Abstract

The acute shortage of electricity in Pakistan has led to indiscriminate, unregulated and prolong use of generators for electricity by the citizens, contributing the noise pollution in the country. The aim of this study was to estimate the level of noise pollution and possible health impacts from the use of portable electricity generators at 04 locations areas selected in commercial of Karachi city. Impacts of noise pollution were calculated by a semi-structured questionnaire interview method regarding the health hazards associated with the noise of portable power generators. Survey was conducted with 310 persons, randomly selected as shopkeepers, office workers and push-carters. Results showed that continual exposure of generator noise producing adverse health effect on the habitants includes hearing loss, noisiness, sleep disturbances, cardiac disturbances, impaired task performance, annoyance and bad behavioral reactions. This negative health effect of noise pollution among residents of the city needs urgent attention.

Keywords: Health hazards; Environment; Exposure; Portable generator; Noise pollution