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GS3 — Economy & Environment

WHO Links Occupational Noise to Hearing Loss

1 min read7 Key Facts

Why in News

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights occupational noise as a significant contributor to disabling hearing loss in adults. This underscores the need for stronger noise pollution control measures and public health interventions.

Background

Noise pollution is a silent public health crisis, impacting quality of life and productivity. Robust legal frameworks like the EPA 1986 and Noise Rules 2000 are critical for its regulation and enforcement in India.

Key Figure

• 16% — disabling hearing loss attributed to occupational noise (WHO) • 1986 — Environment (Protection) Act year • 2000 — Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules year • 1974 — CPCB establishment year

Key Facts

  1. 1Noise Pollution: Defined as unwanted or excessive sound that can have adverse effects on human health and environmental quality.
  2. 2Health Impact (WHO): World Health Organization attributes 16% of disabling hearing loss in adults to occupational noise.
  3. 3Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA): Central legislation empowering the Central Government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including noise pollution.
  4. 4Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000: Notified under EPA 1986 | Prescribes ambient noise standards for industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones.
  5. 5CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board (statutory body, est. 1974 under Water Act 1974) | Advises MoEFCC on noise standards and monitoring.
  6. 6Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Regulates noise from vehicles, including permissible limits for horns and exhaust systems.
  7. 7Art. 21 (Right to Life): Supreme Court has interpreted the right to a clean environment, including freedom from noise pollution, as an integral part of the Right to Life.

Exam Angle

Addressing noise pollution requires a multi-pronged approach, including stringent enforcement of environmental laws, urban planning, and public awareness campaigns, to safeguard public health and ensure a better quality of life.

PYQ Connection

📜

PRELIMS_FACT|STATEMENT: Health impacts of pollution and related legal provisions

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