Assessment of noise pollution emission from private diesel generators in AL-Najaf city
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46649/2zvz7x79Keywords:
Noise pollution, diesel generators, occupational exposure, AL-Najaf cityAbstract
Background: In Al Najaf Al Ashraf in Iraq, the use of private diesel generators has become the norm as the situation of electricity supply is unstable, and the topic is on the rise in that regard and has led to high concern about the environment and public health, especially in terms of chronic noise exposure. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the noise pollution emitted by private diesel generators in Al-Najaf city and to determine the neurological, cognitive and psychological symptoms of the operators exposed to diesel generator noise pollution and non-exposed(control groups). Method: A cross sectional comparative study including 110 generator operators and 110 in the control group. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information regarding socio-demographic information and noise related health symptoms. The noise level was measured at 110 generator sites in an indoor and outdoor environment at a distance of 2m, 5m and 8m before and after the generators are used, using a calibrated Tadeto SL720 sound level meter. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS software with ANOVA, LSD and t-test, p<0.05. Results showed that noise level rose substantially following the generator's activation (F = 1167.803, p < 0.001), and the noise intensity was 71.52±8.12 dB indoors and 87.50±9.19 dB at 2 m outdoors, which were higher than the WHO and NIOSH recommendations. Operators had low educational level, long work exposure (14.45±3.83 hours/day) and long occupational tenure (11.51±8.06 years). Operators showed significant increases in chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritability, headache, tinnitus and cognitive impairment (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Conclusion: private diesel generators are a significant contributor to dangerous noise pollution in Al-Najaf city and there is a strong link between private diesel generators and the adverse effects on the neurological and psychological health of operators. Immediate regulation and occupation health measures are needed.
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