Influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

Noise pollution contributes to environmental degradation and poses a threat to human and terrestrial lives. Noise pollution can be regarded as environmental noise and the propagation of noise may develop a harmful impact on the activity of human or animal life. This study was conducted to determine the influence of environmental factors and its associated health risks of noise pollution in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive research design. Measurement of noise levels was carried out at 24 different locations. The sampling technique used in this study was a cluster sampling technique. The average reading for each location and each ward were calculated. Also, 900 respondents comprising adults who live and/or operate in the areas were interviewed on the health risks associated with noise, using structured and standardized questionnaire. The results obtained showed that the computed average noise level at the 24 different locations ranged from 79.4 – 95.8dB, and all of which were significantly (P<0.05) above the acceptable standard ranges of