Noise pollution
published: Thursday | June 15, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

RECENTLY I spent six months in my native parish of Westmoreland. During my stay, I was constantly bombarded with noise from my neighbour's stereo to horns from motor vehicles. Many people may not know this, but noise pollution can cause serious health problems.

Doctors state that noise levels higher than 55 decibels outdoors and 45 decibels indoors are identified as creating "general activity interference and annoyance". They further went on to say that noise pollution may result in heart attack, high blood pressure and hormonal changes, among other health problems. A study in Berlin on noise pollution suggests that over time, chronic noise exposure may damage the cardiovascular system.

What is the Government doing about noise pollution, taking into consideration that so many Jamaicans suffer from hypertension and heart disease? We are going to have a nation of hard of hearing people and many of us will not be able to afford to buy hearing aids.

I am, etc.,

MARION PRYCE-WHITE

whitemarion@netscape.com

Sylva

North Carolina

Via Go-Jamaica