Noise, commonly described as unwanted sound, has adverse auditory and nonauditory effects on people. The effects of noise are cumulative and are more severe for children than for adults. Long-term exposure to noise of high intensity or of long duration, can have permanent, negative effects on children with the extent of damage dependent upon number of exposures, levels and duration of exposures, and the relative susceptibility of individuals. The damaging effects of noise include hearing loss, stress, psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disease and decline in school achievement. Situation specific solutions for noise pollution include avoidance of noise, reducing noise at its source, and reduction of noise inside and outside buildings. Noise pollution is linked ecologically to other forms of pollution and ultimate solutions will require extensive education and cooperation between nations.