Assessment of noise pollution due to generators in Akure

Abstract

World Health Organization declared noise in large cities as pollution (third after water and air). Most areas in the world have this menace. This menace has been on the increase due to population growth, increase in vehicular movements, high industrial activities and many others. This attendant problem has resulted in many sicknesses and even death. One of the causes of noise pollution is generators. Many developing countries rely on them for different activities. Nigeria is inclusive. This study was embarked upon to assess the level of noise from generators using a sound level meter. Four locations were identified: two residential, commercial, and industrial areas. A total of one hundred generators was monitored. The mean results in dBA (minimum and maximum respectively) are: Oke Eri Estate – (88.7 ± 10.3, 90.5 ± 15.2), Housing Estate (81.7 ±   9.2, 85.0 ±   9.5), Stadium Road (84.8 ± 10.0, 113.4 ± 17.5) and FUTA Road (81.9 ± 9.3, 90.0 ± 15.2). The study concluded that the areas are noise polluted because the levels obtained are above the permissible limits.

Keywords

• Generator sets
• pollution
• permissible limits
• loss of hearing

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