Unwanted noise or noise pollution is not just a nuisance, it can actually affect your health. The biggest sources of outdoor noise pollution are traffic, planes, trains, and construction. Noise pollution can impact your physical health and well-being.
How many Victorians are exposed to high daytime noise levels from traffic?
Source: EPA Victoria Note: The number of people exposed. A logarithmic scale is used. Based on EPA Victoria estimates for 2011 - maximum levels at day time greater than 60 decibels.
Source: EPA Victoria
Note: Logarithmic scale. Based on
2011 data
from EPA Victoria - maximum levels at day time greater than 60
decibels.
The effect on your health
Noise can disturb your sleep, even when you aren't aware of it. It can also contribute to heart problems and may impact on your ability to think clearly. More information on the health effects from noise pollution can be found here.
What can I do?
- Report noise from industrial or commercial properties to EPA or call EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.
- To keep out noise from traffic, planes and construction, close windows and plan activities in quiet areas, if you can.
- Spend time away from noise, where possible. For example, visit a quiet park.
- Read about more ways to reduce noise.