Michael Geiger, age 12, of Allentown,Pennsylvania, for his question:

What is meant by noise pollution?

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels and normal conversation rates about 20 decibels. Loud noises, of course, are deafening to human ears, especially the high screeches. In crowded cities, people's ears are bombarded with continuous artillery from auto engines, sirens, assorted street noises    plus occasional roars and booms from passing planes. All this rates as noise pollution of our daily environment. It adds to nervous stress and in time it may reduce our ability to distinguish differences in sounds. Racket making mills and factories, offices and trains create more serious noise pollution.

The vibrations of intense sounds also jog the molecular structure of buildings and machinery. They weaken equipment. This is one reason that scientists are striving to reduce noise pollution. They have ways to reduce certain loud noises. It is high time to put such soothing dampeners to work, for this nerve wracking noise pollution grows worse every year.