2015-05-26
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From almost every health-related standpoint, we can say that there are disadvantages in intense urbanization. Environmental problems include air pollution, sewage disposal, acquisition of safe waters, noise abatement, space for outdoor recreation, emotional stress and a host of other problems.
One of the more recently «discovered» pollutants in the modern environment is noise. For the city dweller noise may be the most significant environmental pollutant. He is constantly buffeted by the noise of aircraft, trains, motorcycles, buses, machinery when he is at home and at work, his neighbour's stereo, and his neighbour's toilet flushing. One study showed that the average noise level in residential areas rose as much as 9 decibels between 1984 and 1987.
Some of the effects of noise have been known or suspected for years. Fatigue, emotional stress, and permanent loss of hearing acuity are well-documented effects. Other studies have shown that noise, either prolonged or sudden, produces involuntary responses by the circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. Noise can cause adrenalin to be shot into l he blood as during stress and anxiety periods; it can cause the heart to beat rapidly, the blood vessels to constrict, the pupils to dilate, and the stomach, esophagus, and intestines to be seized by spasm. A three-year
220 Ъ Learning to Understand a Medical Text
study of university students showed that noise of only 7 decibels consistently caused constriction of the coronary arteries which supply oxygen to the heart muscle. Permanent hearing loss occurs with prolonged exposure to sounds of over 90 decibels.
Probably the most damaging effect of noise on the quality of human life is its disruption of our psychic balance. Loud, harsh, or persistent noise puts our nerves «on edge» so that our personal relationships are strained and often explosive, interferes with our concentration, and impairs the efficient functioning of our minds. Noise must not be regarded as no more than just an annoyance because it is a serious threat to the quality of our lives.
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In our concern with other forms of environmental decay, we have largely overlooked the importance of noise control, and noise levels continued to creep upward.1 Like any other form of pollution control, noise control will require legislated limits on noise levels, strict enforcement of those limits, and a personal concern2 for the rights of others to live in a decent environment.
Notes
1. to creep upward ползти вверх
2. personal concern личная заинтересованность
Упражнение 4. Прочтите нижеприведенные суждения. Найдите в тексте В предложения, более полно выражающие мысль данных суждений, и прочтите их.
1. For the city dweller noise may be an environmental pollutant. 2. The average noise level in residential areas has risen. 3. The effect of noise is the disruption of our psychic balance. 4. Noise levels continue to creep upward. 5. Like any other form of pollution noise should be controlled.
Упражнение 5. Классифицируйте поражения в зависимости от качества шума по заданной схеме.
Noise
Excessive Prolonged Sudden
1.... 1.... 1....
2....
Лл • • • •
2....
Lesson 22 ♦ 221
