NOISE POLLUTION

Eco-Healthy Child Care ® helps early childhood learning environments to be as healthy, safe and green as possible by reducing children's exposure to toxic chemicals. Health Concerns The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognize the harmful health effects of noise pollution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noise pollution is " an increasing public health problem " that can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, interference with speech, headaches, disturbance of rest and sleep, productivity and mental health effects, and a general reduction in one's quality of life. Noise pollution is unpleasant noise created by people or machines that can be annoying, distracting , intrusive, and/or physically painful. Noise Pollution and the Developing Child Children develop better concentration skills in a quiet environment. Children who are exposed to noise pollution while learning are more likely to experience reading delays. Children who suffer from noise pollution learn to tune out not only noise but also the teacher's voice, which can harm their reading and language skills. Children have more difficulty understanding spoken language and distinguishing the sounds of speech when learning in a noisy environment. Children who spend time in noisier areas have higher resting blood pressure and higher stress levels. Consider the possible sources of noise pollution in and around your child care setting and identify effective ways to reduce harmful impacts: Close windows and doors to shut out noise from lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and garbage trucks. Open windows when noise ceases for good ventilation. Install noise absorbent materials on ceilings and walls – wall quilts and carpeting, cork board.