ESTIMATION OF NOISE POLLUTION PARAMETERS AND THEIR HEALTH EFFECTS ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Noise pollution in our environments has been discovered by researchers in recent times to contribute adversely to health conditions, social challenges and occupational efficiencies of its victims. This study considered measuring noise pollution parameters within a particular locality based on the positions of the people from their respective sound sources. The parameters measured in this study are sound pressure level ( SPL ), sound intensity level (I), power emitted ( PAV ), dose of noise (D), and noise pollution level (NPL). The devices employed for noise level measurements are dosimeters and sound level meters. A total of 15 locations within Lagos state environs where noise impacts are mostly felt by citizens were considered. The results obtained revealed that the closer the hearer to the sound sources the higher the sound pressure levels and sound intensities. Locations with the highest sound pressure levels are event centers, markets, and religious centers with average sound levels 85.9dB, 84.7dB, and 83.1dB respectively. Event centers recorded the highest noise pollution level and dose of noise while schools recorded the least. Considering the hearing thresholds according to International Standard Organization, the hearers with the highest sound pressures and intensities are likely to suffer over a long period of time from health conditions such as headache, muscle tension, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, resentment, distraction, hearing impairment, interference with communication, drug consumption, interference with relaxation, and temporary threshold shift. It is however imperative to provide continuous awareness on different ways of curbing noise pollution and its effects in our environments.