Day-Time and Night-Time Noise Level from Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Its Health Effects in Wukari, Taraba State

Environmental noise pollution poses a substantial threat to public health and well-being, yet noise generated by diesel generators at base transceiver stations (BTSs) often remains inadequately controlled. This study assessed daytime and nighttime noise levels from BTS diesel generators in residential areas of Wukari, Nigeria. A longitudinal research design was employed, and noise levels were measured using a GM1352 digital sound-level meter. The recorded values were evaluated against World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) limits of 40 and 45 dB(A), respectively, for nighttime and 50 and 65 dB(A), respectively, for daytime. At night, Location 22 recorded the highest mean noise level at 71.9 dB(A), whereas Location 10 recorded the lowest at 55.2 dB(A); both values exceeded the WHO and NESREA limits. During the day, Location 22 recorded the highest noise level at 67.4 dB(A), exceeding both standards, while Location 8 recorded the lowest at 56.8 dB(A), which exceeded the WHO limit but remained below the NESREA limit. These findings demonstrate that BTS diesel generators contribute to noise pollution in residential areas of Wukari, potentially exposing nearby residents to adverse effects such as sleep disturbance, insomnia, stress, and headaches. The study underscores the need for telecommunications operators to adopt quieter and more sustainable energy sources, including solar power, and for regulatory agencies to enforce appropriate setback distances and noise-control measures around BTS installations in residential areas.