Lagos State Government has said that 63 per cent of the 1,616 noise pollution petitions in the last 12 months from residents were against religious organisations.

A breakdown of the petitions revealed that there were 1,018 complaints against religious organisations, followed by 434 against entertainment houses and residential homes was 308. Factories and generating sets accounted for the others.

General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a walk to mark International Noise Awareness Day.

Ajayi, who said he was impressed with the large turn-out of people at the sensitisation/walk for fitness exercise, which further re-affirms the state government’s commitment to effective noise regulation for healthy living, said:
“International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) celebration was established in 1996 by the Centre for Hearing and Communication to raise awareness and educate the public about the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health, environment and quality of life of the citizenry and the ecosystem.

“As we strive for sustainable development and environmental protection, we must address the challenges of noise pollution because of their grave consequences on health, including hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, sleep disruption, lost productivity, among other noise-induced health challenges.

“This celebration is therefore set aside to draw global attention to the issue of noise pollution and its attendant effects on human health and the environment.”

“It is a clarion call to re-awaken the consciousness of the people on the need to follow and abide by the standard regulations/best practices or approved noise level in different locations for public safety and healthy living.

“LASEPA is saddled with the responsibility of protecting and policing the environment against any form of degradation or infractions, especially the air, land, liquid, chemical and noise pollution for sustainable environmental growth.

“As head of the government agency in charge of environmental protection, I am honoured to lead this important advocacy campaign, and our agency is fully committed to implementing various government reform initiatives that are geared towards protecting the people against any form of environmental abuses that can impact negatively on their health, including noise pollution.

“The theme for this year’s celebration: “Protect your hearing, Protect your health: Act Now,” is therefore very apt and instructive. It is a clarion call, underscoring the dangers of noise pollution and actions that must be taken to protect our health and safety.”

Ajayi noted that studies had shown that exposure to everyday noise over time could negatively impact hearing, health and quality of life.