A vision of the environmental and occupational noise pollution in Malaysia

Abstract

Environmental noise remains a complex and fragmented interplay between industrialization, population growth, technological developments, and the living environment. Next to the circulatory diseases and cancer, noise pollution has been cited as the third epidemic cause of psychological and physiological disorders internationally. A reliable and firm relationship between the cumulative health implications with the traffic annoyance and occupational noise has been established. This agenda has called for an integrated, coordinated, and participatory approach to the reliable protection of noise interference. Despite several fragmented policies, legislation and global efforts have been addressed; the noise pollution complaints have been traditionally neglected in developing countries, especially in Malaysia. This paper was undertaken to postulate an initial platform to address the dynamic pressures, gigantic challenges, and tremendous impacts of noise pollution scenario in Malaysia. The emphasis is speculated on the traffic interference and assessment of industrial and occupational noise. The fundamental importance of noise monitoring and modeling is proposed. Additionally, the confronting conservation program and control measure for noise pollution control are laconically elucidated.

Effect of Perforation Size on Sound Absorption Characteristics of Membrane Absorber

“…Noises from construction activities, traffic, and industrial areas are known to be a major cause of this problem. Many research, methods, regulations, and awareness have been done in order to prevent and reduce this pollution [1][2].…”

Genome‐wide association study identifies 7q11.22 and 7q36.3 associated with noise‐induced hearing loss among Chinese population

“…Noise is one of the most widespread environmental pollutions in living environments 1 . Regular noise exposure may cause noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL).…”

Joining hands with World Health Organization initiative Make Listening Safe

“… Individuals: People can minimize the risk of hearing loss by reducing the volume of personal audio devices; using audio devices for <1 hour/day; preferring noise-cancelling earphones; using ear plugs at noisy venues; reducing the duration of stay at noisy places; self-monitoring of sound levels; seeking medical attention on realizing the presence of any warning signs of hearing loss; and by adhering to the practice of periodic hearing checkups. [ 3 5 6 7 ] Policy makers and other stakeholders: Even policy makers can play a defining role by formulating and enforcing strict legislation on recreational noise; creating awareness among the general population about the risks of hearing loss; involving different stakeholders (like parents, teachers, physicians, health workers, etc.) to educate young people about safe listening; manufacturers of personal audio devices should be motivated to display information about safe listening on products and packaging; conducting periodic training sessions for the health workers; instructing managers of entertainment venues to adhere to the safe noise levels/deploy sound limiters/provide earplugs to customers; and promoting research work in different settings to estimate the prevalence/etiology/impact of hearing loss.…”

“…Individuals: People can minimize the risk of hearing loss by reducing the volume of personal audio devices; using audio devices for <1 hour/day; preferring noise-cancelling earphones; using ear plugs at noisy venues; reducing the duration of stay at noisy places; self-monitoring of sound levels; seeking medical attention on realizing the presence of any warning signs of hearing loss; and by adhering to the practice of periodic hearing checkups. [ 3 5 6 7 ]…”