by KhayPrower

Created on: November 22, 2007

A toxin is something that has an adverse effect on things exposed to it. A toxin is a poison. The definition of a poison is "A substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health. Something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being. Something destructive or fatal."

Loud noise can definitely be a poison. It can have an adverse effect on both plant and animal life when an area becomes over-saturated with it. It can cause health and mental problems in both humans and other animals. And it can even be destructive in it's own right.

Most wildlife will flee from startling noises. When loud noises, such as loud music, occur frequently in a single area, many animals will learn to simply avoid the area altogether. However, when these animals change their habits and switch their living areas, they cannot do so without consequences to the ecosystem. An ecosystem functions in certain patterns, and when one section of the pattern is removed, the rest of the system must adjust. When several sections are removed, the system begins to break down, as some parts begin to go unchecked, while others have lost what they depend upon to survive.

Other animals will not leave the area, but can still be affected in severe and negative ways by the noises. Some become desensitized to the loud noises. This can be dangerous, because the reflexes that cause these animals to flee from the noises in the first place are a defense mechanism, and so these creatures have lost a vital protective reaction instinct. Animals which do not become desensitized, however, suffer from a much worse problem. They continue to be startled with each noise, and the near constant state of fright and high alert can cause them to begin to develop nervous and mental problems. These animals can become so distraught that they become overly aggressive, attacking other animals and humans, and they can even die from the constant abuse to their minds.

Plants can also be affected by the noises in their environments. It has been shown time and again that plants are sensitive to music, as well as to other loud, constant noises in their surroundings. Plants planted next to highways as sound buffers will grow differently than ones planted in quieter environments. Many studies, both professional and amateur, have also shown that music has a direct effect upon the speed and quality of growth in plants. While melodic music can improve growth rate and health in plants, harsh, jolting music and

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