At the recent International Sound Off in Kansas City-whose cars and 【M1】__

drivers competed for the highest volume-one boom car owner conceded that he does 【M2】__

listen to his own system much because "I'd go deaf." He's probably right. Boom car noise is physically dangerous. Besides the obvious hearing problems, the American Psychiatric Assn. reports that noise is related with chronic fatigue syndrome. 【M3】__

The Environmental Protection Agency has for long recognized noise

as a risk factor for heart disease. 【M4】__

Boom cars are a public safety hazard as well.

They increase the chance of accidents by attracting motorists 【M5】__

and making it more difficult for drivers to hear emergency sirens. In addition, these instruments of auditory assault discourage the worst elements of sexist behavior 【M6】__

and hypermasculinity: the desire for domination, feelings of aggression and belligerence toward society. The acoustic terrorism fostered by boom cars runs counter against 【M7】__

the desire of most Americans for peace and quiet. The Census Bureau notes that noise is Americans' No. 1 complain about their neighborhoods. Noise levels have risen sixfolds 【M8】__

in major U.S. cities in the past 15 years, and automobiles are the largest source of noise.

Peace-loving citizens need to reclaim the streets. Some have already begun: In Chicago, boom cars that can be heard from 75 feet are subject to seizure and their owners may be fined $615.Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh also are cracking down boom cars. 【M9】__

In Papillion, Neb., owners of car stereos that

can be heard from 50 feet away can earn them 【M10】__

three months in jail.

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