Noise and mental health The effect of noise on the physical and mental health of an individual has already been recognised and stated openly in newspapers and various articles, as well as having been discussed at informed conferences. There is als? the Government White Paper on the sub' ject. The climate of public opinio11 would seem to be at the right stage the National Association for Menta1 Health to lead some positive action. , As a first step the N.A.M.H. coulu write to the Ministries of Health an Transport and to all the national news* papers, advising that the problem shoulfl be tackled at source whilst awaiting legislation. When any piece of eqU'P' ment which must make a noise is bein?

designed, 188

or

manufactured, noiselessnes

should be one of the prime considerations. Awards for design made by various bodies must in future place greater emphasis on the reduction of noise. Advertising agencies should be aware that in future a selling point will be

"noiselessness".

The first answer of most manufacturers that "costs will rise" (e.g., Fords' reaction to the new German Law on noise) can easily be countered by the fact that consumers will be prepared to pay for quietness. In any case, the prevention of occupational deafness and noise-tired-

ness, will be rewarded in increased production. In the country the whine of tyres, the batter of motorcycle and car exhausts, the distorted beat of transistors and the whistle of jets has become so bad that even the birds seem to have given up in disgust. In the home the only quiet thing is the iron (unless one has a rotary iron). I hope the above will convey my main idea of publicity for prevention. What do other readers of Mental Health think? Frank Newman Smith

Dunkirk, Nottingham.