Abstract
Environmental noise pollution generated from industrial and transport activities in Ghana have received considerable attention from regulators and policy makers unlike rising noise levels in residential settings. This study measured ambient noise levels in four halls of residence in the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana to ascertain compliance with permissible limits. Questionnaires were also used to evaluate the possible non-auditory noise effects. The results indicate that the same sex halls (Adeyhe and Casford) were within the day and night permissible noise limit of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency of 55 dB and 50 dB respectively. However, the Oguaa and Valco Halls (mixed halls) were non-compliant. Noise generated within the functional units ranged from 30dB to 70dB, with Adehye Hall recording the lowest for both day (49dB) and night (45dB). Valco Hall recorded the highest noise level for both day and night: 66dB and 60dB respectively. Oguaa Hall, the largest on campus, had 60dB and 55dB for day and night. Casford Hall, the only male hall recorded 54dB and 48dB respectively for day and night readings. This is unexpected as most students consider Casford to be noisy. Most of the participants complained that the noise affects their studies and sleep in the halls, but surprisingly, majority of them (73%) were not of the view that reducing it could potentially make the halls more habitable. Association between halls of residence and annoyance levels was investigated. The P-Value (0.180) was greater than the alpha value (0.05). Consequently we failed to reject the null hypothesis and concluded that, there is no association between the halls of residence and level of irritation of students in the halls.
Highlights
IntroductionExposure to acute noise influences the bodys compensatory mechanics to stress (Maschke et al, 2000; Babisch, 2002), causes increased blood pressure and vasoconstriction (Berglund et al, 2000), contributes to heart attack, learning disabilities and tinnitus (Moszynski,2011) and its effect on physiological functions in humans can be temporal or permanent (Lercher et al, 1993; Babisch et al, 2005a)
Noise pollution has become problematic yet an unnoticed form of pollution in most developing countries including Ghana
The assesssment of noise levels in the halls of residence of the University of Cape Coast has shown that Oguaa and Valco were acoustically polluted
Summary
Exposure to acute noise influences the bodys compensatory mechanics to stress (Maschke et al, 2000; Babisch, 2002), causes increased blood pressure and vasoconstriction (Berglund et al, 2000), contributes to heart attack, learning disabilities and tinnitus (Moszynski,2011) and its effect on physiological functions in humans can be temporal or permanent (Lercher et al, 1993; Babisch et al, 2005a). The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) has intensified public education on noise pollution in secondary and tertiary institutions. This educational campaign was motivated by the realization that most students were unaware of noise exposure and its associated health hazards as well as regulation governing noise pollution. The present study is essential as it is critical to the implementation of more practical noise assessment and monitoring activities on university campuses
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