The World Health Organization (WHO) defines environmental noise as noise from all sources with the exception of workplace noise. Noise is all unwanted sound or set of sounds that causes annoyance or can have a health impact. WHO recognizes that noise pollution is an increasing problem. Environmental noise includes noises produced by:
Transport
Road vehicles
Trains
Airplanes
Ships
Industrial activities
Construction sites
Public works and services
Cultural, sporting and leisure activities
Music from clubs, concerts and festivals
Firearms including those for hunting
Recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.
Neighbourhood
Outdoor
Heat pumps
Motorized gardening equipment, etc.
Indoor
Parties
Music
Noisy house appliances such as vacuum cleaners, etc.
Environmental noise is a common problem. It poses a risk to people’s health and quality of life because it can lead to:
