Readers ask about noise pollution and beluga melons

Sounds like trouble

Exposing zebra finch eggs and hatchlings to traffic noise can lead to lifelong reductions in health and reproduction, Jonathan Lambert reported in “Traffic noise harms bird eggs” (SN: 6/1/24, p. 9).

Reader Gary Wilson asked how noise pollution affects humans.

Noise pollution can harm humans’ physical and mental health. Prolonged exposure to common loud noises, such as construction and powered lawn mowers, can induce hearing damage and loss. The cacophony of everyday transportation and traffic within cities can increase stress, disrupt sleep and hormone levels, impair cognition and up the risk for heart disease, heart failure and stroke.