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.
