Monday, March 17, 2008

Noise Levels Driving Cairo Residents Crazy

Egyptians have developed a particular national driving style: instead of putting their hands at the 10 and 2 position on the wheel, drivers generally put one hand on the wheel and the other on the horn - the optimal position for continuous beeping. Beeping and other noise pollution has gotten so out of control in Cairo that, according to a 2007 study, living in the center of the city is the same as living inside a factory in terms of noise levels.

This could have severe health effects for residents of the growing mega-city. According to scientists, noise pollution can be just as deadly as chronic stress, leading to a slew of health problems including hypertension, hearing loss, heart attacks and general irritability. The noise pollution caused by car horns, loud music, elderly car engines and people shouting on the street is particularly harmful to pregnant women. From TreeHugger.

I guess this explains a lot!!! Especially, the "general irritability" side effect!!

Do you have any practical solutions for this problem?
What did you say??? I cannot hear you!!!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I do not think the problem is only in Cairo,people are dealing with it in most major cities all around the world,and even living outside the city and being close to a main street or close to a highway is unbearable.
Think of Bombay, Lahore,Beijing, New York, etc.... and please do not forget tiny Beirut and I can go on and on... unfortunately living in the city has it's perks and the noise is the price we pay.
Ani

Anonymous said...

"HAKUNA MATATA" I guess means no worries...I got it from the Lion King movie...