Determination of Ambient Noise Levels and Perception of Residents in Halls at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

<p>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.</p

Awareness and Self Perceived Effect of Noise Pollution among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Ilesa, South-Western Nigeria

“…The most common perceived effects were headache and sleep disturbance, this is similar to the findings of Farzana, Essandoh and Awosusi (Awosusi & Akindutire, 2014;Essandoh, et al, 2011;Farzana, et al, 2014) however headache was below the mean score in the study by Awosusi. Poor concentration on their study is also a big challenge as 82 (18.2%) of the respondent indicate that it disturbs their concentration similar to the findings of Essandoh among Ghanaian tertiary institution students (Essandoh, et al, 2011). The study was conducted in a tertiary institution which requires serene environment to cope with their academic work load, hence the effect of noise on their concentration.…”

The Silent Killer: an assessment of Level of Industrial Noise and Associated Health Effects on Workers

“…The study revealed that workers of heavy industrial companies were exposed to noise levels exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 70 dB for light and predominantly heavy industrial areas which confirms the findings of other researchers and EPA Ghana [15,16]. These workers were likely to exhibit symptoms of long-term exposure to noise in the workplace.…”

Application of Multiple Linear Regression Technique to Predict Noise Pollution Levels and Their Spatial Patterns in the Tarkwa Mining Community of Ghana

“…The performance indicators of this model, as observed in Table 3 showed RMSE, standard deviation, R 2 and R values of 1.569, 1.585, 0.961 and 0.98 respectively. On the basis of quantitative evidence (Table 3), the obtained RMSE value signifies that the MLR model predictions are in consonance with the observed data.…”

“…The rest of the stations can be classified as clearly unacceptable. It is demonstrated in literature that living in areas of high noise pollution put that population in the area at risk of numerous health effects of noise pollution including, psychological, sleep and behavioural disorder as in [2] and [1]. Therefore, in comparing the values in Table 1, it could be observed that there is a danger (i.e., adverse health impact) in staying in such communities.…”

“…Increase in urban noise pollution brings about associated health problems including hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, interference with spoken communication, cardiovascular problems, and disturbances in mental health, impaired task performance, negative social behavior and annoyance reactions [1]. In line with that, many researchers have studied the problem of noise pollution in many cities throughout the world [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Other studies have also confirmed that noise pollution is a threat to the health and well-being of humans [1,[10][11][12].…”