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)