Assessment of Environmental Noise Pollution Across Urban Land-use Types and Self-reported Health Impacts in Ayobo Community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Noise pollution has become a major environmental health concern in rapidly urbanizing cities of developing countries as a result of increasing traffic, commercial activities, and widespread dependence on electricity generators. This study assessed environmental noise levels and evaluated residents’ perceptions of noise sources, associated health effects, and mitigation measures in Ayobo community, Lagos State, Nigeria. Ambient noise levels were measured with a Smart Sensor Digital Sound Level Meter during morning and evening periods, while structured questionnaires were administered to 276 residents to obtain information on perceived noise sources, self-reported health effects, and existing control measures.  Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Morning noise levels ranged from 45.78±2.85 dB(A) to 74.69±3.57 dB(A), while evening values ranged from 49.69±6.02 dB(A) to 74.46±9.43 dB(A). The overall mean noise levels in the morning and evening were 63.29 dB(A) and 62.48 dB(A), respectively, exceeding recommended national and international guideline values of 55 dB(A) and 45 dB(A) in the morning and evening. Questionnaire results revealed self-reported vehicular traffic (96.0%), commercial activities (87.3%), music and record stores (78.4%), and electricity generators (73.4%) as the principal contributors to environmental noise, while self-reported health effects included headache (97.6%), annoyance (87.3%), insomnia (82.7%), tinnitus (71.3%), and elevated blood pressure (69.8%). The findings demonstrate that environmental noise pollution is widespread across the study area and poses important public health concerns. Therefore, strengthening environmental noise regulations, implementing continuous monitoring programmes, and increasing public awareness are recommended to reduce community noise exposure and its health consequences.