NOISE LEVELS AT MAJOR MARKETS IN ABA, NIGERIA AND ITS EFFECTS ON HUMANS

The study determined the prevailing noise levels at major markets in Aba, Abia State Nigeria and its impacton individuals and tradersduring the month of May,2017. The designs of the study were field studies and descriptive social surveys through measurement of the noise levels at radial distances in the markets using mini sound level meter (NEDA model) and administration of questionnaires. The results showed that noise levels values at open shade apartments were higher than lock-up shops and exceeded the threshold of OSHA and WHO regulation 1910.95 measurement for hearing conservation (HC) and noise control (NC) or permissible exposure level (PEL),and requires the use of hearing protection instrument by market operators. The result further revealed that Ariaria International Market had the highest noise limit(90.0dBmin, and 92.3dBmax respectively) which exceed the limit of OSHA and WHO regulation indicating high noise pollution level in the studied area. Major effects on the individuals includes annoyance, speech interference and hearing loss.Generally, individuals and traders within the markets complained of high noise levels and are at high risk of excess noise exposure particularly those in the open shades in the market. Proper regulation should be put in place by both state and local government environmental protection agencies to reduce noise pollution in the markets and improve the health of the market operators.