Check Noise Pollution

The issue of noise making and noise pollution has gain notoriety in our society over these few years. The phenomenon is more pronounced in our cities without much regard to the effect it has on our health. Experts say, noise pollution, which is often overlooked, poses a bigger threat to our health.

Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) pegs the safe noise levels for a city at 45 Decibels, while Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency, (2008) Ambiance Noise Level Guidelines on Residential Areas, limits noise levels to 55 decibels during the day or less, and 48 decibels or less at night, many of Churches, Preachers, Beer-Bar operators, event organisers, as well as those institutions permitted to use sirens are flouting these guidelines with impunity.

 

Similarly, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, Minister for Environment Science and Technology was taken to the cleaners for suggesting the regulation of the noise level in our mosques and churches. But I believe as a society it is time we tackled the substantive issue of noise pollution in our country.

That human ear can tolerate noise up to 85 decibels, means anything louder and a consistent exposure to such noise level, poses risk of permanent hearing impairment.

Studies show that regular exposure to noise pollution increases blood pressure, stress, hypertension, sleep disturbance, psychological dysfunctions and noise annoyance among people. These diseases no doubt affect the wellbeing of a people, and their productivity in an economy.

I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to tackle noise pollution in our society and ensure sensitisation of the need to lower noise level, as well as ensure stringent compliance to the rules and laws.