More on District 7 Environmental Issue: TrafficIn addition to air pollution, noise pollution is also created by people driving other places. In Denver, a doubling of traffic will result in a 3 decibel increase in noise levels and a tripling of traffic would result in a 5 decibel increase in noise. This demonstrates that traffic can be a major cause of noise pollution and that an increase in traffic also results in an increase in noise pollution. Interstate 25 also runs through the middle of district 7 which is a major highway and the main route through Colorado. This means that thousands (around 200,000) of cars drive on it every day creating traffic, air pollution, and noise pollution.
The people who are most affected are people who have health conditions affected by the air pollution and noise pollution. Some of these health conditions could be people who have trouble breathing, have weak lungs, or who are at risk of hearing loss. Although not everyone is affected, many people can be sensitive to poor air quality and loud noises. Other people who may be affected by the issue of traffic are people who get stressed very easily and have anxiety. Traffic can raise their stress levels and can sometimes affect their mental health. All ages can be impacted. Traffic is a big concern to residents because it can be dangerous and even result in deaths. In Denver, 70 people died in 2019 due to transportation fatalities. So far in 2020, 20 people have died due to transportation fatalities. This is a concern in district 7 because with more and more traffic, it can lead to unsafe conditions. Air pollution can cause long-term damage to people's organs such as their nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, and more. In addition, noise pollution can be a big concern to residents because it can also cause some health problems such as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. Overall, this all represents that as traffic increases in district 7, air pollution and noise pollution will also increase affecting the surrounding residents. By Carly M., South High School, Age 16, District 6 |