Assessment of noise pollution due to generators in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

World Health Organization declared noise in large cities as pollution (third after water and air). Most areas in theworld have this menace. This menace has been on the increase due to population growth, increase in vehicularmovements, high industrial activities and many others. This attendant problem has resulted in many sicknesses andeven death. One of the causes of noise pollution is generators. Many developing countries rely on them for differentactivities. Nigeria is inclusive. This study was embarked upon to assess the level of noise from generators using asound level meter. Four locations were identified: two residential, commercial, and industrial areas. A total of onehundred generators was monitored. The mean results in dBA (minimum and maximum respectively) are: Oke EriEstate – (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 levelsobtained are above the permissible limits.