Posted by Liz Ernst on Thu, Sep 30, 2010 @ 11:16 AM
Building or retrofitting a kennel can present some unique challenges for dog-loving entrepreneurs, but if engineered properly a kennel can and should be an affordable, quiet, and neighbor-friendly facility.
When Deb and Jon B. hired contractors to design and build their 28 x 60-foot dog kennel in rural Iowa back in 2003, their decades-long dream of housing and caring for their farm community’s canines quickly turned nightmarish when one neighbor complained that the noise from the barking was affecting his health.
The neighbor insisted that the noise of the dogs barking was loud enough to not only interfere with his sleep, but with his quality of life during the day as well, and indeed the noise level did exceed the county’s EPA sound level limits (as do most kennels.)
The couple learned about Acoustiblok only after a series of legal headaches and ill-advised fixes like custom built “sound-blocking” panels and custom-made “husher” acoustical curtains did nothing to appease the neighbor’s complaints. Despite each new fix, the police got involved, and soon the courts became involved.
By 2005, contractors hired by the couple had sealed windows and completely enclosed the dog run in order to address the noise problem.
“It took away the dogs’ visibility, and completely changed the look of the building,” Deb said. “It began to look like a jail, and still it did not significantly reduce the noise level.”
With legal and construction costs piling up, Deb came very close to closing shop and returning to her previous work as an insurance adjuster. In April 2009, the couple held a farm sale to raise money for their legal expenses;
The situation had become bleak until a local lumberyard operator suggested she look into Acoustiblok. Deb decided to give the Tampa, Florida-based company a call. That phone call changed everything.
“I had a significant business at stake,” she said. “I was beside myself when I made the call to Acoustiblok; this conflict had ripped our lives apart.
“How I wish I knew then what I know now,” she said.
Acoustiblok acoustical consultant Steve Hibbens spoke with Deb at length regarding her kennel and helped her formulate a game plan for addressing her architectural challenges and utilizing
Acoustiblok to her best advantage. Before installation began, Acoustiblok consultants held a conference call with the couple’s contractor to advise on the installation process for maximum benefit.
“It’s not just about using our material, but also applying sound abatement construction techniques that work together with Acoustiblok for maximum sound reduction,” Hibbens said.
Contractor Dave Hanson removed the kennel’s aluminum siding and took the kennel down to the metal studs. Installation took about 18 hours, as Hanson and one employee installed Acoustiblok one segment at a time so that the dogs did not have to be displaced in the process.
Hanson also replaced the existing windows with triple pane, low RE windows for a combined effect so impressive, he said he will recommend Acoustiblok in future construction and retrofitting projects.
Deb was impressed as well. In fact, she is so convinced that the guidance of Acoustiblok experts and the effectiveness of the product itself has made such a profound impact on the quality of her life, she has become something of an acoustical expert in her own right. Her next project includes adding Acoustiblok ceiling tiles in the kennel, and hanging strategically placed Acoustifence on the property for complete sound abatement.
As her business flourishes, she sees the improvements as an affordable and effective investment in the future.
“I have learned so much from your company,” Deb said. “The decision to install Acoustiblok has saved our lifestyle, saved our kennel, and allowed us to continue doing what we waited our whole lives to do.”
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Posted by Liz Ernst on Sun, Sep 26, 2010 @ 01:55 PM
Instances of litigation over noise are on the rise across the U.S., and Acoustiblok is committed to finding solutions to noise problems before legal actions begin. Many of our customers come to us because they want to be good neighbors. However in some cases, nuisance noise isn't so easily solved.
The meaning of ‘love thy neighbor’ was challenged in court recently, when a Phoenix, Arizona judge was asked to decide between the rights of two neighbors: a church that played recorded bells through a loudspeaker 13 times a day, and annoyed residents who wanted quiet.
According to The Arizona Republic, The Cathedral of Christ the King was cited last year for violating a Phoenix “nuisance and noise” ordinance and its bishop given a 10-day suspended jail sentence after neighbors complained about the bells chiming hourly from 8AM to 8PM, seven days a week. In response, the church sued the city, claiming the noise ordinance was not only unconstitutional but written so that it was “impossible for a person to know if a noise he is making is against the law.”
A federal judge ruled that the church’s “interests of free speech and religious expression” outweighed the arguments of the neighbors. Readers of the Republic pondered the nuances of noise.
“What about all the folks riding their loud Harleys and pickup trucks up and down the street all day and night?” asked one. “How’s that any different?”
There’s “a big difference between legal (ringing bells) and moral (respecting your neighbors and not annoying them),” wrote another. Tell us what you think: Should one kind of “noise” be more protected than another? Do churches have an extra responsibility to be sensitive to their neighbors—or the other way around?
Excerpted from an article by Kathy McManus in The Responsibility Project
Posted by Liz Ernst on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 @ 12:18 PM
If you live anywhere near an arterial or collector street, you know that traffic noise is one of the greatest generators of noise in cities and suburbs. In fact, if your home is on a busy street, or close to one, traffic noise can actually become a quality of life issue, making it difficult to enjoy time spent outdoors and even inhibiting sleep. Add to that the fact that most municipalities have laws in place that prohibit the construction of walls and fences tall enough to provide an effective sound barrier, and you've got a real challenge on your hands.
Tall hedges, effective landscaping, smart backyard design, and natural sources of soothing white noise can all make a huge difference when used together effectively. Talking to a quality landscaper about developing the right landscaping for reducing city noise on your property is the best way go. Nevertheless, here's some tried and true ideas for combating that urban din.
One popular way to both provide an effective noise barrier and comply with city building codes is by planting hedges. Tall hedges aren't subject to height limitations, and when cultivated and planned properly, and in combination with high-quality sound abatement fencing, they provide beautiful and effective sound barriers between your yard and busy streets.
Hedges and trees are also an excellent way to provide your yard and home with more privacy, another common concern for those living on busy thoroughfares. Be sure to talk a landscaper or nursery about choosing the right plants for your situation, space, and climate. Ideally you want a hedge that grows up without growing out, and the faster it grows the better. You can enhance the soundproofing effects of this type of berm landscape by incorporating acoustical fence into the foliage. Acoustifence is easily hidden within foliage, providing a much more effective sound barrier than the foliage alone without, interfering with aesthetics.
Avoid plants that put off fruits or berries since they can make more mess than they're worth, and always look for vegetation that won't demand much upkeep or watering on your part. Choose low maintenance acoustical fencing as well; the best noise abatement fencing should be easily cleaned simply by hosing it off,
Besides vegetation and acoustical fencing, there are other options for landscape design that can help make dealing with city noise easier. Building a deck on the opposite side of the home from the road, for example, can seriously reduce the amount of city noise you deal with when you're grilling, entertaining, or just enjoying a good book on a warm spring day. If that isn't an option for you, building a privacy wall or hanging acoustical fence on the street-facing side of your deck can work wonders. And while height restrictions can limit their effectiveness, an acoustical privacy fence or a rock or brick wall bordering your property can still make a difference when used in conjunction with tall hedges and other sound reducing strategies.
Excerpted from an article by Matt Goering on Servicemagic.com.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 @ 03:58 PM
Initiatives to redevelop and renew previously blighted and/or densely populated urban areas are giving multifamily builders new opportunities for work, but many of these projects also involve heightened noise abatement issues that must be considered to avoid creating a building full of irritated tenants.
Nearby freeways, street-level construction and, most significantly, other neighbors can quickly turn a $500,000
luxury condo into a chamber of endless noise that results in homeowner lawsuits and expensive retrofits. To avoid this sort of cacophonic catastrophe, multifamily builders must be up to speed on the latest technologies, materials and noise-abatement Acoustiblok Products design standards before initiating new urban projects.
“It’s important builders recognize there is a noise problem in the first place. Noise is not usually a big concern for contractors because the ultimate goal is usually trying to build the building for a certain amount of money per square feet, when, in most cases, the tenant would happily pay more for a quieter living environment if they knew the option existed,” says Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok Inc.
Since many of the available tracts of land targeted for urban residential development are in notoriously loud locations—near freeways, airports or industrial zones—the first thing to consider is usually the site itself.
“Orientation to things like highways or railroad tracks will dictate how acoustically resilient the exterior shell needs to be,” says Todd Beiler, principal with D. L. Adams Associates, an acoustical engineering firm with offices in Denver and Honolulu.
“Then you have to look at the structure of the walls and floor/ceiling spaces, and any sounds that may be generated by mechanical equipment like the air handling units or chillers.”
In relation to the building envelope, windows are the most critical noise-reduction element.
“Exterior walls are typically very well insulated, so windows are always the weak link for sound transmission from the outside. In that regard, laminated glass significantly out-performs standard glass when it comes to sound insulation,” says Beiler.
While site location and resilience of the structural envelope have a lot to do with minimizing a building’s sound levels, the biggest cause of noise complaints in most every multifamily structure —whether hotels, apartments or luxury condos—are the upstairs neighbors.
“The thing that causes the most headaches for building owners and residents is the floor and ceiling assembly. People tend to expect some noise from the street level or from mechanical systems, but noise from the upstairs neighbor is more annoying than anything else,” says Beiler.
Minimizing vertical noise transmission requires contractors to consider the complete floor assembly from top to bottom.
“Floor finish is one of the biggest factors for sound transmission. Obviously, stone and tile floors are the most challenging.
"Other things to consider include whether or not there is some sort of resilient or acoustical dampening layer underneath the floor, what the subfloor structure is, and how or if the ceiling is suspended,” says Beiler.
Designers of the recently finished Ko’olani, a 48-floor, 370-unit luxury condominium tower in Honolulu, spared no expense when it came to ensuring the comfort and privacy of residents. To
eliminate potential sound transmission from upstairs neighbors, the Ko’olani was built using Acoustiblok material as a subfloor soundproofing layer.
“Many architects will specify installation of noise-reduction barriers between units and floors only to have them value engineered out by thecontractor who may go with cheaper materials— such as extra layers of drywall. But noise-dampening products are superior because they use specialized polymers
that transform sound vibrations by turning them into inaudible friction energy,” says Johnson.
Advanced new materials are making it easier than ever for builders to eliminate sound problems between units and from outside. Keeping the communal peace can also be achieved using advanced soundproofing products from companies such as Soundproof Windows, a maker of secondary noise-eliminating windows perfect for remodel and post-occupancy situations.
Regardless, when building urban multifamily structures, a good rule of thumb is that, when given the option between “loud” and “not loud,” most people will be happy to pay a little more for “not loud."
Excerpted from "Sounds of Silence: Noise Abatement in Urban Multi-family Buildings," by Johnathon Allen, Builder News, September, 2009.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Sun, Sep 19, 2010 @ 02:08 PM
Able Walling Solutions, based in Guteng, South Africa has been an official distributor of Acoustiblok soundproofing materials and products since 2008.
Able Wallings Solutions, operating in Guteng for more than 10 years, has has become the industry leader in office screening and fast track demountable walling. Offering quick and easy set-up and demounting of individual panels and doors combined with guaranteed next day service has lead to Able's growth in Africa's large corporate sector, including the tough banking sector, with many of Africa’s blue chip giants opting for Able Walling Solutions's offerings.
In July 2006, Able completed a Management buy-out of the previous financial investors in the business, RMB Corvest and ALCLAD. It was then the first dedicated BEE compliant business, and still maintains a level three BEE certificate. Able's commitment to green solutions within the office environment resolves the ever-increasing demand for tried and tested sustainable construction solutions.
Acoustiblok, a pioneer in soundproofing and thermal technologies for commercial, institutional, and multi-family construction, is a unique, environmentally friendly soundproofing material widely used in the United States and throughout the world to provide serious noise control in new and existing commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
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The thin, 1/8-inch sheet Acoustiblok material, which is added to a wall before drywalling, is engineered not to stop or absorb sound, as others attempt to do, but to actually transform the sound energy into inaudible friction energy as the material flexes from the sound waves. Just one, 1/8-inch layer of Acoustiblok in a standard metal or wood stud wall will result in more sound reduction (and provide more privacy) than 12-inches of poured concrete.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Fri, Sep 17, 2010 @ 12:44 PM
Acoustiblok welcomes Newcore Industries, located in Manila, Philipines is the newest distributor of Acoustiblok sound abatement material.
Acoustiblok, a pioneer in soundproofing and thermal technologies for commercial, institutional, and multi-family construction, is a unique, environmentally friendly soundproofing material widely used in the United States and throughout the world to provide serious noise control in new and existing commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
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The thin, 1/8-inch sheet material, which is added to a wall before drywalling, is engineered not to stop or absorb sound, as others attempt to do, but to actually transform the sound energy into inaudible friction energy as the material flexes from the sound waves. Just one, 1/8-inch layer of Acoustiblok in a standard metal or wood stud wall will result in more sound reduction (and provide more privacy) than 12-inches of poured concrete.
Newcore Industries, Inc. (NCI) was established in 2010 with the purpose of becoming the only single source provider of complete Green products that will give certification points for all the environmental standards such as LEED, Green Star, Blue Star, among others. As the growing need for an eco-friendly environment, NCI is committed to provide various top of the line products and equipments which support the LEED requirement in promoting positive impact on the environment.
The “core” focus of the business is to offer sustainable options to the market place at prices that allow business to “make a difference” in the global environment by producing environment friendly green materials and solutions.
Through innovations and conscious reduction of pollutant in the various materials used in constructions and fit-out industry we are reducing carbon footprint which allow us to align with the long term sustainability of our “Mother Earth”
Newcore Industries at a glance . . .
Indoor Air Quality
As the indoor air quality becomes a conscious subject, more companies demands a solution which will allow occupants to have hazard free environment within their vicinity of work and abode. In line with this we offer various air filter and ventilation solutions.
Light System
Due to the increasing cost of electricity and a clamor for resource conservations it is important that we provide a cost efficient solution such as light sensor system, low watts light and multiple switch system.
Alternative Energy Solutions
Recent development has demanded industries to conserve energy due to the possible scarcity of gas and other petroleum materials. Emergence of alternative power such as solar panels and other cost saving solutions has prompted the industry to demand alternative energy solutions.
Sound and Other Hand Line Materials
A favorable work place has become one of the top priorities of companies specifically in the BPO and Call Center industries. This is the reason it is important that the work environment would promote privacy and be as soundless as possible. Several materials is provided and offered to cater for this type of requirement.
NCI invest both in technology and people who understood the value and the importance of promoting and sustaining a “Greener” environment.
With several expansion and diversion of product and services become available in the market to support the demand of the “green” program, NCI is continuously expanding it’s horizon on providing top of the line solution and search of new technology and products to offer the industry.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 12:32 PM
Excerpted from Walls & Ceilings Magazine, Aug. 3, 2010
When construction was completed on the upscale, 49-unit Lexington Apartment Building in Hoboken, N.J., real estate agents pitched each unit’s high-end amenities including granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors and the hidden soundproofing material installed within the walls and floors to potential renters.
In an age when noise pollution is surpassing mold as the top health offender in multi-unit construction, more and more architects and builders are incorporating some sort of noise abatement solution into residential properties, as well as commercial and industrial buildings to meet a growing demand to address not only noise but the threat of noise complaint litigation. As noise abatement technology becomes more sophisticated, a growing movement to rid our home, work and leisure spaces of high decibel intrusion is taking shape, and sound abatement manufacturers are competing like never before to restore quiet to living spaces.
A host of elements have stirred demand for noise reduction applications: global economic factors, urban and suburban build-out and oppressive land price increases have spawned higher density, multi-unit development. More people are living and working in highly concentrated environments. Unwanted noise from neighbors has become a high-priority lifestyle issue for people living in apartment and condominium housing complexes. In a national survey of 1,500 multi-family housing residents conducted by Richmond, Va.,-based Alan Newman Research, noisy neighbors are the number one cause of irritation when it comes to multifamily living. More than 60-percent of those polled rated noisy neighbors who can be heard through the walls as the top noise compliant, with loud music following a distant second.
In the case of The Lexington, JDA Group commercial and residential developers installed sound abatement material under the drywall and subflooring of each unit during construction to create living spaces that are void of ambient noise from outside traffic, as well as adjoining apartments. This patented material, made by Tampa, Fla.-based Acoustiblok Inc., is attached to the studs before drywall is hung during the construction or renovation phase. This flexible material is a heavy, mineral-filled viscoelastic polymer that absorbs sound and transforms it into inaudible friction energy. Since the product can be cut to fit during installation, it can be applied to any type of project.
ALL THAT NOISE
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| Easily cut to size with a utility knife, Acoustiblok requires no special tools or preparation, and can be installed anytime before drywall or floor covering. |
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In the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfast accommodations, surveyed guests have repeatedly rated noise from common areas and other rooms the number one annoyance that would keep them from returning. Competition for a dwindling customer base has hoteliers looking for materials and techniques to combat noise issues in an effort to keep their rooms quiet and their guests happy.
For that reason, Acoustiblok was recently installed in the 3,100-square-foot ballroom of the Parsippany, N.J., Holiday Inn. Noise generated from the ballroom was infiltrating courtyard-side rooms, and guests were complaining. The Acoustiblok went in during a total renovation in June, and General Manager Joel Hecht says the noise problem was eradicated completely.
“We completely refurbished and remodeled the whole property, and when we got to the ballroom, we decided to do it right and take care of the noise problem,” Hecht says.
Growing attention to noise abatement and privacy demands are driving the development of new building materials that significantly reduce sound transmission. Older methods of blocking sound with concrete or other barrier materials have proven ineffective at best, as sound often reverberates off of these materials. In certain settings, sound can be worsened due to an echo effect that some barriers create within certain acoustical settings.
One recent example of the acoustical problems concrete barriers can cause occurred at the Pinellas County, Fla. jail and adjacent courthouse when videoconferencing technology, installed to streamline certain court proceedings, was rendered unusable due to the acoustical echo chamber created by the jail’s concrete block walls.
Win Ellwood, technology manager for the Sixth Court, researched different solutions before concluding that certain options like layered gypsum, carpet and sound absorbing ceiling tiles would not work adequately in this situation.
“We needed a solution that was indestructible,” Ellwood says. “It had to be totally fireproof, something that could be cleaned easily, could not be torn off the wall and adheres to all current building codes.”
The jail used Acoustiblok all-weather sound panels for the project since they met all code requirements, could be hosed down for cleaning and had a sound absorption capability of NRC 1.00. The panels can be used in indoor and outdoor applications and are approximately 2¼ inches thick with a welded aluminum frame and perforated aluminum grill. Installation varies depending on the project. Elwood says they were wall mounted in a few hours.
Other variables—proximity to light rail trains, highways, airports and other external offenders are creating new challenges for urban planners, architects and builders when noise mitigation demands come into play. Studies are being released routinely warning of the increased health risks due to noise-related stress, and people are becoming more aware of the dangers. Ironically, as awareness increases and demand for noise pollution solutions is raised, new problems arise as mass transportation projects expand to residential areas and other industrial and commercial projects add to the din.
GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY STANDARDS
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| A cutaway rendering of a stud wall layered with a 1/8 inch thickness of sound abatement material and batt insulation beneath the drywall. |
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Government and industry standards, when it comes to sound reduction in construction, is translated in sound transmission class, a system that measures the ability of a wall partition to prevent noise from penetrating a wall between adjoining rooms. The higher the rating, the greater the noise reduction. For apartment dwellers or hotel guests, an STC-55 rated wall is enough to prevent the penetration of normal sounds. To prevent the intrusion of sound from loud music or any other unusually high volume source, an STC-60 rating may be called for.
In an effort to increase STC rating, contractors use one or a combination of noise abatement techniques including:
Increasing the wall’s ability to disperse vibrational energy that is produced by sound waves within a partition, also known as damping.
Adding to the wall’s mass, literally adding layers of drywall or other material to create a barrier that sound waves must penetrate to pass from one room to the next.
Creating flexibility in the wall assembly to enhance sound absorption. Too much stiffness reduces a wall’s ability to absorb sound. Metal studs have more flexibility than wood studs, and should be used in walls where noise abatement is important.
Less framing, which will improve acoustical performance, with 24-inch o.c. framing spacing proven to be a better option for sound abatement than 16-inch o.c. framing.
Increasing wall cavity depth and packing the empty space with insulation or another sound-absorbing material.
RESILIENT CHANNELS
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| Sound panels installed at an industrial sewage pumping site to eliminate noise pollution to the surrounding park and residential areas. |
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Resilient channels are a noise abatement application that utilizes several design options. This solution uses flexible metal channels to create a barrier in between the stud and the wallboard, which removes the direct conduit for transmitting sound waves between rooms.
The resilient channels solution can be costly, as it requires additional material and labor, but it is a proven option for boosting STC rating up to five points in some applications.
Almost every noise abatement or soundproofing solution requires added expense in both materials and labor, and with few exceptions, the deeper wall cavities created by these solutions can eat up floor space.
Of course, any soundproofing solution is only as good as its installation. Even the best technology in noise abatement materials requires proper installation. Most products, including Acoustiblok and National Gypsum’s SoundBreak, come with detailed installation instructions backed by live expert advice from company representatives. Following each manufacturer’s instructions is critical in successfully completing any soundproofing project, such as using proper acoustical sealants and the spacing of framing.
Architects and contractors are finally beginning to take noise abatement seriously, and the liability of ignoring this important aesthetic in the design process is getting costly. Increased litigation over noise problems are becoming more the norm than the exception. With new studies being released routinely on the health implications caused by noise pollution today, consumers are beginning to demand quiet in their homes and businesses. W&C
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Liz Ernst
Lizernst@acoustiblok.com
Liz Ernst is director public relations and marketing with Acoustiblok Inc./Thermablok
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Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 12:17 PM
Sound that is undesirable for human hearing is called as noise. When there is a lot of noise in the environment, it constitutes what is known as noise pollution. Noise pollution can be caused due to various sources – there is street noise, traffic noise, noise in public transport places, noise in playgrounds and parks, noise in the shopping malls, noise in workplaces… the list is endless. One of the greatest sources of noise pollution is the airports, and anyone staying close to an airport will attest to that.
Sources of Noise Pollution
Sound is measured in a unit known as decibel. Though there is no fixed particular decibel limit to decide when sound becomes noise, it is understood that a continuously high decibel limit will constitute noise pollution. Some areas do designate their own sound limits, which of course vary from one legislation to another. In the United States, most states have a sound limit of 65 dB in the daytime and 55 dB in the nighttime, applicable to the streets. Anyone crossing this limit would be causing noise pollution.
However, all these designated sound limits are too ambiguous, because most appliances we use in factories as well in the household go much beyond the prescribed limits. The following are some of the sources of noise pollution that we are quite familiar with, but generally ignore:-
* Appliances in the home such as mixer grinders, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc. together cause a cumulative sound of about 87 dB. This itself is above the sound limits in most areas. On top of that, if loudspeakers, television sets and music systems are used with high volumes, then we can well imagine how much noise pollution is being created.
* Small factories using single unit machines would cause a sound of about 98 dB and above. The sound will definitely go higher as the number of machines increase.
* Airplanes cause the highest sound among all – 150 dB. But road vehicles are also great contributors of noise pollution. These vehicles include the trucks, buses, tractors, SUVs and even motorcycles and most cars.
* Then there are lots of environmental sources of noise pollution that cannot be ignored. Continuous noises are the most distressing. Noise coming from sources such as dripping taps and ticking of clocks can contribute to environmental noise pollution.
Effects of Noise Pollution on Health
Noise pollution can take a severe toll on human health in the long run. These effects will not become apparent immediately, but there could be repercussions later on. The following is a list of the kinds of effects noise pollution will have on human health after continuous exposure for months, and even years:-
* The most immediate effect is a deterioration of mental health. As an example, people who are living too close to airports will probably be quite jumpy. Continuous noise can create panic episodes in a person and can even increase frustration levels. Also, noise pollution is a big deterrent in focusing the mind to a particular task. Over time, the mind may just lose its capacity to concentrate on things.
* Another immediate effect of noise pollution is a deterioration of the ability to hear things clearly. Even on a short-term basis, noise pollution can cause temporary deafness. But if the noise pollution continues for a long period of time, there’s a danger that the person might go stone deaf.
* Noise pollution also takes a toll on the heart. It is observed that the rate at which heart pumps blood increases when there is a constant stimulus of noise pollution. This could lead to side-effects like elevated heartbeat frequencies, palpitations, breathlessness and the like, which may even culminate into seizures.
* Noise pollution can cause dilation in the pupils of the eye, which could interfere in ocular health in the later stages of life.
* Noise pollution is known to increase digestive spasms. This could be the precursor of chronic gastrointestinal problems.
Controlling Noise Pollution
Governments are making their efforts for controlling noise pollution, but we must appreciate the difficulty of the task. Unless and until we take care of ourselves, the problems of noise pollution will always loom large. Here are some ways in which we can make individual efforts at reducing noise pollution for ourselves and for others:-
* We must constantly check up on the appliances we use at home. Most of them have rubber insulation that act for sound proofing. But over time, this insulation may wear out, and that is when the noise pollution will begin. Keep track of which appliances need maintenance, and replace insulation if needed.
* Growing trees is a very significant way in which roadside noise can be curtailed. Trees act as buffers for absorbing the sound that is produced on the streets and hence reduce noise pollution. That is the reason why roads with trees on both sides seem to be more silent and peaceful. Grow trees around your house if you can. It will protect you from the noise on the streets. This will also help if you stay close to an airport.
* Do not honk horns in your vehicles unless it is absolutely necessary. We all know how easily traffic sound limits are trespassed when there is a traffic jam. We might be desperate to get through, but honking horns will not solve any issues. It will only add to the noise pollution.
* If you are working in a factory that has a lot of noise issues, make it a point to wear earplugs and muffs. If you are the owner of the factory, provide these things to your workers.
(Excerpted from an article by By Neil Valentine D’Silva)
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 12:06 PM
As any landscape professional already knows, installing trees and vegetation on a berm between roadway traffic and residences may be aesthetically pleasing, but these elements are not effective noise control bariers. Acoustiblok Inc., a world leader in noise abatement for both inside and outside installations, has announced the release of Acoustifence, a revolutionary new defense against outdoor noise pollution.
The fact is, foliage or trees on earth berms can actually increase noise. Since sound is dispersed in much the same way as light, it will penetrate and reflect off the foliage in all directions, including that side of the berm that is meant to be peaceful and quiet. Although the higher the berm, the better the sound deflection, it is far more affordable and more practical to increase the berm height by installing Acoustifence than it is to add fill to the berm.
Adding a six-foot high Acoustifence to the berm not only drastically increases the berm’s blocking protection, it eliminates the real problem of the sound reflecting off the foliage and into those outdoor spaces that are meant to be serene. Limp and heavy, Acoustifence is a proprietary formula, heavy mineral filled, viscoelastic polymer which is easily cut with a utility knife. Acoustifence produces far less noise reflection than solid barriers. While other materials attempt to “block” or “absorb” sound, Acoustiblok does neither. As the heavy, limp Acoustifence material vibrates when sound waves hit it, it actually transforms the acoustical energy into inaudible friction energy in a process sometimes referred to as “isothermal adiabatic”
The all-weather Acoustifence can be hung from any substantial structure, such as a chain link or wood fence, or from a pipe frame structure.
A simple and economical noise abatement solution for both residential and industrial usage, Acoustifence is a 1/8-inch (3mm) thick material measuring 6-feet (1.82 meters) high by 30-feet (9.14 meters) long with black anodized brass eyelets along the top and bottom edge for easy attachment to any chain link fence or other framework with the 70, 125-lb. heavy duty nylon ties included with each roll. Easily installed or removed in less than one hour, entirely impervious to mold, mildew, and UV, Acoustifence is virtually indestructible.
Based on the same soundproofing material developed by the Acoustiblok Corporation for indoor noise abatement, Acoustifence is a proprietary formula of the Acoustiblok® Corporation, developed and refined over an eight year period for various applications. Acoustiblok is recognized and sold world-wide, earning product awards from the British House of Commons, as well as industry publications including Builder News Magazine.
Acoustifence has proven performance in highway environments, construction sites, offshore oil rigs and waste-to-energy plants. One can accommodate any height fence or structure by simply overlapping the Acoustifence sections.
At a construction site, it can be attached to scaffolding or the building structure itself.
To store, the Acoustifence sections simply roll up like carpet into less than a 12-inch diameter.
Independent lab tests of the Acoustifence material shows a sound transmission classification (STC) of 28, which represents to the human ear an approximately 85-percent reduction in sound. However, results will vary greatly relative to surrounding sound-reflective objects such as buildings, structures or trees and the amount of Acoustifence installed.
Acoustifence is a real boon to landscape architects, who already know they can not rely on foliage to block noise. Additionally, it is a totally paintable, 100-percent recyclable, environmentally friendly answer to the problem of outdoor noise pollution.
Acoustifence has already proven its value to Celine Chick, owner of the Park Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. Facing potential legal troubles over ambient noise affecting neighbors next to her restaurant, Chick chose to install Acoustifence to the outside perimeter of her property. The results were even better than expected.
“I had complaints from neighbors about the noise coming from our outdoor patio, and we purchased three Acoustifence panels to block out the music and the noise in general,” Chick said. “The neighbors are much happier now, and we can keep our customers happy with music outdoors.
“Acoustifence is definitely something we would recommend to residential customers as well as commercial customers.”
Easily hidden and requiring minimal disruption to plants, Acoustiblok President Lahnie Johnson believes Acoustifence has great potential for landscaping projects.
“This very simple, economical sound abatement product will be extremely popular in new and existing landscape settings thanks to its uncomplicated ability to reduce unpleasant exterior noise. It allows a better quality of life for those living on the side of a highway or other invasive noise source,” he said. “After all, our mission is quieting the world.”TRUCK DRAWING (2)
(For those seeking the ultimate in outdoor noise reduction,
Acoustiblok also manufactures the “
All Weather Outdoor Sound Panels®”.)
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 11:59 AM
Twenty-first century noise pollution has evolved significantly from the clamor our forebears contended with in past centuries. Before there was vehicular traffic, jack-hammers, aircraft, and teenagers with radios, human hearing concerned itself with those sounds in nature that defined survival: the peal of thunderstorms, the vocalized threats of carnivorous beasts, and other naturally occurring environmental hubbub. Thus evolved the “fight or flight” response to noise, which today translates to noise-related stress.
Noise pollution is inescapable to all but those living in the most remote places on earth. From the moment you wake up in the morning to the moment you drift off to sleep at night, you are bombarded with ambient noise; alarm clocks, construction equipment, automobile horns, cell phones – the list is endless, as is the list of mental and physical challenges human-created noise can cause, including:
• elevated blood pressure
• hearing loss
• increased stress
• fatigue
• stomach ulcers
• vertigo
• headaches.
• sleep disturbance
• frustration
• speech problems
• muscle-motor movement disorders
• aggression
• anxiety
• withdrawal
• lost productivity
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 11:55 AM
Acoustiblok® is a proprietary viscoelastic polymer material with a high density mineral content, heavy and yet extremely flexible. As sound waves cause the Acoustiblok material to flex, internal friction occurs and the acoustical energy is dissipated into undetectable trace amounts of heat. Just one, 1/8-inchh layer of Acoustiblok in a standard wall will result in more sound reduction than 12 inches of poured concrete. (Certified lab results are available.)
Environmentally friendly, Acoustiblok contains no lead or asbestos, is UV resistant and impervious to water and mold; it is UL rated and classified for virtually all wall, floor and ceiling installations. Easily cut with a utility knife, Acoustiblok requires no special tools or preparation, and can be installed anytime before drywall or floorcovering. Available internationally, Acoustiblok was awarded 1st Place in England’s Sound Abatement Competition, presented at the British House of Commons.
For more information about AcousticBlok® products, call (813) 980-1400 or e-mail sales@acoustiblok.com.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 11:41 AM
In an age when noise pollution is surpassing mold as the top health offender in multi-unit construction, more and more architects and builders are incorporating some sort of noise abatement solution into residential properties, as well as commercial and industrial buildings to meet a growing demand to address not only noise but the threat of noise complaint litigation. As noise abatement technology becomes more sophisticated, a growing movement to rid our home, work and leisure spaces of high decibel intrusion is taking shape, and sound abatement manufacturers are competing like never before to restore quiet to living spaces.
A host of elements have stirred demand for noise reduction applications: global economic factors, urban and suburban build-out and oppressive land price increases have spawned higher density, multi-unit development. More people are living and working in highly concentrated environments. Unwanted noise from neighbors has become a high-priority lifestyle issue for people living in apartment and condominium housing complexes. In a national survey of 1,500 multi-family housing residents conducted by Richmond, Va.,-based Alan Newman Research, noisy neighbors are the number one cause of irritation when it comes to multifamily living. More than 60-percent of those polled rated noisy neighbors who can be heard through the walls as the top noise compliant, with loud music following a distant second.
In the case of The Lexington, JDA Group commercial and residential developers installed sound abatement material under the drywall and subflooring of each unit during construction to create living spaces that are void of ambient noise from outside traffic, as well as adjoining apartments. This patented material, made by Tampa, Fla.-based Acoustiblok Inc., is attached to the studs before drywall is hung during the construction or renovation phase. This flexible material is a heavy, mineral-filled viscoelastic polymer that absorbs sound and transforms it into inaudible friction energy. Since the product can be cut to fit during installation, it can be applied to any type of project.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Mon, Sep 13, 2010 @ 11:30 AM
Noise
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 01:31 PM
Noise pollution can be expensive, especially if you are the owner of a U. S. Military Base in Japan. A court ordered the Tokyo government to increase compensation for hundreds of residents who must endure the noise from U. S. jets in the area. Guess who Tokyo is going to ask to pay. Tokyo’s high court says 257 residents deserve more than the Y190 million ($1.8 million) they have already been awarded. When the residents were informed, they said, “Huh?!” The residents were already promised Y160 million.
The court rejected suspension of early morning and late night flights. The court says they have no jurisdiction over the military base and the suit wasn’t filed against the U.S. government…hint, hint.
Japan hosts some 50,000 troops who are accused of making too much noise, committing too much crime and causing environmental pollution. Not to mention the fact that the U.S. presence in the area is important for the balance of power.
Not wanting to be defeated by the ruling to not suspend flights, plaintiffs have pledged to continue to make noise until somebody listens to them.
“We will not be defeated by the ruling, but will continue to raise our voice until it is heard.”
“Huh!?”
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 01:28 PM
Any sudden loud noise triggers our natural fight-or-flight response; the heart pumps harder, blood pressure rises, and the body releases cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones.) It is the inability to predict the sound that will bring on this response, which is why your body does not react similarly when you perform actions that cause loud noise, such as running the vacuum cleaner or revving your car engine. This unexpected and repeated triggering of the fight-or-flight reflex can take a toll on your health and well-being.
Our ancestors used the fight-or-flight instinct to survive; today, it actually has the opposite effect, causing higher rates of anxiety and cardiovascular stress. Researchers have made a direct connection between unwanted ambient noise and increased blood pressure. The higher the noise level, in fact, the higher the risk of hypertension, which is a major cause of heart disease. Studies of the effects of noise on health has researchers estimating that three percent of all fatal heart attacks can be attributed to stress induced by excessive environmental noise.
There are options for reducing the levels of ambient noise from your daily life. Whenever possible, installing sound proofing material like Acoustiblok (http://www.acoustiblok.com) in new construction and retrofits reduces the effects of ambient noise by up to 70-percent or more. UL-approved Acoustiblok can reduce more sound than 12-inches of concrete.
Noise reducing headphones or ear plugs are quick fixes for blocking unwelcome sound. It is important to take steps toward correcting noise problems in our own environments, whether it means closing windows, replacing noisy appliances or even moving away from noisy train or airport vicinities. As scientists reveal more findings regarding the effects of noise on health, more people are becoming proactive in their own personal zen levels by taking steps to quiet their world.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 12:57 PM
Loud noise can have serious consequences to an individual’s health and well being. Elevated workplace or other noise can cause hearing impairment, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stress-releated illnesses, premature ejaculation, sleep disturbance, decreased sexual performance and even death. Some experts suggest that changes in the immune system and birth defects have been attributed to noise exposure, although evidence is limited. Although some hearing loss may occur naturally with age, in many developed nations the cumulative impact of noise is sufficient to impair the hearing of a large portion of the population over the course of a lifetime. Exposure to loud noise has also been known to induce tinnitus, hypertension, vasoconstriction and other cardiovascular impacts. Beyond these effects, elevated noise levels can create stress, increase workplace accident rates, and stimulate aggression and other anti-social behaviors. The most significant culprits are vehicle and aircraft noise, prolonged exposure to loud music, and industrial noise.
The social costs of traffic noise in European countries and the U.S. is in the billions of dollars per year, with traffic noise alone is harming the health of one in every three people in some high-traffic communities. One in five individuals is regularly exposed to sound levels at night that could significantly damage health.
The location of site and noise generators near sites which are noisy include major roads, railroads, industrial plants, etc. Traffic maps and land use maps from highway departments, planning agencies, railroads, and airport authorities may document such noise generators.
Noise is also a detriment to animal habitats and ecosystems.
Acoustiblok’s all weather sound panels and other noise abatement products are helping industries and individuals combat noise-related problems every day. Acoustiblok’s sound absorption capability is more effective than a 12-inch poured concrete barrier.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 08:42 AM
The Facts about Noise “Pollution”
According to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, “Noise is among the most pervasive pollutants today. The problem with noise is not only that it is unwanted, but also that it negatively affects human health and well-being. Problems related to noise include hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep loss, distraction and lost productivity, and a general reduction in the quality of life.”
In business, excessive noise can cause irreversible hearing loss, increased worker compensation claims, and higher insurance costs.
Noise problems are hardly confined to industrial areas. Whatever space, there are three essential approaches to controlling or eliminating noise:
- Contain the noise at the source by using mufflers, engineering controls, etc.
- Identify, isolate and treat the many paths noise will take with barriers, absorbers and dampers.
- Cancel the noise by reducing sound at the listener with headphones, earplugs, etc.
Contact Acoustiblok for more information about noise pollution solutions.
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 08:41 AM
Employers are responsible for the health of their employees at work, and this includes caring for their hearing. If a workplace has a high level of noise (including loud music in entertainment venues) it is essential that appropriate steps are taken to protect the hearing of the company’s employees. Failing to do this could cause permanent damage to their hearing and result in legal action being taken against the business.
Most jurisdictions, including the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK, have specific legislation that allows workers whose hearing has been damaged because of workplace noise to sue their employers.
A typical example of this is Section 113 of the Australian Capital Territory’s Work Safety Regulation which states: “This section provides that a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace commits a strict liability offence if the person does not undertake a number of specific actions in relation to noise management.
“The duty holder must properly maintain noise control measures at the workplace, give workers at the workplace information and training about noise control measures …and ensure that any personal hearing protectors given to a worker are used and maintained… (Noise management – duties of person conducting business or undertaking, worksafety.act.gov.au, accessed 10 May 2010)
The Evidence Against Noise is Overwhelming
Studies have shown that exposure to noise acts as a stressor, activating physiological factors that, over time, can produce adverse health effects. Although all of the effects and mechanisms are not clearly understood, noise can elevate blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), and can produce both acute and chronic health effects.
A study of the effects of industrial noise on resting HR and BP in more than 3000 blue-collar workers found that following four hours of daily exposure to noise, the mean resting HR in male workers exposed to high levels of noise was higher than the HR in workers exposed to low levels of noise. (The CORDIS Study, Kristol-Boneh et al, 1995)
Another study compared 37 people exposed to noise in the workplace with 36 non-exposed workers and found that BP and HR were significantly higher in the individuals who had been exposed to noise.
In addition, 18% of the 37 exposed individuals had irregular cardiac rhythms (Effect of chronic and acute exposure to noise on physiological functions in man, Singh et al., Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health, 1982).
How to Identify Noise Problems in a Workplace
A comprehensive investigation should be conducted to identify sources of noise in a workplace. Begin with a walk-through survey to determine whether or not noise is a potential problem. Some indicators of potentially hazardous noise levels are:
- The noise is louder than busy city traffic,
- People have to raise their voice to talk to someone who is 3 feet (one meter) away,
- At the end of work period people have to increase the volume of their radio or TV to a level that’s too loud for others,
- After working for a prolonged period of time, employees find it difficult to communicate in a crowd or party situation where there are other sounds or many voices.
What Employers can do about Noise
There are a several measures an employer can take to reduce employees’ exposure to noise. These include:
- Redesign equipment and work processes so they are not as noisy – for example, by lining metal chutes and bins with scrap rubber conveyor belting.
- Stop the noise from reaching employees by moving noisy machines away from them, by building soundproof enclosures around noise-producing equipment, or by putting up a barrier between machines and operators.
- Reducing the time people are exposed to noise by moving them between noisy and quiet jobs so nobody is exposed to noise for too long.
Even ambient noise in offices can cause problems: “It’s also been linked with musculoskeletal problems, as a Cornell University study on office noise found that those working in noisy office environments can also be less likely to ergonomically adjust their workstations for comfort, which can contribute to physical problems.” (Stress Management, stress.about.com, accessed 10 May 2010)
A simple yet effective practice is to give employees a regular break away from the noise during their working hours.
This will help prevent prolonged exposure to damaging noise levels and will also help to show that the business is trying to look after its employees’ hearing, even if there is no direct action that can be taken to lower noise further.
Exerpted from a Suite 101 article by Philip Keeffe
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 08:38 AM
With cities growing exponentially and energy costs rising, the need for mass transit light rail has become more than apparent. Unfortunately, where it’s needed most is in congested communities and suburbs. Needless to say, the noise of light rail has become a serious issue. In virtually all cases the rail noise exceeds local noise ordinances and as such has pitted the need to move masses of people against the rights of residences and businesses close to the rails.
The public has become increasingly aware of the health effects of consistent noise pollution. The links between noise and stress are now very apparent to the medical field. Based on his own studies of health-related claims, Lewis Hagler, M.D. of San Francisco has determined that 4,000 people in California alone die prematurely each year due to noise pollution.
In many cases, noise has become a significant issue in expanding the desperately needed mass transit systems.
Fortunately there now seems to be a solution to much of the rail noise problems. The Acoustiblok Corporation in Tampa, Florida has been adapting their “All Weather Sound Panel,” originally developed for noise control on offshore oil rig platforms, to be used in not only blocking the rail noise, but also absorbing it.
The panels are unique in many respects. Unlike a wall that might be erected next to the rail which reflects the sound back to the side of the car, which in turn reflects on the side of the car over the wall and back into the community, the “All Weather Sound Panels” not only block the sound but absorb virtually all sound, allowing no reflections. If noise is not absorbed into material, it will continue to reflect off of all hard surfaces. The Acoustiblok Corporation claims the patent pending “All Weather Sound Panel” has the highest noise absorption classification possible (NRC 1.00) and is entirely environmentally sustainable even in load tests results withstanding 270-mile-per-hour winds.
The panels come in various sizes, from 4-foot x 8-foot x 12-foot and larger, and are approximately 2½ -inch thick all-welded aluminum. One of the other unique factors of the panel is the layer of a unique material known as Acoustiblok on the inside of the panel. This unique material does not block or stop sound but actually transforms the sound wave into inaudible friction energy as it vibrates from the sound. As such, the Acoustiblok material has, pound-for-pound, the identical sound reduction of lead, long used as the best sound-stopping material before an environmental impact was realized.
Several cities are already successfully using the All Weather Sound Panels, including Washington, DC which has had them in certain areas for more than four years. In Atlanta, Georgia MARTA – their light rail mass transit system – has recently approved the installation of the All Weather Sound Panel in their continuing effort to reduce their noise impact on the community and reduce the stress causing noise in their stations.
Lahnie Johnson, president of Acoustiblok states that “Noise is a serious detriment to stress in our life, not only in business productivity but also in our personal relationships with others. We should all take notice of how much noise we subject ourselves to. The “All Weather Sound Panel” we have developed is adaptable to literally thousands of noise issues.”
Posted by Liz Ernst on Wed, Sep 08, 2010 @ 08:37 AM
Noise is defined simply as unwanted sound. Noise is perceived differently by every individual. A noise that is irritating to one person may be tolerable to another.
The smallest change in noise level that can be detected by the human ear is about 3 decibels.
A 10 decibel increase will cause the noise to be perceived as sounding twice as loud to the average listener.