IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 14, Issue 7 Ser. II (July 2020), PP 58-71 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2402-1407025871 www.iosrjournals.org 58 | Page Effects of Social, Demographical and Behavioral Factors on the Noise Level Evaluation in Urban Open Spaces of Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria P. A. Ogar 1 , C. N. Uyo 2 , K. M. Iwuji 2 , A. E. Ukpe 2 , A. I. Dike 2 , C. R. Asoegwu 2 , M. O. Nwauhiara 2 1 Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 2 Department of Environmental Management, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Corresponding Author: Chijioke Ndukwe Uyo Abstract Noise is identified as a disturbance that could induce different behavioural responses. Noise pollution is a major problem in Ibadan Municipality, affecting human behavior, well-being, productivity and health. The study therefore assessed the sources and effects of noise in urban open spaces of Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state Nigeria. The survey was carried out to identify settings of noise and noise levels, to which people are regularly exposed and compare measured levels with the National permissible levels of NESREA. This was done with a view to proffer best strategies to control noise pollution in the study area. The study involved the use of primary and secondary sources of data. Digital noise meters, digital cameras, Global Positioning System GPS were materials used to measure sound levels at high noise locations. Well structured questionnaires were also used to elicit responses from 150 respondents carrying out various businesses in the study location. The data was analysed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS version 20) and result of descriptive statistic was presented with the help of graphs, charts, percentages and cross-classifications on sources of noise, effects of noise, reactions to noise and suggestions to control noise. The results from respondents clearly identified Gbagi, Wema park, Iwo road, Agodi Gate, Bodija, Sango-Ojurin, Mokola, Dugbe, Molete and Challenge as high noise locations. Noise levels recorded ranges from 79.9 to 114.7 dB(A) for Maximum values and 59.3 -99.3 for Minimum values. The measured maximum levels were all above the NESREA permissible levels of 75 for commercial areas for eight hour daily exposure levels. Analysis on acute effects showed that noise affects communication, 67(44.7%), causes headaches and fatigues, 82(54.7%), 82(54.7%) agree that noise causes annoyance and disruption of behaviour, affects hearing, 69(46.0%), reduces productivity, 54(36.0%) and causes lack of concentration, 69(46.0%). The responses on chronic effects of noise showed that noise elevates stress levels, 83(55.3%), elevates heart rates 96(64.0%), causes repeated sicknesses, 81(54.%), causes increase in blood pressure 96(64.0%) and causes hearing loss 81(54.0%). The study concluded that noise has acute and chronic effects that adversely affect general health and well-being of citizens carrying out activities in high noise locations. Local control of noise has not been successful in Ibadan, as most people spend a significant portion of their time in high noise locations without recourse to its impacts on their health and wellbeing. The study therefore recommended vigorous education and awareness campaigns on noise, implementable legislations, noise monitoring, enforcement of standards and improved technologies on noise as some of the measures to control noise pollution in Ibadan Metropolis. Keywords: Noise Pollution, Monitoring, Noise Meter, Global Positioning System, Ibadan Metropolis --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 13-07-2020 Date of Acceptance: 28-07-2020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Noise, commonly defined as unwanted sound, is an environmental phenomenon to which humans are exposed before birth and throughout life. Noise can also be considered an environmental pollutant, a waste product generated in conjunction with various human activities (Stansfeld et al., 2000). Noise is any sound – independent of loudness – that may produce an undesired physiological or psychological effect in an individual and that may interfere with the social ends of an individual or group. These ends include all human activities – communication, work, rest, recreation and sleep (Mitzelfelt, 1996). An important difference between sound or noise and other classic environmental pollutants is the fact that sound is not harmful to the environment per se but is being stored as sometimes harmful impressions in individual people (Geary, 1996). Noise cannot be diluted, cleansed, collected or reused, but a precautionary principle can be applied, so that no human being should involuntarily be exposed to noise that could be harmful