Daily sounds like barking dogs and leaf blowers could be more unhealthy than smog.

Noise is one of the most pervasive pollutants today and may have adverse effects on a person, according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse (NPC) Web site.

“Noise is sound that is harmful to health, well-being and quality of life,” said Les Blomberg, director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse. “Noise pollution is the emission of that sound into the environment.”

Blomberg said that many things can be considered noise pollution, most of which include burning fossil fuels in an internal combustion or gas turbine engine. For example, planes, trains, buses, lawn mowers and leaf blowers are all responsible for creating noise pollution, he said. This can also include noises such as a barking dog.

“I don’t really agree that noise is pollution,” said sophomore accounting major Kevin McShea. “It does cause stress though.”

Blomberg said that noise is even used by drug companies to test the effectiveness of stress-relieving drugs.

Besides stress, noise also causes loss of hearing, sleep loss and performance issues. Megan Ellsworth, a freshman family and services major, can identify with noise and its effects on a person.

“Personally, I think noise is a problem [in the dorms],” Ellsworth said. “Music is playing, people are screaming and it’s hard to study. Many people complain about the noise on their floor.”

Blomberg said many people today believe noise is something we must deal with in the modern, technologically advanced world we live in.

But this, he said, is not the case. Machines like trucks, cars and air conditioners could be built to run at least one fourth quieter, he said. When a consumer shops for appliances like washers and dryers or dishwasher, sound is often not a deciding factor.

Also, most companies don’t consider the noises their products make. But if consumers try to buy quieter products and equipment, this could help cut down on noise pollution.

“Being civil and polite also does a lot for noise pollution,” Blomberg said.

He advises making others aware if you plan to have a loud event or party ahead of time. This may not stop the noise, but if people know it will occur, this could cause less stress and other noise pollution effects.

“I would [consider cutting down on noise pollution] just because of how it affects other people,” McShea said.