Noise pollution, or sound pollution, is the propagation of noise or sound with ranging impacts on the activity of human or animal life, most of which are harmful to a degree. The source of outdoor noise worldwide is mainly caused by machines, transport and propagation systems. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise disintegration or pollution, side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas. Some of the main sources of noise in residential areas include loud music, transportation, lawn care maintenance, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions and people.
A Qantas Boeing 747-400 passes close to houses shortly before landing at London Heathrow Airport.
Traffic is the main source of noise pollution in cities like São Paulo, shown here.
Measuring the noise level from a leaf blower using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app
The CityLink sound tube in Flemington, Melbourne, Australia, is designed to reduce roadway noise without detracting from the area's aesthetics.
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance or energy. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants.
Litter on the coast of Guyana
Smog in the center of Moscow, Russia in August 2010
An industrial area, with a power plant, south of Yangzhou's downtown, China
A litter trap catches floating waste in the Yarra River, east-central Victoria, Australia.
