Assessment of noise pollution and its perceived health risks on residents of Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Noise pollution is recognized as a serious health hazard to individual and society at large. In most cities, noise pollution is regarded as the most hazardous form of pollution behind air and water pollution. This study was conducted to assess the noise pollution level and its perceived health risks on the residents of Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Physical measurement of noise levels was carried out at 24 different locations; three locations from 15 different political wards were selected. Each location was assessed three times at three consecutive periods (7.30-8.30a.m., 11.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 3.30 – 4.30 p.m.). Thereafter, the mean reading for each location and that of each ward were calculated. Also, 900 respondents comprising adults who live and/or operate in the Council were interviewed on the perceived health risks associated with noise, using structured and standardized questionnaire. The results obtained showed that the computed mean noise level at the 24 different locations ranged from 79.4 – 95.8dB, and the cumulative for the 8 wards ranged from 87.0 – 91.2dB, all of which were significantly (P<0.05) above the acceptable ranges of <80dB, for most of the areas surveyed, thereby rating the noise level unsatisfactory in each case as they were all within levels that can cause discomfort and pains in man. Perceived health risks enumerated by participants include; annoyance, lack of concentration, disturbed sleep, headache, hearing impairment and whistling and buzzing of the ear. The need for greater commitment by all agencies and organs involved to reduce this serious health hazard was highlighted.