Killer sound has public at risk

THRISSUR: Makers of The Intimate Killer, a documentary on sound pollution, have come out with some alarming findings after elaborate research. The study on the decibel levels across the state reveals that the Noise Pollution Act 2000 is so often overlooked leading to health hazards.

During Thrissur Pooram fireworks this year, inside the semi-soundproof room of newborns at the General Hospital, the decibel levels dangerously rose to 115, which was recorded by Dr Santosh Babu as a part of the research for the documentary.

Dr Babu heads the National Initiative for Safe Sound (NISS) of Indian Medical Association (IMA). Dr Renny Antony, a psychologist and director of the documentary, and its co-ordinator Skariah Mathew told DC that their research found decibel levels going far beyond the 50 limit in the silent zones like courts, schools and hospitals (100-metre radius).

Sudden exposure to sound below 90 decibel and hearing such sounds for more than ten minutes could severely affect the body and mind. Continuous exposure could even cause genetic disorders.

“Political parties using loudspeakers on moving vehicles and places of worships are all blatantly violating the Act,” they said. Noise pollution could increase blood sugar, heartbeats, breathing, hyperacidity and peptic ulcer. In psychiatric patients or mentally strained, it could precipitate the illness.