“Even if you get used to the noise, it continues to harm,” says the expert

Risk management specialist Carmen Veloz warned on Friday about the harmful effects of noise on health, even when people have become accustomed to it.

Veloz stressed that excessive noise, especially in the country’s most populous sectors, exceeds the limits established by law and affects the central nervous system and citizens’ quality of life.

According to Dominican regulations, the noise allowed in residential areas must be below 60 decibels at night and 65 during the day.

However, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) measurements indicate that the actual levels are well above these limits.

This problem is exacerbated in urban areas, where grocery stores and other businesses contribute significantly to environmental noise, disturbing residents’ sleep and tranquility.

Cumulative health impacts

The specialist explained that noise affects rest and has a cumulative impact on the central nervous system.

“The brain overworks to filter out ambient noise, making it difficult to concentrate and communicate. This affects both adults and children, reducing the ability to learn in the classroom and loading the cognitive system before reaching classes,” said Veloz.

The effects of noise are not limited to the educational environment. According to Veloz, prolonged noise also influences personal relationships and mental health and can cause problems such as anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, and mood alterations.

“The noise upsets you and makes you nervous, even affecting life as a couple,” she added.

A cultural and legal problem

The expert indicated that this phenomenon has cultural roots. “The Dominican has a chip that he must be boisterous. A cultural change is necessary that promotes respect for the rights of others,” Veloz commented.

Likewise, Veloz stressed that corrective actions must be framed in legality. A court order is required to confiscate sound equipment that violates regulations.

Without this legal backing, seizures can be considered illegal, undermining efforts to control the problem.

Against this backdrop, Carmen Veloz insisted that the Ministry of the Environment and other institutions must take urgent measures to regulate noise levels in the country. This is especially the case with unmufflered motorcycles that cause noise pollution nationwide disturbing families, sleeping children, and tourists trying to enjoy peace and tranquility. There needs to be serious laws requiring proper mufflers on motorcycles, and hefty fines and penalties for those who don’t comply. 

“The actions should have been taken a long time ago, but it is essential that they are done respecting the legal framework,” Veloz said.

These statements were offered on the program “El Día.”