Search Site
Menu
NOISE POLLUTION Nuisance and quality of life claims

November 30, 2000

Uncontrolled Noise Can Be Maddening

by Stuart Lieberman
Realty Times

Noise does not get the same respect as other kinds of pollution. But, people really want, and need, some level of peace and quiet. Municipal lawmakers have realized this for quite sometime.

It was as long ago as 1929 that New York City formed the Noise Abatement Commission. That Commission was charged with evaluating city noise issues and determining what, if anything, should be done to address noise related issues.

The Commission determined that noise issues were not imaginary; that too much loud noise actually affected people’s health and productivity. We take these conclusions for granted in the year 2000, but they were revolutionary concepts in 1929.

In 1930, the Commission concluded that constant exposure to loud noises can affect people’s ability to hear, that noise negatively affects worker efficiency, interferes with sleep, and can affect the development of children. Many of these findings are still largely held today.

These important findings created an overall awareness that noise pollution can be just as harmful as other, more traditional kinds of pollution. Since for the most part society did not start addressing the other kinds of pollution until the late 1960s, noise pollution was the first kind of pollution that government started to address.

Too much noise, especially repetitive or loud noise, can drive people crazy. Today, many States have laws that regulate the levels of allowable noise from businesses and other stationery sources.

Many municipalities have their own noise ordinances. Several years ago, one municipality attempted to stop an ice cream truck vendor from ringing his bells and relied on a municipal noise ordinance. That was probably an example of too much noise regulation.

In the United States, over 17 million people reportedly have hearing problems and some people suggest that people are losing their hearing at younger ages. Repeated exposure to loud noises is considered to be one of the culprits responsible for this trend.

We all need to protect our ears from noise pollution. Whenever it is possible, you should avoid it. If you are going to visit loud places, ear plugs or similar protective devices can help. If repeated exposure seems likely, you should see your doctor.

People who live close to airports can realize significant noise headaches associated with takeoffs and landings. There are some published studies that suggest that this constant exposure to loud airplane noises can result in mental and even physical problems. While additional studies may be required, initial studies certainly suggest that airport noises can be problematic.

As a general rule, the law recognizes your right to peace and quiet. If a neighboring business or airport is keeping you up, or driving you crazy, courts may provide you with relief. But before you head to court, you might very well attempt to approach your noisy neighbor and determine whether some amicable solution might be reached.

Our Attorneys

In The Media

  • On the Run: Runner/lawyer DeBord out to protect the environment she loves

    Bucks County Herald, January 4, 2024

    When Brittany DeBord runs along the Delaware River canal towpath or on the trails of Tyler State Park, she doesn’t just appreciate the natural beauty of the...

    Read More
  • Gulf Coast Town Center facing foreclosure

    Naples Daily News, September 16, 2015

    Wells Fargo filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 against an affiliate of CBL & Associates, the owners of the decadeold, 1.2 million-square-foot mall in south Fort Myers for a $190.9 million unpaid loan. The center has 94 stores on 204 acres, with such anchors as Super Target, Belk, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls and Costco...

    Read More
  • Town liable for private company's leaking underground tanks, court rules

    NJ.com Jul 26, 2017

    CRANFORD -- A couple that owned a businesses in town and became sick from leaking underground tanks owned by an adjacent business can sue the township for damages because the tanks were partially ...

    Read More
  • Dark Waters: How a Class Action Catapulted NJ to Forefront of 'Forever Chemicals' Battle

    NJ Law Journal Jan 09, 2020

    As property owners become increasingly aware of PFAS contamination, and as individuals exposed to PFAS learn of the health risks associated with exposure, liability will likely affect entire supply chains.

    Read More
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Contact Our Firm

Quick Contact Form