Assessment of Level of Noise From Some Selected Churches in Southern Shana

Abstract

A hand-held Sound level Meter (SLM) calibrated at 114 decibels (dBA) and frequency of 1000Hz was used for the real-time measurement of noise levels from 10 churches at La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal District and Adenta Municipal District. Day time and night time noise level measurements were conducted during the dry and wet seasons for the two Municipal Districts. At Madina the average mean values for day time and night time noise levels measurement recorded from the 5 churches during the dry season were 74.5 decibels whiles, at the wet season were 67.7 decibels respectively. At Adenta the average mean values for day time and night noise levels measured from 5 churches during the dry season were 70.6 decibels and in the wet season were 71.0 decibels respectively. All noise levels measured and recorded at the 10 churches at Madina and Adenta municipal districts were higher than the recommended noise standards of 55 day and 48 night set by EPA Ghana. This specified that the risk factors for inhabitants living in these areas were high due to extended continuous exposure of noise. A questionnaire was administered to 100 respondents in the environs of Madina and Adenta Municipalities. Assessment conducted on gender showed that females were 60% while males were 40%. Majority was citizens, educated and was being disturbed by the exposure of noise emanating from the churches. Forty-nine percent (49%), of the respondents were of the opinion that, diseases associated with noise exposure were high blood pressure while 37% of the respondents were unable to sleep. Other respondents (28%) were of the view that anxiety and annoyance were ailments related to noise exposure to achieve any success with noise pollution control, it is incumbent for authorities responsible to enforce the existing regulations.