EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE LEVELS IN ABUJA MUNICIPALITY USING MOBILE PHONES.
BACKGROUND
Noise remains a nuisance which impacts negatively on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of man. It aggravates chronic illnesses like hypertension and other cardiopulmonary diseases. Unfortunately, increased activities from industrialization and technological transfers/drifts have tumultuously led to increased noise pollution in most of our fast growing cities today and hence the need for concerted efforts in monitoring and regulating our environmental noise.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the equivalent noise level (Leq) in Abuja municipality and promote a simple method for regular assessment of Leq within our environment.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional community based study of the environmental Leq of Abuja municipality conducted between January 2014 and January 2016. The city was divided into 12 segments including residential, business and market areas via the Abuja Geographic Information System. The major markets were captured separately on a different scale. Measurements were taken with the mobile phone softwares having validated this withExtech 407730 digital sound level meter, serial no Z310135. Leq(A) were measured at different points and hours of the day and night. The average Leq(A) were classified according to localities and compared with WHO standard safety levels.


RESULTS
LeqD ranged 71-92dB(A); 42-79dB(A) and 69-90dB(A) in business/ parks, residential and market places respectively. The Night measurements were similar 18dB(A)-56dB(A) and the day-night Leq(A)=77.2dB(A) and 90.4dB(A) for residential and business zones.


CONCLUSIONS
The night noise levels are satisfactory but the day and day-night levels are above the recommended tolerable values by WHO and therefore urgently call for awareness and legislative regulations.
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Garki Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
T
T
Ibekwe
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Garki Hospital, Abuja.
D
D
Folorunso
Garki Hospital, Abuja.
A
A
Ebuta
National Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
J
J
Amodu
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
M
M
Nwegbu
National Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
Z
Z
Mairami
National Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
I
I
Liman
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
C
C
Okebaram
Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch; Kwali General Hospital, Abuja.
C
C
Chimdi
National Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
B
B
Durogbola
Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch; Central Bank Clinic, Abuja.
H
H
Suleiman
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
H
H
Mamven
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
N
N
Baamlong
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
E
E
Dahilo
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
I
I
Gbujie
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Branch.
P
P
Ibekwe
University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja; University College Hospital, Ibadan & College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
O
O
Nwaorgu
Android boy1 app; Environment; Mobile phone; Noise; Noise equivalent level