Noise exposure levels and health implications on daily road side petty traders at some major roundabouts in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The level of noise exposure to daily road side traders at five major roundabouts in Ibadan metropolis was assessed. Noise measurements were made using a precision multi-function sound level meter. Measurements were made at three different periods of the day; morning (7:30 to 11:30 a.m.), afternoon (12:00 to 3:00 p.m.) and evening (4:00 to 5.00 p.m.) for a consecutive period of ten days. The highest mean maximum noise levels of 87.19 dBA (evening), 87.14 dBA (morning) and 87.35 dBA (afternoon) were obtained at Ojo, Iwo road and Dugbe roundabouts respectively while all the lowest mean minimum noise level for the  periods of measurements were obtained at Sango roundabout. The results obtained were within the safe recommended 90 dBA for an 8 h exposure noise level by Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  However, longer periods beyond 8 h may portend deleterious acoustic effects to these traders given the peculiar nature of the daily road side business activities and also being close to sources of noise from vehicles at these roundabouts Key words: Noise exposure level, roundabout,  noise health effects, road side petty traders.