Emperical Analysis of Noise Pollution in Nigeria Cities; Acase Study of Bida, Nigeria (original) (raw)

2020, International Journal of Environmental Design and Construction Management (CJECM)

ABSTRACT The findings from various research efforts have linked the incidence of different health issues to excessive noise pollution in all works of life. This study provides empirical analysis of the effects of noise pollution on the well-being of the residents of Bida Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a case study research design, involving cross-sectional procedure. Field observations, informal interviews, questionnaire administration and medical reports were obtained to support the respondents’ perception on the state of their well-being. The sample size for the study was selected using the housing stock in 14 wards. One major street in each ward was selected. A total of 1,833 buildings were counted along the 14 sampled streets and 10% of this was selected for the administration of structured questionnaire. The interviewed respondents were grouped into two sets: those that had health challenges as a result of the activities they were engaged in and; household heads that were affected by the prevailing activities around their residence. The environmental quality of the wards was determined by measuring the noise level using Testo 815 noise meters. The result revealed that Bariki ward which houses the GRA had the lowest noise level of 37.8 dB(A)while the noise pollution levels recorded in the other thirteen wards were all above the recommended levels. The average ambient noise level in sawmills, commercial centres, worship centres, road junctions and industrial areas were above 90 dB(A). The temporal record from the Federal Medical Centre, Bida revealed that, apart from malaria, hypertension (5,614 outpatients) was the most prevalent health issue in 2013 alone, although, other factors apart from noise could also trigger hypertension. The paper emphasised the need for compatibility consideration in the choice of residential location, the use of ear muffler for industrial workers and effective enforcement of zoning regulations. Keywords: Noise, Environmental quality, Bida, Well-being, Decibels