Be vigilant against the noise hazards of household appliances

Home is the place where people spend the most time, and it should be a peaceful and comfortable environment. However, with the advancement of modern technology and improved living standards, household appliances bring convenience and entertainment, but they also introduce noise that can be harmful over time. Radios, televisions, and especially high-end audio systems generate annoying sounds, while washing machines, refrigerators, range hoods, fans, air conditioners, and even fluorescent lights emit noise during operation. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments can negatively affect the nervous system, digestive system, and endocrine system.

According to research from the Dallas Preventive Medicine Environmental Health Monitoring Center in the U.S., certain home appliances produce different levels of noise. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and heaters typically emit 38-48 decibels, while washing machines and karaoke devices reach 50-75 decibels. TVs, stereos, vacuum cleaners, and range hoods can go up to 65-90 decibels. The International Standards Organization sets limits: residential areas should not exceed 50 decibels during the day and 45 at night. Exceeding these levels can harm both physical and mental health.

New studies from abroad suggest that long-term exposure to loud noise can weaken the immune system, potentially leading to serious health issues like cancer. To test this, American oncologists conducted experiments on rats, placing them in either a noisy or quiet environment. After three months, only 7% of the rats in the quiet setting developed cancer, while 60% of those exposed to constant noise did. This highlights the real danger of uncontrolled noise in homes.

Medical experts emphasize that family noise is particularly harmful to children. Continuous exposure to various noises can have a "drip-worn" effect, gradually damaging their central nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestion, and hearing. This can lead to vision problems, headaches, fatigue, memory loss, heart palpitations, stress ulcers, weakened immunity, and mental health issues. Teenage girls may also experience menstrual disorders or amenorrhea.

To protect family members from noise-related health risks, it's important to control the volume and usage time of household appliances without disrupting daily life. Families with the means can invest in soundproofing materials and noise-absorbing equipment to reduce noise hazards and create a healthier living environment.