Other Sources

In addition to the sources of noise pollution discussed thus far, there are several other sources, as well, such as sirens, agricultural noise, military noise, and noise generated by humans themselves. Since sirens are intended to convey urgent messages, it is necessary for them to be loud enough to attract attention (Bugliarello et al.,1976). Sirens are most often used by ambulances, police vehicles, and firetrucks (view image), but are also used to indicate situations such as severe weather. Sirens used for this latter purpose are usually tested regularly, and thus are not simply used during the rare situations for which they are designed. Though obviously important for the safety of a community, sirens can also be considered bothersome, especially by those who live near hospitals, police stations, fire stations, or severe weather stations.

While noise pollution is generally considered an urban phenomenon, the increased motorization of agriculture has also brought noise into rural areas, as well. Indeed, according to Bugliarello et al. (1976), "a countryside undisturbed by the noise of engines and motor vehicles is increasingly rare" (p. 230).

Military activities represent another source of noise worth considering (view image), especially since "military activities can generate some of the loudest man-made noise" (Bugliarello et al., 1976, p. 230). Four main categories of sources of military noise sources include explosions (e.g. from firearms, bombs, artillery, etc.), airplanes and rockets, engines (e.g. in combat vehicles and in ships), and other equipment (e.g. generators). While the first category includes many activities that are largely restricted to military activities (except gunfire, which is common in hunting and recreational shooting), the other three categories are not unlike corresponding civilian activities, such as commercial aviation and industrial processing. (Bugliarello et al.)

A final source of noise to consider is humans. While activities such as basketball games in indoor arenas can obviously be accompanied by high levels of noise (view image), smaller-scale human activities can be just as troublesome. For example, Bugliarello et al. (1976) describe how "voices, dropping of objects, children jumping, or even just walking" can be irritating, especially in dwellings that are poorly insulated. Further, even our pets can be a significant source of the damaging effects of noise (Baxter, 1984; view image).

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