Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the noise pollution level and possible health impacts due to the use of portable electricity generators in commercial areas of Karachi, city. 04 locations were selected at Tibet Centre, Empress Market, Garden Road and Saddar GPO Area. This study was designed to assess the perception and knowledge of power generator users towards the noise induced health hazards. A survey was conducted with 312 persons, randomly selected as shopkeepers, office workers and push-carters who participated as respondents in semi-structured questionnaire interview method. The questionnaire was divided into three sections as a) demographic characteristics include age, sex and educational level b) Knowledge and perception of noise pollution hazards and c) noise induced health hazards by the use of portable generators. Participants on the basis of their responses were categorized into four classes, no education / illiterate, SSC, HSC and graduate & above level education. It was established that higher the educational level the respondents had, the more they were likely to be aware of health effects of noise pollution. Results showed that residents are in constant exposure of generator noise show adverse health effect on the habitants which includes hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disturbances, impaired task performance and negative social behavior and annoyance reactions.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization noise pollution is standing at third position after water and air pollution
According to the National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS), the limit for noise in residential areas was set at 55 decibels during the day and 45 db during the night., Whereas, Diesel generators generate emit 88db of noise, while generators running on petrol or gas can go above 95db [23], None of the respondent in this study, not aware and inform about the detrimental effects of noise producing health hazards only they know about hearing impairment
The present study shows that the Commercial areas of Karachi City are highly exposed to noise pollution
Summary
According to the World Health Organization noise pollution is standing at third position after water and air pollution. Noise pollution problem is becoming a universal issue in developing countries. It is one of the prime environmental pollutants that has direct effects on human performance [1]. Noise is considering an important factor for public health problems [2]. Exposure to noise pollution causes harmful effects on neuroendocrine system and detrimental effects on cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and digestive systems. Chronic exposure to noise pollution is main causes of fatigue and interferes with concentration and reducing the efficiency of work [3]. Research study by Esther and Victor [4] regarding the “Impact of Noise Pollution on
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