Second-Hand Noise

Societies have come around to the impact that second-hand smoke has on non-smokers and many regulations have been passed to force smokers outside and further away from civilized areas. While there have been a few jurisdictions that have passed ordinances on night clubs whose sounds have escaped their premises, there has been little discussion of the impact of second-hand noise in other areas.

Wikipedia defines Noise pollution (or environmental noise) as displeasing human- or machine-created sound that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life.

Most of us have found the noise of jack hammers or small cars with ear splitting vibrations from enormous speakers in the rear highly distressing. However, did you know that prolonged exposure is actually harmful?

"Though it takes about 8 hours to harm your ears at 85 decibels, crank the tunes up to 110 decibels, and it only takes a minute and a half to endanger your hearing.
You might be surprised to know that normal speaking is around 60 decibels, a baby crying is about 110, and an airplane taking off is around 140." http://ask.yahoo.com/20040528.html

Of course jack hammers and loud cars can be avoided or departed from but it seems that too often screaming babies cannot. Families insist on bringing babies onto airplanes or to restaurants creating second-hand noise pollution that is at first distressing to the psyche but can also be harmful. Any criticism of these parents often results in harsh words from all and comments such as "What should we do? Stay home?" Answering that question in the affirmative often results in further altercations.

The solution here should be the same as with smoking. Designate areas in restaurants as children or not children. People without children seldom disrupt others around them. Bars might be the exception. However, it is inevitable that children accompanying their parents into public will disrupt others. Some commentators have already suggested that Adults only airline flights would be attractive to many and even warrant a higher ticket price. Jet Blue can already be designated the Disney or Chuck E Cheese airline sheerly for the number of children on board.

Any one person's lifestyle choices (having children is a lifestyle choice) should not interfere with the lifestyles of others.