Because noise is any unwanted sound which varies according to time and exposure to the
sound by individuals it has a number of characteristics. What one person may perceive as
noise may be a pleasing sound to the next person. However both community members and noise
specialists that there is a trend of increasing noise pollution, which can be grouped into
the following sources or driving forces, agree it:Transportation
Hooting and road traffic constitutes
the major sources of noise pollution. The running of motor vehicle engines as well as the
use of hooters contributes to high levels of noise. Road traffic noise is mostly
experienced in areas of high density and commercial activities, such as the Inner City.
The taxi industry is also a source of high traffic noise.
Occupational noise
It is a well-known fact that most people are exposed to occupational noise. Although
statistics regarding occupational noise in Greater Johannesburg are not available it is
worthwhile mentioning that it is estimated that more than half of the production workers
in the United States work in settings where the noise level is so high that hearing loss
is likely (Veitch, 1995). Construction sites have been identified by Veitch as the biggest
source of occupational noise followed by mines, airports and mills, as well as certain
industries.
Community noise
Everyday living introduces a number of unwanted
sounds in the urban environment, which may come from radios, church gatherings, the
slamming of doors, or raised voices. A study conducted by Walters (1968) estimated that
there was a 1dB increase in urban noise for the period 1948-1968, which resulted in a
thousandfold increase in intensity.
