When traffic noise gets too loud for health

Thomson lives about 50 meters from a busy freeway that bisects Kuala Lumpur – one that has been increasingly used as a speedway for high-speed races, diesel-spewing lorries, revving motorcycles and cars that have been illegally modified to make even more noise.

About the only time it quiets down is Saturday night between 3am and 4am, Thomson said.

Otherwise, the din is constant, and most nights, he’s jolted out of sleep five or six times.

“It’s terrible. I don’t recommend it for anyone.”

Thomson is a victim of noise pollution, which health experts warn is a growing problem that is not confined to our ears, but causes stress-related conditions like anxiety, high blood pressure and insomnia.

“There’s an aspect of our society that likes to be loud and proud, but it shouldn’t infringe on someone else’s health in a public space.”

Traffic is a major driver of noise pollution, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities, and it’s getting harder to escape the sounds of leaf blowers, construction, and other irritants.

 

Webmaster

Recent Posts

KL Noise Enforcement Blitz: 820 Summons Issued in Kuala Lumpur Crackdown on Modified Exhausts

Kuala Lumpur police and partner agencies carried out an integrated late-night enforcement operation under Op…

1 month ago

Mysterious Lift Noise After Renovation: What It Usually Means (and How to Investigate It Properly)

A newly renovated lift should not suddenly produce “abnormal” noises. When it does, residents often…

1 month ago

Why most noise measurements fail when they matter

Why most noise measurements fail when they matter When a noise complaint escalates, the surprising…

2 months ago

Bangladesh Department of Environment Launches Major Noise Pollution Control Campaign in Dhaka Bangladesh Department of…

3 months ago

Singapore Court Upholds Noise Order in Neighbour Dispute

Noise between neighbours is no longer just an annoyance in dense cities like Singapore. Under…

3 months ago

Pickleball has triggered more than 700 noise complaints in Singapore

Pickleball has surged in popularity across Singapore, with monthly court bookings rising to nearly 8,000.…

3 months ago

This website uses cookies.