

From Cars To Leaf Blowers: Noise Pollution's Toll On Human Health
6 snips Jul 5, 2024
Joanne Silberner, a health reporter known for her insightful work on environmental issues, discusses the often-overlooked dangers of noise pollution. She highlights how everyday sounds can elevate blood pressure and increase stress levels. The conversation dives into historical efforts to regulate noise and the impact on marginalized communities. Silberner emphasizes the need for federal oversight and community action to combat this silent crisis, urging listeners to reflect on their soundscapes and advocate for quieter urban environments.
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Seattle Highway Noise
- Joanne Silberner, a health reporter, experienced increasing highway noise in Seattle.
- This prompted her investigation into noise pollution's health impacts.
Everyday Noise Pollution
- Everyday noise pollution from sources like leaf blowers, trains, and highways is a concern.
- These noises can cause unnoticed health issues like elevated blood pressure and stress hormones.
Noise Control Act of 1972
- The 1972 Noise Control Act aimed to regulate noise pollution, similar to the Clean Water Act.
- However, the EPA's Office of Noise Abatement and Control closed within a decade, shifting responsibility to local governments.