Evaluation of Noise Level in Selected Primary Schools in Ikorodu Division Area of Lagos State, South-Western, Nigeria

Noise pollution is a significant issue of concern other than air and water pollution since it harms physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This research work is to evaluate the noise (dB) levels in twelve primary schools selected using stratified random sampling from six Local Council Development Area (LCDA) within Ikorodu Division of Lagos State. Noise level, humidity and temperature measurements were carried out at three points within the school premises of selected schools at time intervals of 8 am to 9 am, 10 am to 11 am and 12 noon to 1 pm using a factory-calibrated Digital Sound Level Meter AS844+. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis both descriptive and inferential. The results obtained revealed that the average noise levels are 71.54 dB between 8 am and 9 am, 73.65 dB between 10 am and 11 am and 71.75 dB between 12 noon and 1 pm. Average humidity ranges from 66.45% and 61.01% while average temperature ranges from 31.09 0C to 33.19 0C. These noise levels were significantly above the World Health Organization’s recommended school noise levels of 35 dB for classrooms and 55 dB for playgrounds. This study creates awareness on the level of noise in primary schools and also promotes a simple method for regular assessment of the noise levels in these environments towards encouraging an action plan on the part of Government.