SOURCES AND EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION: PERCEPTION OF RESIDENTS INSELECTED RESIDENTIAL COMMMUNITIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study sought to identify the sources and effects of noise in selected residential areas in Lagos State and also to compare the perception of the residents in the selected areas in terms of their nuisance value on the sources of noise. It will assist construction professionals to create an acoustic treatment to design changes. Quantitative research design was used and the population was the residents in the study area. The study area chosen for this study was Obalende and Oworonshoki in Lagos state, Nigeria. These areas were located in the Lagos Mainland and Island of Lagos state and they are both commercial and residential area. Base on the heterogeneous nature of the respondents from the areas, convenience sampling technique was used. A total of hundred questionnaires were distributed in Obalende and Oworonshoki (fifty respectively). From the former, 41 were received while 46 were returned from the latter. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21st version was used for analysis of the data. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used and they include mean, frequency, percentage, Spearman rank correlation, and t- test for proportion. The findings from the study show that noise levels in the residential areas were very high thus have a negative impact on the health of the residents. Electricity generating plant and vehicle horns were the highest sources of noise nuisance in Obalende and Oworonshoki area respectively In conclusion, the noise generated in these residential areas is high and have a serious adverse impact on the health and well-being of the people residing in these residential areas leading to annoyance, stress, and fatigue, sleep disturbance, high blood pressure as well as aggression to and from neighbours. Therefore reduction of traffic density in residential areas is deemed necessary. Sound protection proof should be provided in the construction materials to reduce the impact of noise.