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Development of Spatial Noise Maps and Perceived Health Risks for Itinerant Workers in Lagos, Nigeria
Introduction Noise exposure can contribute to health issues such as disturbed sleep, irritabil- ity, and increased stress (Byaello, 2023). A widespread and growing urban envi- ronmental hazard is noise pollution, par- ticularly in economically vibrant, densely populated areas such as Lagos, Nigeria. Ambient sound levels that are often above globally recognized safety levels have been identified in earlier analyses of noise level distributions throughout Lagos, reflecting the environmental strain of rapid urban growth. A study conducted in 32 locations throughout Lagos, for example, found that average sound levels ranged from 55.3 dB to 90.3 dB—well above the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 55 dB during daytime and 40 dB at night—with no statistically significant difference between morning, afternoon, and evening hours (Ibitoye et al., 2017). Occupational noise exposure in Nigeria further illustrates the seriousness of the prob- lem. Research focused on industrial workers in Lagos revealed that noise-induced hearing loss was prevalent across many industries, including engineering, printing, and wood processing, while the use of personal hearing protection remained notably low (Ogungbe & Amosu, 2017). In a different setting in Nigeria, grain mill operators in Kwara State reported mean noise exposures of >102 dBA, with more than 90% of the operators lack- ing access to protective gear and >75% hav- ing transient hearing complaints, such as Charles Ugbede Ameh, MSc, MEng, CSP, CRSP, CMIOSH Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, University of Port Harcourt Ejikeme Ugwoha, MSc, PhD Centre for Occupational Health, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Port Harcourt Victor Emeka Amah, MSc, PhD Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Port Harcourt Safety and Environment, University of Port Harcourt
Abstract Noise pollution is a persistent environmental health concern in rapidly urbanizing cities, such as Lagos, Nigeria. Studies have documented elevated ambient noise levels in urban environments, yet limited attention has been given to itinerant workers who are routinely exposed while working in markets, motor parks (sprawling areas where buses connect places), and traffic corridors. Our study measured environmental noise levels and developed spatial noise maps at 20 high‑activity locations in Lagos to characterize patterns of exposure relevant for itinerant workers. A calibrated sound level meter was used to obtain A‑weighted equivalent continuous noise levels (Leq) during peak morning and evening periods, and geographic coordinates were collected for spatial analysis. Measured noise levels ranged from 58 dBA to 84 dBA across locations, with most values exceeding the community noise guideline of 70 dBA set by the World Health Organization. Traffic junctions and major motor parks consistently recorded the highest levels, whereas markets showed comparatively lower, but still elevated, noise exposure. GIS-based interpolation revealed the spatial clustering of high‑noise zones along major transportation corridors. Our study’s findings add spatial evidence to existing urban noise research by identifying specific exposure hotspots relevant to mobile occupational populations. Further, our study demonstrates the utility of noise mapping as a practical environmental health tool for visualizing community noise burdens and informing targeted noise management strategies. The findings are relevant to environmental health practitioners and urban planners seeking data‑driven approaches to mitigate environmental noise exposure in densely populated cities. Keywords: noise pollution, itinerant workers, occupational health, Lagos, GIS mapping, hearing risk
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Volume 89 • Number 4
https://doi.org/10.70387/001c.173645
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