Abstract
Mechanization of work processes in agro-based industries through the employment of improved tools and/or equipment powered by either fuel or diesel engines reduce tedium and drudgery on the workers as well as improve the overall productivity and production. However, it also leads to health threat to the workers through environmental noise pollution. This study assessed the occupational noise exposure of workers in three different palm oil mills. The noise level was measured using a noise metering device (model 1352) and noise descriptors (L10, L50, L90, Lav, LAeq, Total Sound Pressure Level (Tspl), DOSE (%) and TWA). The occupational health effects of noise exposure were deduced using a semistructured questionnaire. The noise exposure was assessed during the palm nut digestion, and nut and pulp separation job operations as the noise emanates from the diesel-powered engine, palm nut digester and nut and pulp separator. The average noise levels obtained from the palm oil mills during palm nut digestion, 99.36 (SD = 4.16) dBA and pulp separation, 98.18 (SD = 3.07) dBA, exceeded the recommended 85 dBA for an 8-hour exposure period permissible noise exposure limit standard by the NIOSH. The independent t-tests for noise level between off-working and working periods disclosed p < 0.05 – significant noise exposure. The self-reported effect of the noise exposure level on the workers was interference with communication - 100%, tinnitus - 70%, ringing sensation - 76.75%, and noise stress - 73.30% of the workers. This research will inform the operators of the need for appropriate personal protective equipment usage and equip Government regulatory agencies to make appropriate regulations in order to protect oil mill workers.
References
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Abstract
References
- M. Dada, C. N. Nwawe, R. A. Okere and I. O. Uwubanmwen. “Potentials of date palm tree to the Nigerian economy,” World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 8(3), pp. 309-315, 2012.
- M.S. Rahman, M.M. Miah, and S. Hossain. “Impact of farm mechanization on labour use for wheat cultivation in Northern Bangladesh,” Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, Vol. 21(3), 589-594, 2011.
- K. T. Gondo, A. Yaro, and I. Pev. Effects of burn-out on innovation preference among rural farmers in Benue state. Nigeria International Journal of Agricultural Research and Food Production. Vol. 3 (2), pp. 31 – 48, 2018.
- S. Bhat, “A few reflections of noise pollution: Issues and concerns in urban India,” 2003. http://www.indiatogether.org/2003/nov/law-noise.htm Accessed on Mar 11, 2019.
- T. M. Tersoo, O. M. Dawodu, and N. Babakatcha, “Assessment of the level of noise produced by sound generating machines in Lapai, Northern Nigeria,” Advances in Applied Science Research, Vol. 2(6), pp. 520-531, 2011.
- A. Haruna, and M. Agu, “Simulation of levels of noise generated by local grinding machines within the community (a case study of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria),” Science and Technology, Vol. 2(6), pp. 146–151, 2012. [CrossRef]
- A. P. Azodo, O. Idama, T. C. Mezue, and F. T. Owoeye, “Evaluation and analysis of environmental noise from petrol fuelled portable power generators used in commercial areas,” Journal of Experimental Research, Vol. 6(2), pp. 8–13, 2018.
- O. Ibhadode, I. T. Tenebe, P. C. Emenike, O. S Adesina, A. F. Okougha, and F. O. Aitanke. “Assessment of noise-levels of generator-sets in seven cities of South-Southern Nigeria,” African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, Vol. 10(2), pp. 125–135, 2018. [CrossRef]
- K. Jabbari, P. Nassiri, M. R. Monazzam Esmaeelpour, K. Azam, M. Faridan, and L. Heidari. “The relationship between occupational noise exposure and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in small-scale industries: A case study in the city of Damav and Iran,” Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Vol. 3(4), pp. 49-56, 2016. [CrossRef]
- P. N. Okeke, and D. M. C. George,” “Evaluation of ambient noise levels in Port Harcourt metropolis, South-South, Nigeria,” IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, Vol. 9, pp. 2319–2402, 2015.
- S. Raju, “Noise pollution and automobiles,” In Proceedings of the symposium of International Automobile Technology, 2003. https://noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2008;volume=10;issue=39;spage=55;epage=67;aulast=Prasanna#ft6 Accessed on May 12, 2018.
- K. Poku, “Small scale palm oil processing in Africa,” Food and Agriculture Organisation, Agricultural Service Bulletin, Vol.148, 2004.
- A. P. Azodo, A. B. Hassan, J. Ezenwa, and P.U. Ogban, “Design and fabrication of motorized hydraulically operated palm oil press,” Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 14(1), pp. 79-88, 2013.
- J. Bugajska, “Occupational data cards as a source of information for health prevention purposes, Medycyna Pracy, Vol. 51(6), pp. 551-561, 2000.
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Environmental Engineering |
| Journal Section | Research Articles |
| Authors | |
| Publication Date | September 30, 2023 |
| Submission Date | January 7, 2023 |
| Acceptance Date | June 19, 2023 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2023 Volume: 6 Issue: 3 |
