After HumAngle Report, Lagos Takes Stricter Measures Against Noise Pollution
Lagos State Government, Southwest Nigeria is to commence regular raids of clubs, lounges and other places identified as sources of noise pollution as measures to control the problem.
Following a Humangle report on the impact of noise pollution on residents in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, the state’s Ministry of Environment has taken stricter measures against noise pollution.
The report, published in August, highlighted the adverse effects noise has on Lagos residents, especially the older population.
But in a move seen as a response to the report, Tunji Bello, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, said raids would be conducted periodically on nightclubs, lounges, and other social venues in the state to enforce the laws against noise pollution.
Bello added that there have also been complaints lodged by elderly residents in the state on the adverse effects of noise on their health.
“The enforcement raids will be carried out on some night clubs in the state following repeated complaints by residents in the area and different parts of the state,” Bello said in a statement.
According to him, such nightclubs or bars would be put under lock and key and the owners of such relaxation points would also be prosecuted according to the dictates of the law.
Findings by Humangle revealed that over 10 per cent of Lagos residents battle mild to total deafness as a result of the endemic noise pollution.
The hearing impairment that ranges from mild to chronic, affects all classes of the population, and now constitutes over 50 per cent of patients that present at the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) section of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The Commissioner added that research has also shown that noise pollution is one of the causative factors for reduced lifespan.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the report by Humangle revealed that it has a noise pollution control that stipulates the standard noise level for commercial, industrial, and residential areas in the city.
“All religious houses, Club Houses and other entertainment outlets are to operate within enclosed and soundproof environments with regulated use of speakers, giving due consideration to neighbouring residents,” the General Manager of LASEPA told Humangle.
“55dB in the daytime and 45dB at night is strictly for residential areas only, while for commercial areas, the permissible standard is as high as 70dB and Industrial 85dB.”
“Using the industrial sector as an example, it begins to cause discomfort to human health when staff is constantly exposed to this level of noise beyond eight hours.”
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