Vol. 7, No 1, 2010 pp. 33 - 42
UDC 534.7/.8:621.313.1:681.84.086
NOISE POLLUTION IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS: SOURCES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL
Valentine B. Omubo-Pepple*, Margaret A. Briggs-Kamara, I. Tamunobereton-ari
Department of Physics, Rivers State University of Science & Technology, 500001, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
omubopepple@yahoo.com
Abstract.
This paper reports the problem of noise pollution within the Port Harcourt metropolis. A good percentage of the inhabitants reveal that the main sources of noise pollution are generators, road traffic and the use of loudspeakers mainly in religious and social activities. The potential health effects of noise pollution are numerous, pervasive, persistent, medically and socially significant. Noise produces direct and cumulative adverse effects that impair health and degrade residential, social, working, and learning environments with corresponding real (economic) and intangible (well-being) losses. Major effects of noise include interference with communication, sleeplessness and a reduction in efficiency. Public education seems to be the best method, as suggested by the respondents, in solving this menace. However, government and NGOs can play a significant role in this process.
Key Words:
noise pollution, generators, loudspeakers, impaired hearing, annoyance, health hazard
ZVUČNO ZAGAĐENJE U PORT HARCOURT METROPOLI: IZVORI, POSLEDICE I KONTROLA
Ovaj rad ima za cilj da prikaže problem zvučnog zagađenja na teritoriji Port Harcourt metropole. Veliki procenat stanovnika otkriva da su glavni izvori zvučnog zagađenja generatori, saobraćaj i upotreba megafona uglavnom u verske i društvene svrhe. Potencijalne posledice na zdravlje ljudi su mnogobrojne, sveobuhvatne, trajne i društveno značajne. Buka stvara direktne i kumulativne negativne posledice koje utiču na zdravlje i ugrožavaju stambena, društvena, radna i školska okruženja sa odgovarajućim stvarim (ekonomskim) i neprimetnim (po opšte dobro) gubicima. Glavne posledice uticaja buke su ometanje komunikacije, nedostatak sna i smanjena efikasnost. Edukacija ljudi predstavlja se kao najbolji metod za rešavanje ovog problema, kao što su učesnici i naveli. Ipak, vlast i nevladine organizacije takođe igraju veliku ulogu u ovom procesu.
Ključne reči: zvučno zagađenje, generatori, megafoni, oštećen sluh, razdražljivost, loš uticaj na zdravlje
