Assessment of Noise Level Pollution from Powered Generators – A Case Study of UTC Commercial Business Area Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This environmental pollution research work was carried out to ascertain the level of exposure of noise an average worker is exposed to during the working hour in the Abuja Commercial Business Area. METHODS: The study was conducted between June and August 2019. A handheld digital sound level meter (BENETECH GM 1356 Digital Sound Level Meter 30dB-130dB) was used in obtaining the noise level at the study area (UTC Area 11 Commercial Business District). Two different measurement were taken simultaneously. First, inside the offices (personal exposure) and outside the offices (environmental exposure). RESULTS:The results shows that on the average, the overall mean value for personal assessment i.e. the noise level which an individual worker was exposed to was 74.7 dB(A) and for the environmental assessment i.e. the noise level of the commercial district was 71.9 dB(A). The comparative analysis between mean personal and environment exposure level values were all above the commercial area maximum permissible noise limit of Nigeria, Unites State of America, Japan, India, Australia and World health Organization (WHO) values of 60 dB(A), 65 dB(A), and 55 dB(A) respectively except for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which has a maximum limit of 85 dB(A). CONCLUSIONS:From the data obtained and analysis carried out, it revealed that the noise level at the commercial business district, Abuja, Nigeria was way above the permissible noise limit for a commercial area in Nigeria according to the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009. This should be a source of concern to responsible stakeholders because of the danger this possesses to the health and wellbeing of workers and residents. It was also recommended that tress should be planted within the business hub to tackle noise pollution. KEYWORDS: Noise, Pollution, Environment, Noise level, Generators, Abuja Nigeria.