PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF NOISE POLLUTION ON THE WORKERS; A CASE STUDY IN TEXTILE MILLS OF MULTAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Exposure to workplace noise pollution is becoming a serious concern especially in developing countries. The present study is aimed at the occupational noise exposure in the textile mills and evaluating the noise exposure and its detrimental consequences on the health of the workers in particular physiological, and psychological impacts. Two textile mills in Multan, Punjab were carefully chosen for that purpose. The chief objective was to assess the intensity of noise in the different units of the selected textile mills and its impacts on employee’s health. Data was collected through a cross- sectional survey of workers conducted via questionnaire and interviews. A DT-8850 digital sound level meter was used for the measurement of the intensity of noise in the various sections of the textile mills. The maximum, minimum, and average value of noise in the mill I was 103.5dBA, 101.5dBA, and 102.5dBA, while in mill II the values were 104.2dBA, 102.5dBA, and 103.3dBA. The results showed that the occupational noise pollution is having an impact on physiological and psychological health of the industrial workers. Survey results showed the lack of awareness and practicing of safety equipment. 62.5% of the respondents complained about the noise in the workplace as a problem while a significant percentage of the respondents experienced disturbed sleep patterns, poor communication, frequent headaches, respiratory problems along with escalating blood pressure and ultimately upsetting of their overall performance. The results draw attention to the serious concern that is required in this matter of safe workplace environment in developing countries like Pakistan.