Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
with an interesting letter about NoiseOff from its New York founder, Richard Tur.
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Published: December 19, 2008 3:00 a.m.
Letter (Web version): Excessive noise causes health problems; isn't a 'pet
peeve'
Regarding Frank Gray's column "Pet peeves don't make good laws" (Dec. 14): I
founded a group called NoiseOFF, a coalition working to reduce urban noise
pollution. It started four years ago and has grown to 750 members from across
the country. Our members raise public awareness and speak to public officials
for better legislation and enforcement on noise ordinances. Our Web site is
www.noiseoff.org.
I started the group in Queens, N.Y., because my family could not sleep at night
from vehicular noise outside our apartment. For residents, especially those who
live near thoroughfares and intersections, noise is not merely a nuisance - it
is affecting their health.
The noise from boom cars that Gray describes as lasting only 10 seconds is 10
seconds several times an hour, day and night. It is a noise that can be heard
and felt. In cases where people deal with neighbors with boom cars, the problem
is much worse.
I have received thousands of heart-wrenching messages from people across the
country who write to me in desperation because the noise is causing them pain.
Often their complaints to police and legislators are met with indifference.
The adverse health effects of urban noise pollution are recognized by most
governments and NGOs, including World Health Organization, National Institutes
of Health and the United Nations.
Noise pollution, including noise caused by boom cars, is not a pet peeve. For
people who cannot sleep at night and suffer the ill effects of noise, things do
not sort themselves out, as Gray puts it. His column is ignorant, and it's a
shame he apparently didn't research this issue before writing his piece.
RICHARD TUR Queens, N.Y.
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Evelyn out
