Introduction
Noise pollution is excessive, distressing and unsolicited sound that can have damaging effects on the environment, humans and animals. To this extent, noise levels that reach 85 decibels or higher are considered dangerous and can impact a person’s hearing. As one of the biggest threats to human health and environmental sustainability, it has become imperative for the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the New Juaben Municipal Assembly to control the noise levels produced from institutions, households and businesses as well as educate people within the Municipality on the effects of excessive noise.
Education and Sensitization
In collaboration with NADMO and the Information Services Department of the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly, a meeting was held at the assembly hall on the 19th of August, 2022, with the operators of the various information centers in the Municipality. This was organized to address complaints raised by citizens who were affected by the activities of these institutions.
The Municipal information officer, Miss Elizabeth Ansah, commended the efforts of the information center operators for being the vehicle to disseminate vital information to the communities. She explained the registration process for information centers that requires a visit to the site of operations to ensure environmental suitability and strict adherence to rules and regulations.
The Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Darku, expressed the need for an information center in a community. He added that the information center serves the entire community through its activities. In his presentation, he explained the various noise levels to be as follows;
Table 10 Common Noise Sources And Corresponding Sound Levels
| S/N | Areas | Allowable Sound Levels (Decibels) |
| 1. | Residential Area | 45-55 |
| 2. | School | 50-55 |
| 3. | Commercial | 60-70 |
| 4. | Heavy industrial Areas | 80 |
In his closing remarks he explained the effects of high sound levels in causing permanent hearing impairment, nervous breakdown, irritation, hypertension and heart attack.
In addition to the above, a sensitization and education program was held at Angel Fm in Koforidua to educate the populace of noise pollution. This was done in collaboration with the environmental health unit, NADMO and personnel from the Ghana health services.
Monitoring and Control
Environmental health officers during routine house to house inspections monitor the activities of institutions and businesses such as;
- Corn/Rice mill operators
- Community information centers
- Drinking bars and restaurants
- Entertainment Centers
- Funeral centers, and
- Saw mill operations
These businesses and institutions are monitored to ensure that they do not cause excessive noise levels that may be damaging or injurious to residents who live around.
Environmental Health Officers will continue to educate saw mill operators and factory workers about the need to provide protective gear that will prevent hearing loss to workers as a way of occupational health hazard control.
Conclusion
Noise pollution is becoming a serious problem within urban populations because of its damaging effects on health and the environment. Environmental health officers continue to engage with stakeholders and partners to curb the menace.
Attached are some photos of education activities on noise pollution control.