Noise pollution disturbs babies

Noise pollution disturbs babies

PURWAKARTA, West Java: Residents of Cicadas village have, for
the past several days, been disturbed by loud noises from a
factory belonging to PT South Pacific Viscose.

A number of babies have been taken out of the village because
their parents were afraid they would become deaf from the noise.
Most of the residents have started wearing earplugs to block out
the noise.

Antara reported that security officers from local military
offices were guarding the factory following demonstrations and
attempted vandalism by residents. The news agency did not
identify what the factory was producing.

The company's spokesman, M.T. Sidabutar, said the noise came
from the factory's power plant but refused to give further
details.

"The noise is just like the sound of jets blasting before take
off," one resident said. "And since last week, we have had to
listen to that noise for at least two hours every day."

Others complained of a sulfuric smell coming from the factory
as well. (swe)