Noise Pollution in Maize Milling Smes

Abstract

Maize milling SMEs emit high levels of noise which can have adverse effects on humanbeings and therefore require controlling. This paper reports on a study that involvedassessment and measurement of noise level in maize milling SMEs in DSM and Morogorourban, gathering opinions of workers and the neighbouring population on noise problems,and suggesting solutions for noise control. Noise measurements in 41 SMEs were recordedfrom 89-103 dBA in DSM and 92-103 dBA in Morogoro near the milling machines. Thesevalues were higher than the safe level of 85 dBA for 8 hours working shift. Measurementalso indicated high noise in the immediate neighbourhood of the milling plants. Machineoperators and neighbours indicated health problems which could be a result of machinenoise. Causes of high noise were identified to include loose or untightened machine parts,improper installation of machine system, use of worn out machine bearings, and the use ofimproperly designed and unbalanced milling hammers. Possible administrative andtechnical solutions for these problems were suggested. It is concluded from this study thatmost of maize milling SMEs produce high noise which is indeed pollutant to workers andthe neighbouring population. Therefore, it is important to implement the suggestedadministrative and technical solutions to minimise this problem.