Noise pollution a health issue says UNEP

(22 Feb 2022) LEAD IN :
Noise can have a major impact on people’s well being….. according to the new Frontiers Report published in the UN Environment Program.
Urban noise pollution is growing into a global public health menace in global cities like Islamabad.

STORY-LINE:
Downtown Islamabad is busy hub of traffic, construction work and daily life.
The Pakistani capital is one of the noisiest cities in the world according to a new Frontiers report by the UN Environment Program (UNEP), alongside Algiers, Bangkok, Damascus, Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City Ibadan and New York.
Noise pollution in cities is a growing hazard to public health for the very young, the elderly and people living in marginalized communities near busy roads and in industrial areas or far from green spaces says the UNEP.
One of the main issues is hearing loss explains Assistant Professor Dr. Junaid Shahzad, an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) specialist.
“The noise causes first two types of hearing problems, one permanent hearing loss, and temporary hearing loss. the temporary hearing loss, which is reversible and the permanent hearing loss, which is not reversible, it is due to the permanent damage of the (hearing/ cochlear) cells.”
A 2015 study, carried out at the request of the CDA (Capital development Authority) responsible for traffic levels in the city, recorded the average daily traffic on it more than 58,000 vehicles per day. CDA officials now believe that the number has risen to 70,000.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) monitors the environmental and social impacts of developments and provides guidance and information to the public on environmental matters.
The Agency also enforces legal requirements on minimum noise levels and may undertake inquiries or investigation into environmental issues, either of its own accord or upon complaint from any person or organization.
They can issue warning notices, fines to people who break the law. They can close factories if the owners are continously violating the noise levels despite previous fines and notices.
Pak – EPA  has received many complaints regarding noise pollution.
Recently the staff visited a quilt factor located in a residential neighbourhood.
The noise was recorded more than 80db, which is harmful not for a human being but also for the animals and birds.
Pak – EPA  issued a notice to the factory to reduce manufacturing over night.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  recommend maintaining environmental noises below 70 dBA over 24-hours (75 dBA over 8-hours) to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Sadia Munawar, Deputy Director, Pakistan environmental Protection Agency says “When we issue environmental approval to let say to a high rise building, we also sure in the approval that we grant to them, it is always conditional.”
“We issue conditional environment approval, where by the opponent has to agree, he will ensure that the construction material will not be just improperly disposed of. They also ensure, we also take a commitment from them, they will ensure, they will be no, minimal, sound pollution, noise pollution.” Munawar adds.
In this case the complainant Sardar Mohammad Shafique, says he reported the factory as the noise was disturbing his sister in law who needed to rest following surgery.
Fatima Jinnah Park also known as capital park recreational park is one of the biggest parks in Pakistan.
Residents come here to retreat from the noise of the city.   
A sanctuary of calm away from the busy streets of Islamabad.

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