CHINA

A draft law in China
seeks to bring down noise
pollution. The law authorises
municipal authorities to
crack down on everything
from deafening construction
sites to boisterous folk dancing. Some big cities are planning to build noise screens
alongside major highways
where decibel levels exceed
safety levels, said Guo
Xiulan, a senior engineer
with the National Environmental Protection Agency.

Noise pollution is getting
worse with urbanisation and
industrial development. On
some highways, noise levels
exceed 70 decibels. Any noise
beyond 60 decibels can cause
physical discomfort. Existing
noise pollution laws have not
proved to be effective. The
new law provides stringent
rules for the assessment of
noise impact from various
sources, including daily
chores, traffic and construction sites. Noise control
measures would also apply to
cinema halls, karaoke clubs
and discos. Inspectors assessing noise levels are likely to
be sued if their findings are
found to be inaccurate.