The Effects of Population Density and Noise - Research Paper Example

? The effects of population density and noise There is a phenomenal increase in population density of major regions in the world because of high birth rates. Population density is the extent of the number of populace in a unit area usually per square mile or kilometer (Connelly, 2008). This mostly applies to humans. This increase in population density has got undesirable effects both on the environment and individuals. This is so because most of these populations dwell in comparatively small urban areas (Connelly, 2008). This increase in population density has got a direct correlation to increase in noise. Noise can be defined as any sound that is unwanted. It is unwanted because it is unexpected, loud, undesired or unpleasant to an individual (Kosko, 2006). Thus one of the major effects of population density is noise pollution which is discussed at length in this paper. Noise pollution is referred to as an extreme and repulsive noise generated by animals, humans or machines. Noise pollution is measured in decibels. At 45 decibels, it interrupts sleep, at 85 decibels, hearing starts to be damaged. This noise usually affects the health and activity of human life (Kosko, 2006). Noise can generate from a wide range of sources. In the urban areas, transportation system is a common source of noise pollution. Construction is also another contributor to noise. This is especially in urban areas with new housing construction due to increase in population. Moreover, things such as neighbors listening to loud music or howling and barking dogs can be some likely sources of noise pollution. Studies have shown that noise has adverse effects on people and animals. In humans, high noise levels have been found to cause stress, hypertension, hearing loss and disrupted sleep among other ailments. Noise pollution is very subjective in its measurement. This is so because its effects are dependant on the individual hearing it (Kosko, 2006). Hence one person’s thought of loud and heavy beat music might be someone else’s inconvenience. Studies suggest that excessive exposure to noise pollution has the ability to elevate blood pressure levels, consequently causing hypertension. This may perhaps be owing to the adrenaline of being irritated at the noises being heard. Stress, another effect of noise pollution, has been linked to noises coming from residential neighbors. This noise pollution related stress is aggravated when one is persistently interrupted while undertaking an activity like sleep or work. Hearing loss is attributed to persistent exposure to noise pollution. This leads to reduced hearing sensitivity. Lack of enough sleep among some people has been related to noise. Residential areas near industrial areas, train stations and airports have been found to experience too much noise pollution. Further, noise pollution has been linked to migraines and headaches and chronic illness like heart attack (Kosko, 2006) These health related sickness due to noise has necessitated the application of strategies to counter its pollution. Some noise reduction techniques at the workplace and the general environment include; the use of modern technology, by use of computer microprocessor to develop opposing sound waves, to alter the transmission of noise waves. This technique can be applied where there is recurring noise. An airport is an example where recurring noise occur. Use of sound proof glass is also another method of reducing noise from homes and offices. Thus it should be encouraged in construction of buildings. Another likely way of reducing noise related inconveniencies is the use of ear plugs before sleeping. Moreover, noise pollution can be limited by placing noise barriers near places like airports and highways. These strategies could greatly limit the amount of exposure to noise pollution thereby reducing the chances of developing related health complications. As discussed above, an increase in population density results in a corresponding increase in noise produced by the population, more so in packed areas. Similarly, movements to more confined places change the ability and adaptation of people to maintain privacy, personal space and territoriality. Territoriality is defined as a behavioral pattern in animals consisting of the occupation and the defense of a territory. This pattern is recognized by a set of rules that identify the pattern; hence changing the pattern is done by altering the rules. If a territory is threatened, it is natural to defend it, change the rules, or invariably suffer the distress of this invasion (Connelly, 2008). In humans, territoriality applies in three major spheres: public, primary and secondary. Primary territories are those possessed by individuals exclusively for a comparatively long permanent period of time. Secondary territories are usually not entirely owned. An example is a rented apartment. Whereas public territories are classified as those that are accessible to anyone usually on the basis of first come first serve. Primary territories can include personal homes, secondary territories can be desk assigned to a student in a class while public territories could be a public commuter train (Connelly, 2008). With increase in population, these parameters of territoriality have gained considerable adaptation in the modern world. It has been attributed to the fact that humans crave for a space to protect against intrusion leading to social and health problems. Instinctively individuals exhibit territorial practices and behaviors to protect their privacy. Thus primary territories are geared towards privacy than pubic and secondary territories. The state of being free from disturbance or observation from people, commonly referred to as privacy becomes a major factor in seeking territorial control. The increase in population density has lead to encroachment into personal space of individuals. This in effect leads to anxiety, discomfort and anger, some of the major contributors to noise pollution related stress and hypertension. Hence personal space can be described as the area surrounding an individual which should not be physically intruded by other people. This is driven by their need to feel secure and comfortable in their surrounding. Nonetheless, in crowded urban areas, it is usually a tall order to maintain personal space. For instance, in a crowded street, a lot of people find such physical closeness to be psychologically uncomfortable and distressing, although it is an acceptable fact of modernity. The amount of space required is subjective on each individual. For instance, someone who is more used to a busy city street life is much more lenient for others intruding their personal space as opposed to someone who may live in a rural setup. Exceptions to personal space may be acceptable when they are expected. Events like fairs, sports arenas and concerts are places that personal space is compromised. Someone attending these events will thus consciously relinquish their personal space so as to enjoy themselves (Connelly, 2008). Consequently, there are a number of boundaries that describe personal space to an individual. There is a boundary reserved for close members of the family and lovers. This is the intimate limit. Another boundary is for friends and associates in business or workplace. An additional boundary is created for newly formed friends and strangers, and so forth. These limits, it is important to note, are further influenced by the environmental, social and personal variables that exist in the immediate surrounding of an individual (Connelly, 2008). With diminishing space for natural environment due to surging urbanization and movement of people from rural areas to urban towns, parks and gardens play an important role to urban-dwelling individuals who may seek tranquility in nature. Recent research suggests that parks and other natural environments play a vital function in the wellbeing and health of humans by providing contact to nature (Wargo, 2009). While designing parks in the nineteenth centaury, city planers had strong conviction of health benefits possibly derived from open spaces. At that time, it was understood that exposure to natural surroundings promoted physical health; helped ease stresses related to urban living and encouraged psychological wellbeing (Wargo, 2009). Currently, the emphasis of use of parks is for sport and leisure. Though the parks they have not out rightly lost their significance to good health. Research findings indicate that the implications of contact to nature can be an efficient strategy in prevention of illness associated with population density and its effects. Mental ill health attributed to some extent noise pollution has been singled out as one of the health problem that can be combated by use of open space like parks. Though, researchers have advocated for further research on the health of individuals living in urban areas (Wargo, 2009). In summary, population density has been shown to cause environmental pollution, in this case noise. With its adverse effects, strategies have been formulated to diminish its health effects on individuals. This has brought into sharp focus the concepts of privacy, personal space and territoriality. These concepts try to explain the nature of exposure of people to other people due to increasing population density, and their reactions. Finally, with rapid urbanization, the role and effect of open spaces like parks have gained considerable interest to researchers. The implications of this contact to nature have been found to help alleviate illness attributed to pressures of modern life. References Connelly, M. J. (2008). Fatal misconception: the struggle to control world population. Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Kosko, B. (2006). Noise. New York: Viking. Wargo, J. (2009). Green intelligence: creating environments that protect human health. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. Read More