Noise Pollution and its Impacts in Selected Secondary Schools in Ikorodu Division Area of Lagos, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Noise pollution has been a major challenge in schools which is adjudged to affect the health of the students. The noise levels of twelve selected secondary schools in Ikorodu division of Lagos were measured with the aid of a smart sensor sound level meter AS844+. Noise level, humidity and temperature of the schools were measured at three points within the school premises between 9 am – 10 am, 11 am – 12 Noon and 1 pm to 2 pm. The measurements were taken at 1-minute intervals for 1 hour at each period. 120 questionnaires were distributed to students to determine the effects of noise on their well-being. The Results revealed that the Duncan PostHoc mean noise levels of the classrooms of the schools selected for this study were in the range of 57.84±2.74 dBA to 86.68±4.12 dBA, mean humidity ranges from 54.33±6.10 % to 74.72±2.42 % and temperature ranges from 30.45±0.67 0C to 37.29±2.43 0C. This noise level was significantly above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended classroom and outdoor noise level. Statistical analysis of the responses from the questionnaires distributed shows that headache and stress are the major effects of noise on the respondents with 84.17% and 63.33% agreement respectively. It is recommended that effects and ways of reducing noise in schools should be introduced into the curriculum of secondary schools for optimum academic performance and improved well-being.