WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Experts warn that noise levels above 70 decibels can cause hearing loss, and heart issues, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action to mitigate the harmful effects of prolonged noise exposure on public health. These experts say noise pollution is a significant yet overlooked public health issue. Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement used to express the intensity or loudness of sound. The scale is logarithmic, meaning each increase of 10 decibels represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Dr. Adewale Senu, a public health physician, warned that exposure to noise above 70 decibels could lead to hearing impairment, hypertension, stress, and cardiovascular problems. “People living near busy roads, airports, and industrial areas face heightened risks. This is not just about discomfort; it is a serious health crisis,” Senu said. She shared, “I struggle with constant headaches and fatigue. My children also find it hard to concentrate on their studies because of the incessant noise.” Environmental health experts emphasize the need for collective efforts to tackle this growing issue. “Noise pollution goes beyond inconvenience; it requires urgent policy intervention to protect public health. For individuals, simple actions such as using earplugs, reducing generator use, and observing quiet hours can help minimize exposure,” he added. A 2024 report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) identified Lagos and Port Harcourt as the most noise-polluted cities in the country. These findings reinforce the urgent need for targeted noise control measures in urban centres to safeguard public health.
Noise above 70 decibels can cause hearing loss, heart issues – Experts warn
