The following is the full text of his paper, as submitted for editing and publication in the Earth Island Journal. While global impact may be our most serious concern, it is of a more or less long term nature.
Local impacts are understudied and much more immediately, seriously troubling.
Noise, as millions are all too aware, is a serious physiological and psychological health hazard. It is readily apparent when it intrudes on conversation, listening pleasure or interferes with sleep and education. Inaudible low-frequency and high frequency sound waves, about which little is known, also probably contribute to adverse health affects. Harmful as noise may be, its effects may be minor when the products of jet engine exhaust and other airport sources are considered. Many of the other compounds indicated above are also considered to be carcinogens.