Reducing the impact of environmental noise on quality of life requires an effective national noise policy

The focus here is on the impact of environmental noise on the quality of life. After reviewing the terms of The Noise Control Act of 1972 (NCA 72) related to quality of life, the authors explore the following issues: (1) the desire for an acceptable quality of life; (2) the absence of an effective national noise policy; (3) changes in the noise exposure of the U.S. population; (4) changes in the population (numbers, locations and desires); (5) changes in sources (numbers, locations and noise characteristics); and (6) inadequacy of knowledge about the effects of noise. The conclusion is drawn that a more effective national noise policy is required to achieve an acceptable quality of life for all Americans.