Evening Hours Noise Level Map for Study Locations FIGURE 3
Discussion The observed noise exposure patterns in our study indicate that transportation- related activities are the dominant con- tributors to environmental noise in Lagos. Spatial clustering of elevated noise lev- els around traffic junctions and motor parks aligns with findings from previous urban noise studies (Atilade et al., 2020; Oyedepo, 2014). Markets exhibited rela- tively lower but persistent noise exposure, reflecting variations in commercial activity and traffic flow. The application of spatial noise mapping enhances interpretation by visually identifying exposure hotspots and supporting location-specific environmental health assessments.
related studies were considered in addition to the measured decibel levels. Results Environmental noise levels varied across study locations and time periods. Morning noise levels (Figure 2) ranged from 58 dBA at Oshodi Market to 83 dBA at Allen Round- about, whereas evening levels ranged from 61 dBA to 84 dBA at these locations, respectively. Traffic junctions and motor parks consis- tently had higher recorded noise levels than did market locations. Most measured values exceeded the WHO community noise guide- line of 70 dBA. Spatial noise mapping revealed pro- nounced clustering of high-noise zones
along major transportation corridors. Areas exceeding 75 dBA were associated primarily with traffic junctions and large motor parks, whereas moderate noise zones were distrib- uted across commercial market areas. The spatial distribution of ambient noise levels in the 20 selected areas during the evening hours (Figure 3) also showed a notable variance in ambient sound inten- sity, with recorded noise levels at Oshodi Market of 61 dBA and at Allen Round- about of 84 dBA. Plotting these readings on a map helps assess the environmental health risks to itinerant workers in these locations by offering a clear visual frame- work for identifying high-, mid-, and low- noise zones.
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November 2026 • Journal of Environmental Health
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