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Asia Noise News Environment Home Noise Disturbance

Residents of Sengkang lament the “exceptionally” loud aircraft noise in the neighborhood.

Residents of Sengkang lament the exceptionally loud aircraft noise in the neighborhood.
Residents of Sengkang lament the exceptionally loud aircraft noise in the neighborhood.

Imagine being unable to focus while working from home because of the continuous, loud whooshes of airplanes passing overhead.

Alson, a Sengkang resident, shared his issues with noise on Xiao Hong Shu.

“This part of Sengkang is too noisy,” he wrote. I’m not sure if anyone can relate. I work from home and recently moved here. I counted five or six planes flying overhead in a half hour. They were most likely jets based on the unusually loud noise.

One of the nearby apartments is also undergoing renovations, which exacerbates the situation. His living conditions are almost intolerable due to the noise from the jets and the chaos from the renovations.

“I won’t have to go to any more online meetings if the plane noises continue. Does the same noise occur in other neighborhoods as well? Andn was added.

Because netizens from Punggol, Potong Pasir, Buangkok, and Hougang have chimed in to share similar experiences, it appears that Alson’s experience is not unique to him.

“I live in Punggol, and it’s just as noisy here,” one internet user complained. Every time I hear the noise, my cat is startled awake. The noise level at Greenwich Drive, where I work, is extremely high. There are times when you can even feel the building trembling a little. It’s a waste of time that we frequently have to halt our meetings for a short while [because of the loud noise].

Alson may not be able to see the jets from his place, but he can definitely hear them
Alson may not be able to see the jets from his place, but he can definitely hear them

Some residents claimed that they had “already gotten used to the noise” despite the numerous complaints from unhappy residents.

One netizen wrote, “No choice, you can either live with it or move away,” while another recommended that impacted residents consider “soundproofing their houses.”

But who’s going to foot the bill?

The affected areas appear to be close to the Paya Lebar Air Base, and it is likely that the sounds were produced by Air Force jets during training.

Additionally, some stated that they “don’t mind the noise at all” because it serves as a reminder of the Singapore Air Force’s tireless efforts to maintain national security.

In an interview with 8days.sg, a resident of Punggol’s Northshore estate confirmed that she frequently hears “super noisy planes.”

The Paya Lebar Airbase will be “relocated nearer to the coast from 2030 onwards, reducing the number of RSAF planes flying overhead Punggol residents,” claimed Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling in a 2023 statement.
That’s still six years off, though.

Maybe you should look into other options first if you have your sights set on a home in any of the neighborhoods listed above.

References

https://www.8days.sg

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Asia Noise News Home Noise Disturbance

Singapore named one of the noisiest cities in the world, according to survey

Singapore named one of the noisiest cities in the world, according to survey

A city’s sounds are what give it its identity.

However, certain locations are noisier than others.

Singapore came in ninth place in a survey by the US online language-learning platform Preply, suggesting that it is among the top 10 loudest cities in the world.

Hong Kong, New York City, and Paris are at the top of the list.

Seoul is ranked tenth, and Tokyo is ranked eighth among the other Asian cities mentioned.

Preply developed a seedlist of the world’s largest cities and then used metrics like population density, noise pollution levels, and even the quantity of attraction reviews that mentioned terms like “loud” and “noisy” to rank them.

Another factor is the average amount of time spent in traffic; according to the survey, people here spend 41 minutes stuck in traffic.

According to the survey, Singapore has a population density of 11,000 persons per square kilometer. However, a brief lookup on SingStat indicates that as of 2023, there are 8,058 people per square kilometer.

 

According to the study, these metrics were derived from sources such as nomadlist.com, numbeo.com and tripadvisor.co.uk.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, the survey ranks Frankfurt, Munich and Amsterdam as the quietest cities.

Only one Asian city has made it onto this list — Kyoto.

 

References

https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/singapore-named-one-noisiest-cities-world-according-survey

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Asia Noise News

Asia’s Largest Soundproof Bridge, Constructed in MP’s Seoni with an enormous budget of Rs 960 crore, severely damaged

Asia’s Largest Soundproof Bridge, Constructed in MP's Seoni with an enormous budget of Rs 960 crore, severely damaged
Asia’s Largest Soundproof Bridge, Constructed in MP's Seoni with an enormous budget of Rs 960 crore, severely damaged

The largest soundproof bridge in Asia, built on National Highway 44 in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, has sustained significant damage as a result of persistent rain. A private company spent an enormous Rs 960 crores building the bridge. Several reports state that the repair work is presently in progress, which is leading to frequent traffic jams on the highway that links Kashmir and Kanyakumari.

The bridge, which connects Seoni and Nagpur and is close to the Pench Tiger Reserve, was built with 14 wildlife underpasses and light reducers to reduce noise pollution. The bridge is 29 kilometers long and was built at a cost of ₹960 crores by the private company Dilip Buildcon. Five years after construction, the structure started to show signs of damage despite a ten-year guarantee; cracks and broken sections were noticed after intense rains.

The company in charge of building the highway has temporarily stopped traffic while they work on repairs. Given the substantial investment required, the early deterioration raises questions about the bridge’s durability and the engineering’s efficacy.

References

https://zeenews.india.com/

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Environment

Khao Yai National Park is strict about cars making loud noises

Khao Yai National Park is strict about cars making loud noises
Khao Yai National Park is strict about cars making loud noises

Thailand’s NAKHON RATCHASIMA – In reaction to infractions by tourists, Khao Yai National Park has tightened restrictions on vehicle speed and noise levels. Checkpoints have been erected to keep an eye on cars, primarily those whose engine and exhaust noise levels are higher than allowed.

At least 22 people have been taken into custody by the authorities thus far; these include 17 drivers who were found to be speeding over the 60 km/h limit and five motorcycle riders whose noise levels exceeded the 95 decibel limit. The National Park Act and its implementing regulations have resulted in fines for those found in violation.

Officials from the park have warned visitors that these regulations will be strictly adhered to. Riders on motorcycles are asked to make sure their cars aren’t tuned to make too much noise, and everyone driving through the park is asked to keep to the posted speed limits.

For the sake of both visitor safety and the preservation of the park’s wildlife, it is imperative that these rules be strictly adhered to. (NNT)

References

https://www.pattayamail.com

Categories
Environment Noise Disturbance

Prolonged Noise at Work Increases Blood Pressure

For some vocations, exposure to smoke is known to pose an occupational risk, especially in terms of hearing loss, physical and psychological stress, and diminished attention. According to a recent study that was presented at the ACC Asia 2024 conference, adult power loom weavers who were exposed to chronic noise had higher blood pressure overall and a 10% increased risk of high blood pressure for every year they were exposed.

According to Golam Dastageer Prince, MBBS, MPH, medical officer at DGHS Bangladesh and the study’s lead author, “the stress response by the body to chronic sound exposure causes hormonal imbalances that gradually leads to a permanent elevation of blood pressure, though the mechanism is still not well-explored.” “Almost one in five people in the globe have high blood pressure under control, despite the fact that it affects over a billion people globally and is a major cause of premature mortality. If we wish to lower the cardiovascular risk of these patients, we must discover strategies to decrease the noise exposure in addition to treating the high blood pressure with the proper measures.”

From January to December 2023, 289 adult workers in a few chosen weaving facilities in the Araihazar sub-district of Narayanganj, Bangladesh, were examined by researchers from the Directorate of General Health Services in Bangladesh. During a face-to-face interview, participants answered questions about behavior, nutritional preferences, family medical history, and sociodemographic characteristics. The researchers used normal protocols to monitor blood pressure, height, weight, and noise intensity.

The study sample consisted primarily of married men who were, on average, 34 years old. The researchers found that a sizable section of the group lacked literacy. The average length of time spent at work was close to 16 years, and the noise level varied from 96 to 111 dB. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States has determined that an eight-hour workday should not exceed the recommended exposure limits for occupational noise exposures of 85 dB on average. In general, sounds that are 70 dB or lower are regarded as safe.

Prince claims that no ear protection or personal protective equipment was discovered to be worn by any of the study participants.

“Hopefully we can raise awareness of not only noise-induced hearing loss, but the impact of noise on blood pressure and workers’ behaviors and attitudes towards using personal protective equipment,” Prince stated. “Pushing for structural improvements to industries may also help us improve the health safety of these workers.”

53.3% of the study population was prehypertensive, and 31.5% of them had high blood pressure. Additionally, the length of noise exposure and blood pressure were found to positively correlate in the study. The odds of having high blood pressure were shown to rise by 10% for every year of exposure, even after controlling for age, body mass index, and smoking status.


“As the study focused on workers exposed to more than 85 decibels noise for long periods of time, any profession causing workers to experience similar exposure might experience similar blood pressure impacts,” Prince stated. “We definitely need more exploratory studies to reveal more information about the potential mechanisms and long-term health outcomes.”

Living close to sources of noise pollution such as trains, automobiles, and aircraft has been linked to negative effects on cardiovascular health, according to recent research. Nevertheless, the noise encountered in daily life might not be covered by the current study. According to Prince, noise pollution at home usually ebbs and flows, whereas industrial exposures in the study usually follow a continuous pattern because of the machinery and maintain a steady sound level.

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References

https://www.miragenews.com

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Asia Noise News Noise Disturbance

Unidentified loud noise heard by residents in Wayanad, affected by landslides

The locals were alarmed by the disturbing noise, which was especially noticeable in places like Ambalavayal village and Vythiri Taluk.

A mysterious booming sound and underground reverberations were reported in multiple locations on Friday morning, frightening the residents of Kerala’s Wayanad district, who were already traumatized by recent landslides, according to PTI.

The locals were alarmed by the disturbing noise, which was especially noticeable in places like Ambalavayal village and Vythiri Taluk.

Residents in the impacted zones are being moved to safer areas, according to an announcement made by Wayanad District Collector D R Meghashri in response to the reports. To protect the safety of the populace, the district administration is implementing all appropriate safety measures.

Seismic records are being examined as part of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority’s (KSDMA) ongoing investigation to identify the source of the noise. Initial analyses, however, show that there was no unusual seismic activity occurring at the time of the sound.

The incident happened at approximately 10:15 AM, as per a member of the local panchayat. The mystery noise has increased community anxieties, as there has been a history of severe landslides in the area that have claimed 226 lives and left many more missing.

Authorities have proclaimed a holiday for schools in the impacted areas out of caution. Authorities from the state and the local government are still keeping a careful eye on the situation.

with assistance from PTI.

References

https://www.financialexpress.com

Categories
Noise Disturbance Noise Pollution

South Pattaya police crack down on rowdy Middle Eastern bikers

Pattaya police have taken decisive action, setting up checkpoints at the beginning, middle, and end of Soi Yensabai, South Pattaya, in response to numerous complaints from locals about disturbances caused by Middle Eastern tourists riding motorcycles, honking horns, and revving engines. They checked documents for both vehicles and individuals, focusing especially on Middle Eastern troublemakers.

 

The police also conducted checks on Thai drivers in the vicinity, concentrating on illicit activity. In order to prevent causing disruptions, authorities also reminded owners of rental businesses to advise visitors about required paperwork and safe driving techniques. For minor infractions, there were warnings and outreach programs regarding safe road usage to keep locals and visitors from becoming more upset.

References

https://www.pattayamail.com

Categories
Noise Disturbance

Kelantan prohibits loud noise and entertainment on Thursday nights in order to promote Muslim acts of worship.

The state of Kelantan has prohibited the holding of any kind of entertainment or the making of loud noises on Thursday night.

Hilmi Abdullah, the chairman of the State Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment Committee, stated that the 1998 Control of Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment contains the prohibition.

Following today’s state executive council meeting, he told reporters, “The ban is apt, to encourage Muslims to increase their acts of worship from Thursday after the Asar prayer until Friday evening.”

He said that the ban will be put into effect due to multiple instances of quarters breaking the law, the most recent of which involved an event organizer testing the public address system at a location close to a mosque in this area.

References

https://www.malaymail.com

Categories
Noise Disturbance Noise Pollution

The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka

The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka
The excessive noise pollution in Dhaka

The alarmingly high levels of noise pollution in Dhaka city are negatively affecting the daily lives of those who live there. The capital’s normalcy is being disrupted by rising traffic, needless honking, excessive use of loudspeakers, and other high-decibel noise sources. There is a noticeable deficiency in the efficient enforcement of current laws.

The excessive noise is posing serious health risks to residents of Dhaka. Hearing loss affects many people, with college and university students being the most affected. Patients, the elderly, and children are especially at risk, and traffic cops are unable to avoid the noise assault.

The general public’s lack of awareness regarding the dangers of noise pollution is something experts point out. The Environmental Science Department at Stamford University’s Prof. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder noted, “Loudspeakers, construction noise, and needless honking are making everyday life intolerable.” This problem affects not only physical health but also mental health, crop yields, and even the reproduction of urban plants.”

Prof. Majumder continued, saying that just limiting the use of horns excessively could cut Dhaka’s noise pollution by 60%. But in this sense, ineffective law enforcement impedes development. “We have laws, but they are hardly ever put into practice. For example, there should be quiet zones around mosques, schools, and hospitals according to the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2006, but these are rarely enforced.”

Concerns regarding noise pollution’s long-term effects are being voiced by health professionals. The Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Prof. Dr. Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, gave an explanation: “Dhaka has noise levels that are more than twice as high as acceptable, which can cause major problems for both physical and mental health. In addition to hearing loss, diabetes and heart problems are on the rise. Older people, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. While continuous exposure to 85 decibels for two hours a day can gradually deteriorate hearing, noise levels as high as 120 decibels can cause immediate hearing damage.”

Experts stress the importance of long-term planning and more stringent application of current legislation. “Nations with sophisticated noise abatement policies penalize individuals who use their horns excessively. Here, we also require strong enforcement,” Prof. Majumder urged. In addition, he demanded that noise control measures, such as refraining from wearing headphones needlessly, be adhered to and that public awareness be raised.

From April 2021 to March 2022, the Stamford University Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) examined noise levels at ten different locations in Dhaka. The study found that in every area surveyed, noise levels were higher than acceptable. In particular, noise levels were higher than the standard thresholds 96.7% of the time in quiet zones, 91.2% in residential areas, 83.2% in mixed-use areas, 61% in commercial areas, and 18.2% in industrial areas.

The results of CAPS demonstrate how widespread noise pollution is in Dhaka, with 82% of all monitored locations regularly recording noise levels above 60 dB. Enforcement of the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, which establish acceptable noise levels for residential areas at 45 decibels at night and 55 during the day, and for commercial areas at 60 decibels at night and 70 during the day, is still quite difficult.

Action must be taken quickly and thoroughly in response to the Dhaka situation. Mitigating the city’s noise pollution crisis requires strengthening legal frameworks, raising public awareness, and enforcing noise control measures. Residents of Dhaka will continue to suffer from the constant assault of noise pollution unless immediate action is taken to improve their health and general well-being.

References

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Categories
Noise Disturbance

Aircraft noise pollution may cause weight gain

Living close to an airport can make it difficult to ignore the annoying sound of airplanes taking off and landing all day.

However, researchers from Oregon State University and Boston University’s School of Public Health have found that noise pollution may have an unrecognized negative impact on health: it may encourage weight gain. Their findings were published in the journal Environment International.

Their research shows that self-reported BMI is higher in those who are exposed to aircraft noise levels above 45 dB, and that body weight changes since the age of 18.

“A 45dB noise level is quieter than a typical home conversation (50dB) and slightly above the hushed tones of a library (40dB),” the researchers wrote.

Data from 74,848 nurses who lived close to the 90 major airports between 1995 and 2010 were used in the US study. During this time, researchers measured aircraft noise levels every five years using a 24-hour time span and accounting for differences in noise levels during the day and night.

BMI changes starting at age 18 were also computed. According to the study’s findings, older adults appear to be more vulnerable to the relationship between aircraft noise pollution and weight gain than younger adults.

Participants who lived in arid climates, on the US west coast, or who had previously smoked also showed stronger associations.

Our bodies might not have adapted to the constant input of noise that permeates our modern world. According to study co-author Junenette Peters, noise affects stress responses, which can set off a chain of events that can result in a higher BMI and eventually disease.

The experts offer a theory for regional differences, but they haven’t determined why ex-smokers appear to be disproportionately impacted.

“It’s possible that study participants who lived in the west were more exposed to aircraft noise because of open windows or the type of housing they occupied, which allowed more noise to penetrate,” Peters said. “Regional differences in temperature and humidity may influence behaviors such as window opening.”

Although this study employs a novel methodology to investigate the correlation between obesity and aircraft noise exposure at the national level in the United States, it is not the first to draw attention to the detrimental impacts of airport noise pollution on public health.

Specifically, aviation noise pollution has been linked to disturbed sleep patterns and a higher chance of developing cardiovascular conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The inhabitants of towns where aircraft noise is most prevalent have a higher risk of dying from myocardial infarction, according to French research published in 2020.

References

www.freemalaysiatoday.com

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