What Is Noise Pollution?

Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that has the effect of being annoying, distracting, painful, or physically harmful.

It is a public health issue that is adversely affecting the lives of millions of people throughout the world. People continuously exposed to noise experience elevated stress levels, mood swings, hypertension, depression, lost sleep and productivity. In children, it results in slowed learning.

We are a coalition of citizens, elected representatives, law enforcement professionals, educators, researchers, students and activists from the United States and abroad. We are dedicated to combating this urban blight that is ruining communities everywhere.

If you are experiencing a noise pollution problem, sign up at NoiseOFF Yahoo! Groups and learn how others are working to reduce the problem in their own community. You are not alone.

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Motorcycle Noise Legislation in New York City Council The New York City Council is considering Intro 416A, a bill that would prohibit the parking and standing of motorcycles equipped with illegal straight pipes. Motorcyclists found without an EPA-stamped exhaust system face penalties.

Boston Passes Motorcycle Noise Legislation The Boston City Council recently passed a motorcycle noise ordinance that imposes a $300 fine on bikers caught with pipes that are not EPA-stamped. The legislation is designed to prohibit motorcycles with illegal straight pipes.

Please PIPEDOWN Newsletter: Number 1 | Number 2 | Number 3 | Number 4 | Number 5 | Number 6 Heard in shopping malls, grocery stores, department stores, restaurants and elevators, piped music is ubiquitous and annoying. PIPEDOWN-USA is a published source for news about the campaign for freedom from piped music.

Pennsylvania Reintroduces Bill to Ban Hot-Rod Muffler Pipes The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has reintroduced legislation (H.B. 471) that would prohibit the use hot-rod muffler pipes on vehicles. The noise emissions from aftermarket exhaust systems cause tremendous noise for affected residents.

Meet the Transformers A family in Emporia, Kansas has filed suit over noise and stray voltage from a next door energy substation. Westar Energy, the company that owns the substation dismissed the complaints and plans to expand the substation.

Verizon DSL Noise Pollution and National Grid's Dirty Power A family in Western Massachusetts has been dealing with an invasive noise from a nearby utility pole for over two years.

Follow NoiseOFF on Twitter Follow the latest updates on noise pollution stories, including legislation and enforcement.

Making Hybrids Noisy The federal government is considering legislation to set noise levels for hybrid cars. If passed, automakers will be mandated to add external speakers on all hybrid vehicles.

Sarasota Florida Impounds Boom Cars Sarasota is the first city in Florida to impound cars for blasting loud music. The amended ordinance allows police to impound vehicles if the music is plainly audible at 25 feet.

Turn It Down. It's The Law. In St. Petersburg, Florida, billboards have been posted advising motorists to turn down their loud car stereo systems. The NoiseOFF billboards are part of a campaign to raise awareness of state laws governing the volume of car stereos.

The Rumbler The Rumber is an ear-splitting police siren system that according to its manufacturer, "have the distinct advantage of penetrating and shaking solid materials allowing vehicle operators and nearby pedestrians to FEEL the sound waves, and perhaps even see their effects through a shaking rearview mirror."

NoiseOFF Channel on YouTube Learn how residents are working to reduce noise pollution in their communities through public awareness campaigns, political lobbying and working with law enforcement.

Peoria Impounds Boom Cars Individuals driving around with offensively loud music have plagued the City of Peoria. In spite of hundreds of tickets issued for booming, the problem still continued. The Peoria Police Department now impounds vehicles for blasting loud music. Repeat offenders can be issued $500 in fines including administrative fees, towing, and storage.

Noise Pollution Discussion A twenty-two minute audiocast on the issue of noise pollution. The discussion covers many of the social and health impacts of noise on society. This recording is free for radio stations to broadcast.

More Headlines »

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Recent News Articles

Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram - Despite state's failure, communities can squelch loud motorcycles
Federal regulations and muffler labeling make effective tools to end noise pollution.

The Guardian (UK) - Quiet please
Noise pollution causes sleep disturbance, raises blood pressure and can lead to heart disease. Rebecca Hardy on how to survive in an increasingly noisy Britain.

Wired.com - Ambulances And Cop Cars Ready To Rumble
The technology behind the Rumbler is surprisingly simple and works a lot like those annoying bass-heavy stereos that rattle your windows at 2 a.m.

Salon.com - Stop the noise!
When noise pollution is not making us sick and anxious, it is literally killing us. How do we turn it off?

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