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‘Noise pollution causes infertility and insomnia’

By Iqbal Choudhry

LAHORE Noise pollution up to 91 decibels has been registered in various part of the city by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, which says that only a maximum of 75 decibels should be allowed.

“Noise is a biological stressor that affects the whole body, raises blood pressure, transforms blood chemistry and impairs hearing,” said the chairperson of the Punjab University’s Department of Psychology, Dr Rukhsana Kausar, while talking to Daily Times on Monday. Dr Kausar said noise is one of the most pervasive pollutants, which also causes insomnia and infertility. She said a person affected by insomnia contracts a variety of behavioural problems such as anxiety, irritability and emotional stress.

Noise pollution also affects workers by causing mental fatigue, which reduces their morale, motivation and judgment, said Dr Kausar.

She warned that noise pollution also retards student learning and concentration. She urged the government to equip vehicles with approved horns and silencers to control noise pollution.

Nadia Raza, a research scholar and clinical psychologist, said noise pollution affects the psyche of a person and harms their sensitivity. “Noise pollution raises anger, anxiety, blood pressure, causes cardiac arrests, restlessness and frustration,” said Ms Raza. Violation of traffic laws causes noise pollution, she said, suggesting the government strictly enforce traffic rules.

Sources within the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency said the city was being hit by the worst levels of noise pollution. “Around 55 decibels in residential areas and 75 decibel levels in commercial areas should be mandated to reduce noise pollution,” said the sources.

“We recorded 73 to 91 decibels at Shadman Chowk, 90 at Circular Road, 85 at Kalma Chowk, 86 to 89 at Azadi Chowk, 93 at General Post Office Chowk and 73 to 91 decibels at Railway Station,” said the sources.

Normally 57 to 63 decibels were recorded at Defence, but the moment an airplane flies over the area, the level rises to 76 decibels, said the sources.

“The government should ensure smooth traffic flows to minimise noise pollution since horns are mostly used in traffic jams.

Allama Iqbal International Airport Director Nusratullah Khan said the government should not allow the construction of housing schemes near airports. “We are trying to control noise pollution caused by our airplanes,” said Mr Khan.

Traffic Deputy Superintendent of Police Hammad Raza said the public is not aware of how to properly use horns.

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