I am a retired physician with an interest in the public health
problems that result from noise pollution. Make no mistake, noise
pollution is a significant public health hazard.
Editor,
I am a retired physician with an interest in the public health problems that result from noise pollution. Make no mistake, noise pollution is a significant public health hazard. The effects are well documented in the medical and scientific literature, and they are just now emerging into the consciousness of the average citizen. We banned second-hand smoke because it was a health hazard. We should ban second-hand noise for the same reasons.
Environmental noise pollution of the type produced by so-called boom-cars is the prototype of unnecessary, unwanted, unhealthy and illegal noise. These roving nuisances produce medically, socially and economically significant adverse effects. They flout existing federal, state and local noise and health laws.
In addition to its effects on hearing, noise pollution disrupts sleep, induces stress that leads to cardiovascular disease, impairs learning and other cognitive functions – especially in children, provokes antisocial behavior and significantly detracts from the quality of life.
Louis Hagler
