One of the least considered urban issues is noise pollution, but this has a direct effect on population health, living quality, and environmental conditions. Since one can lose sleep to losing hearing ability, the effects of too much noise are severe and permanent. In reports issued by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and other local research findings, some cities in Asia, the Americas, and Africa are always among the noisiest cities in the world. Safe levels of noise are believed to be less than 70 decibels on average, yet numerous big cities often exceed this. We shall see the top 10 noisiest cities in the world and see what makes them sound that way.
Recent ECO News reports link urban noise pollution to broader environmental degradation, noting how noisy metropolises often overlap with high air quality issues in global rankings. The Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the USA You Should Know, such as Bakersfield and Fresno in California, face compounded challenges from traffic roar and industrial emissions exceeding 70 decibels. These insights urge policymakers to adopt integrated solutions like green buffers and electric transport to mitigate both auditory and atmospheric harms for healthier urban living.
The 10 Loudest Cities Globally
Dhaka, Bangladesh: First in the list, Dhaka measures noise levels of 119 decibels, which is nearly two times the safe level. City traffic police complain of hearing and sleep problems as a result of the extended exposure.
Moradabad, India: Moradabad is a big industrial area where noise up to 114 dB has been recorded. Other than traffic and factories, there is loud wedding music that is a contributing factor.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: With an average of 103 dB, motorbikes, buses, and honking take over the roads, particularly in the busy districts. Bike riders are exposed to noise of over 78 dB.
Cairo, Egypt: The Egyptian capital is 90dB on average, and the main offenders are traffic and honking. There is no noise that goes below 70 dB, and hence, there is not much quietness in this ancient city.
New York City, USA: Manhattan boasts of noise levels of between 80 and 90 dB. The cacophony is enhanced by subways, traffic, street performers, and nightlife.
Mumbai, India: the largest city in India, has a high average of 85-100 dB in all the congested places. The honking is so incessant that there is even the introduction of No Honking Days, but it has not been very successful.
Beijing, China: The high level is maintained by the noise of the active urban development, increased traffic, and building. Construction hours and noise at night are now regulated.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: The city frequently reaches 85 dB due to the festivals, traffic, and construction. Noise is also enhanced by the celebrations, where music is played loudly and fireworks are used.
Los Angeles, United States: Los Angeles has five large airports and long highways that contribute to the noise problem. Alter-egos and flights are additional to the elevated levels of urban decibel.
Delhi, India: The capital of India regularly attains 100 dB at peak times. Some of these sources are honking, auto-rickshaws, construction, and party celebrations using loudspeakers.
Health Effects and International Reaction
Noise pollution is not only annoying, but also a health issue among people. Constant exposure to high levels of noise may cause:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Heart disease and high blood pressure.
- The state of anxiety, stress, and mental exhaustion.
- Insomnia and low quality of sleep.
Some cities have also put in place measures to help fight noise. New York and Los Angeles have noise cameras to fine violators, and Beijing has strict restrictions on construction hours. Cairo and Delhi emphasize sensitization activities, and Mumbai has tried ‘No Honking Days’. Nonetheless, as populations and urban density increase, maintaining noise levels under safe levels should be a challenge.
FAQs
Q1: What is the noisiest city in the world?
The highest-ranked city is Dhaka in Bangladesh, with levels of noise as high as 119 decibels.
Q2: What is the reason noise pollution is bad?
It brings about hearing loss, insomnia, stress, and heart disease.
Q3: Do we have laws to regulate noise pollution?
Yes, noise regulations are imposed on vehicles, building construction, and other public events in many cities, but the regulations are not always followed.
Q4: Do noise cameras mitigate the noise in cities?
Indeed, cities such as New York and Los Angeles have noise cameras to impose fines on offenders who exceed the stipulated decibels.
