August 2023

Lecture 5
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Pollution – Noise Pollution

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Noise is considered a potential hazard to health and communication. Noise can be defined as unwanted
sound or sound without value that causes discomfort to listener. Noise is unwanted sound dumped into
the atmosphere leading to health hazard. A particular sound may be music to one but noise to another,
pleasant when soft but noise when loud.
Environmental effects of noise depend not only on total energy but in the sound’s pitch or frequency and
its time pattern. The noise that is perceived by human ear depends on both the frequency and intensity
of sound.
The legal framework for addressing noise pollution complaints in Kenya is set out in the Environmental
Management and Coordination Act No. 8 (EMCA) of 1999. This act oversees environmental protection
and promotes sustainable development. It recognizes noise pollution as a form of environmental
pollution.
Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 confers upon every person the right to a clean and healthy
environment, free from all forms of pollution, including noise pollution.
2.0 Sources of Noise Pollution
Human made sources of noises may be classified into two types:
a. Industrial
b. Non industrial
3.0 Industrial Sources of Noise
This also called occupational noise and largely produced by industrial machines and processes. In industry
workers are subjected to this noise for 8 hours a day.
4.0 Non -Industrial Sources of Noise
▪ Domestic noise
▪ Loud speaker
▪ Construction
▪ Transport noise
▪ Crowded markets
▪ Theaters
▪ Religious, rituals and festivals
▪ Projection of satellite
▪ Atomic explosions
5.0 Effects of Noise Pollution
The loudest sound that a person can withstand without much discomfort is about 80 dB. The optimum
level described by WHO are 45 dB by day and 35 bD by night. And noise level about 85 bD is hazardous
because it harms the hearing capacity.

5.1 Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Beings

The following factors are responsible for the adverse effects of noise pollution:
▪ Sound intensity
▪ Frequency
▪ Exposure duration
▪ Intermittence or continuation of sound

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Auditory effects
▪ Auditory fatigue
▪ Deafness
Non auditory effects
▪ Communication interference
▪ Sleep interference
▪ Loss of working efficiency
▪ Annoyance
▪ Physical disorders
6.0 Effects of noise pollution on wild life
Noise has adverse effects on wildlife. Decline in migration of birds to a noisy habitat.
7.0 Effects of noise on non-living things
The high intensity of noise such as vibrations emitted from heavy machinery cause shattering of window
glasses, loosening of plaster of walls, cracks in walls and household crockery and breaking down of wall
hangings in the home.
8.0 Noise Control

8.1 Administrative Controls

These are essentially short-term controls which are aimed at protecting the workers overexposed to
noise levels of about 90 dBA before long term measures are imp

8.2 Engineering Controls

a) Suppression of the noise at source – devices to suppress the noise are used.
b) Path control, - to suppress noise at source.
c) Protection of the personnel

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L. Ogutu August 2023 Environmental Engineering