Noise Pollution in Urban Areas: The Neglected Dimensions

Abstract

This study which aim at review of noise pollution levels and its sources in Nigerian urban areas, reveals that noise pollution in Nigeria cities is found to be relatively high when compared to recommended levels by World Health Organization (WHO), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOH) or Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In Nigeria, there is no legal frame research upon which noise pollution can be abated. The study observes that Nigerian cities are environmentally noise polluted and the road traffic, industrial machineries and generators are the major sources of it. Noting that the noise levels lie much above the prescribed limits there is an imminent health risk to the exposed population. The complexity and magnitude of the problem of noise pollution call for effective and well-planned measures in the country, Nigeria. Government, industries and research institutions have so far given low priority to evolve strategies to prevent the epidemic of this invisible disease from spreading further. Some measures to combat the problem of noise pollution are outlines in this study so as to have sustainable urban development in Nigeria.