Noise pollution in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA) appears to be increasing as the city grows and becomes more diverse. Disruptive noise levels are negatively impacting on the quality of life of a considerable number of Durban residents both at home and at work. The Durban Metropolitan and Local Councils are actively managing noise levels through their respective planning and development decisions, noise monitoring and enforcement.	What can you do to improve the situation
	In this Report Global Set
Urban development, economic growth, and the related growth in transportation, are the major pressures increasing noise levels in the DMA. In addition, the growth in the informal sector and changing entertainment and music tastes have increased the penetration of noise sources into residential areas.
A wide range of activities create noise in the DMA including industrial and commercial activities, air and road traffic and domestic living e.g. firecrackers, pets and loud music . No systematic noise measurements are carried out throughout the metropolitan area. It appears, however, that a significant number of residents are being negatively impacted by noise pollution and that the situation is getting worse.
Exposure to high levels of noise can have a number of negative impacts on residents. These range from increased levels of annoyance and stress, through to loss of quality of life at home and at work, through to actual physiological changes including permanent hearing loss.
The DMA has by-laws in place which restrict noise nuisance. The Council actively controls noise levels through its planning function, scrutinising development and trade applications, routine monitoring and responding to complaints. In addition, aircraft using Durban International Airport are required to comply with noise abatement procedures. Durban's Environmental Policy contains a range of policy statements aimed at minimising noise pollution throughout the City.