Impact of Noise on Human Health from Oba and Lagos Street Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the noise levels in three unregulated industries in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria. Thirty (30) industries chosen through stratified sampling ten (10) each from metal (Aluminum), wood and furniture (Sawmill) and grain and tomatoes millers' industries were assessed. The noise climate; the exceedance levels LN (L10, L50, and L90), LEQ and Noise pollution level were measured using a sound level meter. The results obtained showed that both the L10 and NPL values estimated were higher than the 85 dBA limits. The health impact of the environmental noise was evaluated through questionnaire. The results indict 50% of the sampled participants in the tomatoes grinding machine, 27.5% of the aluminum cutting factory and 40% of the sawmill workers experience annoyance. While 60% of tomatoes grinding machine workers, 17.5% Aluminum cutting workers and 20% sawmill workers experience sleep disturbance. Other factors evaluated shows 85%, 75% and 73% had headache, 70%, 40% and 13.3% experience anxiety, 35%, 32.5% and 53.3% had increased blood pressure. Furthermore, 90%, 57.7% and 46.7% had irregular heartbeat in the Aluminum, Sawmill and tomatoes grinding industries respectively.