IMA’s Study Proves Kochi to be Sound Polluted

KOCHI:
A study made by Indian Medical association (IMA) Kochi branch and SCMS group of institutions under the leadership of Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI), proves that the roads in Kochi are highly affected with sound pollution.
The study, conducted prior to the No Horn Day scheduled on 26th April, at nine important roads in Kochi shows that the sound intensity is up to 105 decibels. It was under the leadership of Prof. Radha Thavanoor, director of SCMS, a group including 20 experts did this study continuously for two days from 9 am to 6 pm. Prof. Radha Thavanoor and Varghese Cheriyan, IMA president, said that the results of the study will be published soon in the national level.
Apart from this, a hearing analysis was conducted among the bus employees at Kaloor bus stand with the cooperation of little flower hospital, Angamaly and Ernakulum district private bus owners association. It has been found out that 60% of the drivers and 40-45% of other bus employees are having hearing problems. The problem is worst among drivers who work more than 14 hours a day. “Further hearing loss should be controlled by reducing horns, mobile phones and headphones” said Dr. Jyothi O Kumari.
Dr. V.D Pradeep Kumar, no horn day program convener, said that the results are indicating severe health issues regarding the health concerns of the people in Kochi. The maximum sound allowed in a commercial area is 65 decibel. Dr. M. Narayanan, Co- convener said that the public should grow a culture of blowing horns only for emergency.