What we need to know about noise pollution, the church and wellbeing? -By Caleb Onah

In a heavily populated and vibrant country like Nigeria, noise pollution is a growing concern. While various sources contribute to this issue, religious institutions like churches often find themselves at the centre of the debate. Understanding the impact of church-related noise pollution on individual and community wellbeing is crucial to ensuring a harmonious and healthy society.

In Nigerian, loud music, construction noise, and noise from religious worship activities and centres are said to have ‘contributed’ to noise pollution over the years.

Few days ago, some residents of Alli Dada Street in Ago Palace Way, Lagos State accused a hotel, Doreen Grand Hotel and Suites, of noise pollution, causing them to lose sleep and affecting their well-being as reported by the Punch Newspaper in October, 2023.

The residents who spoke to PUNCH Metro lamented that since the hotel began operation in the residential area last year in 2022, they no longer sleep well due to the noise which they said usually begins late in the evening into the early hours of the morning. The residents said they had petitioned the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency many times without a respite and they later resorted to sending a petition through a law firm.

Noise pollution is a serious environmental issue that affects the health and well-being of people living in the vicinity of noisy areas. Many churches use bells and chimes as part of their religious practices.

While these can hold cultural and religious significance, the frequency and volume of these sounds has sometimes contributed to noise pollution lamented many Nigerians. The continuous ringing of bells can disturb the peace and quiet of the surrounding area especially during early morning hours and late into the night, affecting the well-being of residents.

In a recent report by the Foundation of Investigative Journalisms (FIJ) on December 6, 2023, it was outlined that, a lawyer shed light on the legal aspects surrounding noise pollution, particularly in the case of X on a Wednesday morning.

The lawyer’s thought suggested that the motivation behind the post was rooted in the perception that reporting a church for noise-related concerns might be controversial.

However, this can be confirmed by Oke, the National Environmental (Noise Standard and Control) Regulations of 2009 which outlined permissible noise levels across various institutions, encompassing schools, tertiary institutions, industries, and even churches.

The regulation specifies that the daily noise emanating from factories, workshops, construction sites, and places of worship should not exceed 85 decibels within an eight-hour timeframe. Emphasising the importance of adherence to these standards, the lawyer stated that deviating from the stipulated noise levels could be deemed environmentally and socially harmful.

Oke highlighted the fact that even places of worship are subject to permissible noise levels, and any excess can be considered a violation. Furthermore, the lawyer affirmed that individuals in Nigeria possess the right to report instances of noise pollution caused by places of worship without facing unwarranted guilt.

He urged the public to recognise their right to report such concerns to the appropriate authorities, emphasising that it is a responsible and civic-minded action. In extending the scope of the discussion, the lawyer clarified that the regulations also apply to noisy neighbours who position generators near other people’s windows.

He commended the efforts of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in enforcing environmental laws, encouraging individuals to report cases of noise pollution for proper resolution.

What Nigerians should know in striking a balance?

According to the Nigerian National Environmental standard and regulation Act 2007, the maximum permissible noise level in worship centres should not exceed 75 dB. A study conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, found that the average indoor and outdoor equivalent noise levels in Pentecostal churches are 95.1 dB (A) and 79.5 dB (A), respectively, while that for Orthodox churches are 93.6 dB (A) and 77.9 dB (A), respectively. The study also found that the highest noise pollution level in churches recorded was 121.18 dB (A).

The Hearing Centre of Excellence website, which advocates for the prevention of hearing loss and auditory injuries in the United States confirmed this, prolonged exposure or close proximity to noise reaching 85 decibels or higher can result in permanent damage to the cilia or hair cells in the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss,

Additionally, exposure to sounds exceeding 110 decibels can cause instantaneous hearing loss. The Centre categorises various sources of noise based on their decibel levels. Everyday sounds such as a hair dryer, blender, power lawn mower, forklift, or subway train fall within the range of 85 to 100 decibels.

Noise from activities like bulldozing, using an impact wrench, or motorcycle operation falls between 100 and 120 decibels. Louder events such as rock concerts, auto racing, or the impact of a hammer on a nail are categorised between 120 and 140 decibels, while extremely loud occurrences like a shotgun blast can reach 170–190 decibels.

Buildings designated for purposes like hospitals, convalescence homes, homes for the aged, sanatoriums, institutes of higher learning, conference rooms, public libraries, environmental or recreational sites should not exceed 45 decibels during the day and 35 decibels at night. Residential buildings are subject to a maximum noise level of 50 decibels during the day and 35 decibels at night.

For residential, industrial, small-scale production, and commercial facilities, daytime noise levels should not surpass 60 decibels, while night-time levels should stay below 50 decibels. Industrial facilities located outside perimeter fences are limited to maximum noise levels of 70 decibels during the day and 60 decibels at night.

The regulations also address impulsive noise, defined as bursts of sound energy lasting less than one second. Exposure limits are set at 100 impulses at 140 decibels, 1,000 impulses at 130 decibels, and 10,000 impulses at 120 decibels per day. Moreover, the maximum permissible noise levels for public announcement systems or devices differ based on the location.

In industrial areas, the limits are 85 decibels during the day and 65 decibels at night. Commercial zones have limits of 75 and 50 decibels, while residential areas have limits of 60 and 40 decibels during the day and night, respectively. These regulations also apply to places of entertainment and worship.

Despite the fact, that the Nigerian government has taken steps to address these issues in the past, much is still needed to be done. Few months ago, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) stated that churches and mosques engaged in noise pollution can be prosecuted. NESREA’s director-general, Aliyu Jauro, emphasised that noise remains a major environmental pollutant that affects plants, animals, and humans.

Though, some religious celebrations involve loud music, chanting, and other activities that generate noise. Depending on the frequency and duration of these events, they may contribute to noise pollution thus threatening and impacting the well-being of both residents and visitors.

However, for some individuals, the sounds associated with religious practices can hold cultural and spiritual significance, contributing positively to their well-being. For others who may not share the same beliefs, these sounds could be perceived as noise ‘pollution,’ negatively affecting their well-being.

While religious practise and wellbeing are needed, the relationship between a church and its surrounding community plays a crucial role in determining how noise pollution is perceived. Open communication and collaboration between the church and the community can help address concerns and find a balance that respects religious practices while minimising negative impacts on well-being.

Churches who can afford it, can adopt soundproofing measures to minimise the external impact of their activities. This may include using acoustic materials in construction, implementing scheduling restrictions for noisy activities, or investing in technologies that help control sound emissions, while for others, volume should be reduce to an extent.