As World Nature Conservation Day approaches, the urgency of raising public awareness of the importance of ensuring the well-being of present and future generations in harmony with a healthy environment is becoming increasingly evident.

Nowadays, whenever we hear about pollution we all know what we are talking about, whether it is water, soil or air pollution. Yet, there is another type of introduction of harmful substances into the environment that can cause irreversible damage to human health and nature. It is less mentioned and it is known as noise pollution.

Just like the air we breathe, the sounds we hear can also affect our psychophysical well-being. In fact, not only does prolonged exposure have harmful implications for humans, but also for the wildlife and environment around us.

It can originate from completely different sources: industrial, commercial and handicraft activities, extreme weather events, and rail, vehicular and air traffic. It is basically the introduction into the environment of sounds whose decibels are higher than the environment and its living species can endure.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), this exposure is responsible for 12,000 premature deaths each year and contributes to 48,000 new cases of ischemic heart disease in Europe. Not to mention songbirds and many other animals, whose ability to communicate and reproduce is severely undermined by road traffic noise. This often forces them to flee their habitat.

How can we reduce noise pollution? The use of sound-absorbing materials is an option, as is the installation of laminated glass and airtight window frames.

In short, a few simple precautions that are likely to make a difference. Nature is a precious asset that we need to protect constantly. We must all act now to preserve the beauty of our Planet. It’s now or never.