exposure TO light & noise pollution
People have a right to protection from chronic exposure to pollutants in their outdoor environment. Below you can find resources discussing impacts of exposure to light and noise pollution, including information about state-specific regulations.
Light pollution is recurring exposure to outdoor artificial light at night, harmful to humans and the environment. This lighting is considered necessary for urban and industrial areas, but the widespread use of it has substantially altered natural patterns of darkness. Light pollution consists of glare (direct shining of light) or sky glow (light scattered in the atmosphere), and is one of the fastest growing environmental harms. See NPS—Light Pollution.
Noise pollution is any disturbing sound impacting the health and well-being of humans and the environment, most often associated with urban and industrial areas. Chronic exposure to a high sound levels can have negative health impacts such as high blood pressure, hearing loss, and dementia. Sound reports, most often in the form of decibels recorded by acoustic measurement devices, may help quantify this harm through measurements of volume, duration, and intensity of noise. See EPA—Noise Pollution.
DATA
The absence of nationwide data quantifying exposure to both light and noise pollution can be attributed, in part, to the lesser recognition of these as environmental harms. A national effort and recognition of both light and noise pollution as environmental justice harms is needed. Methodologies to systematically measure exposure to these sources of pollution have not been well-documented. Initiatives across the country, however, provide helpful information and resources.
resources
NCSL State Light Pollution Laws: interactive map that shows state laws regulating light pollution in the U.S. (from the National Conference of State Legislatures)
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse: resource hub produced by a national non-profit organization working to raise awareness about noise pollution, distribute resources regarding noise pollution, strengthen laws and governmental efforts to control noise pollution, and establish networks among groups working on noise pollution issues.
NoiseOFF: website providing a toolkit for reducing and remediating noise pollution in communities. Resources include information about common noise issues and guides for community advocacy, legal action, political action, and media awareness. Some of these are listed below:
Guide for Forming Community Group
Legal guide
Political guide
Useful measurements
LEGAL ACTION
Examine your area’s nuisance code, which may dictate zoning regulations or city codes that address disturbances/nuisances caused by certain activities, structures, or behaviors, aimed at preserving the quality of life, safety, and well-being of area residents. Many jurisdictions have a subjective nuisance code, which indicates that a professional measurement can demonstrate that a noise violates the sound level limits of the code.
Sound measurement reports (using decibel meter & specialized recording equipment) can be provided by acoustics professional and expert witness testimony to prove a noise problem in court. In a civil dispute, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff to prove that the noise caused by the defendant is creating a public nuisance or violates the noise ordinance.
Proving a case in court, however, is often more than measuring the volume, duration and intensity of sound. It requires proving how the noise is impacting the use and enjoyment of the area itself, such as being able to open a window, sit in the backyard, and to sleep at night.