Evaluation of Noise Pollution Levels in Aba Industrial Clusters of Abia State, Nigeria

A study of noise pollution levels of three Industrial Areas of Aba - Old Aba Industrial Layout, Osisioma Industrial Layout and Ariria Leather Cluster have been carried out. The physical measurements were carried out with the use of two digital sound level meters and a handheld GPS. The noise pollution levels were obtained in three cardinal points at several distances from the major noise source in 52 locations. Results obtained showed that the mean noise pollution level for Aba old Industrial Layout ranged from 71.10.084 to 94.0 0.097dBA while those of Osisioma and Ariaria Industrial Clusters ranged from 82.20.091 to 89.00.094dBA and from 79.80.089 to 94.10.097dBA respectively. These values of noise pollution are not healthy for human hearing mechanism over long exposure. FEPA and OSHA recommended exposure limits for industries are 90dBA and 85dBA respectively for eight hours. The global recommended noise exposure limits by WHO is 75dBA. Those living and working in these environments may be at risk of noise induced health hazard due to continuous daily exposure. It is recommended that Government should review existing legislations on noise pollution and see how to improve on them so as meet up with current challenges in our environment as regards noise pollution. Noise Pollution Levels, Sound Pressure Level, Industrial Clusters.