Noise Pollution

A) Introduction

Noise pollution- “A form and level of environmental sound that is generally considered likely to annoy, distract or even harm other people.”

Noise pollution has been an increasing worldwide issue, however, it is a tremendously destructive problem in our very own country. It causes stress related illnesses, sleep deprivation, hearing loss and distracts people. This issue can be proven damaging through the OR Tambo international. The OR Tambo International airport is situated on OR Tambo International Airport Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg. Airports worldwide generally deposit an enormous amount of noise pollution on daily basis due to the increasing demand for air travel. The large variety of aeroplanes create this environmental

Within that 10 km radius lies many industries, The East Rand Mall, Hotels, A primary and secondary school, plenty complexes as well as suburbs such as: Kempton Park; Jet Park; Impala Park and Isando. After doing the research, we will be able to determine whether or not these components are affected? There are certain factors which may contribute to the noise pollution coming from the airport, namely:

Aeroplanes: Different size aircrafts will produce a different level of noise coming from the engines of the aeroplane, measured from stage 1-5. The larger the aircraft, the higher the stage of noise. These sounds are extremely loud and distracting and only disappear once the aircraft has reached a high altitude.

Figure 4: An OR Tambo flight schedule for the Mango airline national flights

Figure 4 proves that there is an aeroplane departing from the OR Tambo International every hour of the day. Could this cause stress related illnesses, hearing loss or could it distract learners and workers within a 10 km

The aim of this investigation was to determine the extent to which the noise pollution affects the daily activities of residents and business enterprises.

Residential areas, a shopping mall and office park that lie 10 km within the radius of OR Tambo International was selected to carry out this investigation, as shown in Figure 1. It can be concluded that in those areas, the aeroplanes departing or arriving can surely be heard. It can be seen in Figure 2 that the closer you live to the airport, the louder the sound of the aeroplanes.

Unfortunately, the decibels at 0 km could not be recorded, as it is said that permanent ear tissue damage can occur. Therefore, this result was taken from secondary research. It is said that the initial decibels of the plane engine at 0 km is 140 dB’s (Asha.org, 2016). From Figure 2, it can be deduced that the decibels range from 65 – 80 within a 10 km radius. Primary research proves this is very loud and secondary research proves this is considered as a health hazard, as Decibels from 70 onwards cause anxiety, headaches, ear tissue damage and loss of hearing (Asha.org,