Increasingly, noise is recognized as a physical form of pollution, negatively affecting Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) by causing disruptions and having adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of occupants. External noise on the other hand, such as road traffic, aircraft, or even neighboring occupants are just a few examples of noise pollution (often referred to as environmental noise) and should be considered during the design phase of a project. Noise can come from myriad sources, just as when we looked at managing interior sound in our last article. In the built environment, noise, by definition, is any unpleasant or unwanted sound. Managing noise from the exterior is a constant challenge for design professionals. What is exterior noise intrusion? Let's get started with the basics So what can you do? By considering the various sources of noise and the potential paths for sound to travel into a building, and then selecting the right design, construction assemblies and materials to mitigate that noise, in an increasingly busy world you can create spaces that deliver occupant comfort. Governments recognize the negative impact that external noise can have, and have created regulations to limit its impact. Building design and construction professionals need to consider environmental noise pollution along with all other acoustical needs early in the project planning process. The short version: Noise pollution affects nearly everyone, whether you live near a busy industrial or high-traffic area, attend a school with a nearby construction site, deal with loud neighbors on a regular basis, or even when staying at an airport hotel.