National Noise Awareness day

The Environment Protection Agency is celebrating today, April, 16 2009 as the National Noise Awareness Day.

The day is geared towards conscientising the general public about the negative impact of noise.

The theme for the celebration is ''Noise Control: Our Collective Responsibility.''

A release from the EPA defines noise as unwanted/undesirable sound; which is derived from the Latin word "nausea" meaning seasickness

“Noise pollution is described as the sleeping volcano of environmental issues, lagging behind air and water pollution on the political agenda.”

“The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that urban noise is one of life stressors and when excessive, it affects human health and interferes with peace, comfort and convenience of individuals and groups of persons,” the release added.

The release lamented the increase in noise proliferation especially in the urban areas.

“Noise complaints received by the Environmental Protection Agency from the major urban settlements in the country have increased over the last few years. In fact noise complaints outnumbered all other complaints received by EPA for the year 2008. For example, in the Accra Metropolis alone (i.e. AMA jurisdiction) the Agency received a total of 103 complaints. Out of this number, 41 representing 40% were on noise.”

There is fairly consistent evidence that prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 90 dB(A) causes hearing impairness.

Another area of concern is the impact of noise on children and on learning. Medical documents state that with the exposure levels set for adults should be lower for children. The concerns are that hearing could be impaired at a young age and may never fully develop. Additionally noise affects concentration and behavior in youngsters and thus, their ability to learn. This applies to children at school as well as children at home trying to study.
The Public is advised to note the following:

1.Inform your neighbour before you carry out any noisy activity

2.When asked to reduce noise by your neighbours, just comply and cooperate to avoid misunderstanding and quarrels.

3.There is no need to play music so loud or use household appliances or generators that make excessive noise at night when your neighbours are sleeping.

4. Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, law enforcement agencies and Traditional Authorities are expected to use their delegated authority to reduce noise in their various jurisdictions.

5. Noise nuisance could be reported to the assemblies and law enforcement agencies.

6.Remember noise control is our collective responsibility and everybody has a role to play

7.Check your hearing ability regularly if you live close to a noise source.