NOISE

One of the main difficulties with addressing noise pollution is the definition of noise is highly subjective. The actual loudness of noise may not be a problem. It's usually the time and place, the duration and the source of the sound, and whether the listener has any control over it. The thump of a neighbor's music at am, even if barely audible, can be more annoying than a loud stereo on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Even daytime noise may disturb neighbors who work shifts and keep unusual hours. Sometimes we can be unaware of who lives behind closed door, often they may be sick, elderly or with young children and may need special consideration.

We can all do our bit in helping to reduce noise nuisance to others. Of course, some noise is unavoidable but there are lots of simple ways to avoid disturbing others;

*. Try to reduce the effect of noise from your TV and stereo by moving them away from your neighbors! Walls. If you live in a flat with a neighbor beneath you, raise your TV and stereo off the floor-if -possible.

* Try to always keep the volume of your TV, radio and music as low as possible, especially late at night. Set your hi-fi bass control at a low level - the bass beat can be particularly, irritating!

* If you like your music loud, use headphones. But be careful, if you cannot bear other people talking when you are wearing headphones you could be deafening yourself.

* If you like loud music in your car keep the windows closed so as-not to annoy others.

* If you are using a taxi or minicab early in the morning or late at night ask the driver to announce his arrival by knocking on your door or phoning beforehand rather than sounding the horn.

* Warn your neighbors- if you are going to make unavoidable noise - having a party or Occasion.

* If a neighbor is creating a noise, try talking to them and politely explaining the problem. People are often very happy to reduce the noise once they realize it is causing others a problem. Conversely; people usually feel less disturbed by nuisance noise if they feel they have some control over it.

* If you own a dog, train it-not to bark unnecessarily. Never leave your dog alone for long periods and if you can’t train the dog don’t buy.

* If you play a musical instrument consider practicing it at a reasonable time and not early in the morning or during the late evening or night when the noise could-be most-annoying.