Final answer:
Noise pollution is any unwanted or disruptive sound that harms or annoys people and animals, often coming from traffic or industrial sources, and can have negative health effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of noise pollution is option A: Any unwanted or unpleasant sound that can disturb or harm humans or animals. Noise pollution comes in many forms and affects our environment and health. It can stem from urban areas, industrial activities, or even household noise. The excessive noise levels from sources like traffic congestions are more than just annoyances—they can lead to serious health impacts, like stress or hearing loss. Sound is a kind of wave, and it is the sound intensity that helps us understand the loudness and potential for noise pollution. The impact of noise pollution imposes costs on society, as it can affect children's ability to learn and can even discourage people from spending time in noisy areas that should be enjoyable.