our initial days of setting up the home that kept us from realising how soon they’d be fighting for our attention. With neither of us interfering or enquiring even in to the way the other practices their faith, these daily renditions seem like nothing short of an intrusion. In all that’s said and written about the “freedom” to practice religion in this great secular nation of ours, I’d like to make the case for those whose faith doesn’t manifest itself tangibly. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not “practice” my own? All I’m asking is, do my ears not count? (WION)

Do my ears count?

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