Determination of noise levels with respect to distance at selected workshops/factories in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria

Abstract

The measurement of noise levels with distances at selected workshops/factories in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was carried out. The noise levels measurements were made using a sound level meter, while distances were measured with a measuring tape. Firstly, the background noise levels (or noise levels without power generators and other noise makers from the workshops/factories) with distances were taken. Noise levels with power generators and other noise makers were then measured. Finally, the equivalent continuous noise levels, L eqs for them were calculated. The results of the survey show that the equivalent continuous noise level, L eq which is a measure of energy content of the noise decreases as the distance from the noise source increases, hence degree of bother (or annoyance) decreases with distance.