Accra, Oct 16, GNA - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday appealed to the public and churches to minimise the noise levels during functions since it was becoming a principal environmental concern.

Excessive noise beyond certain levels of intensity affected human health, Mr Daniel Amlalo, Deputy Executive Director, EPA said in an interview with the GNA. "Noise contributes to ailments like indigestion, ulcers, heartburn and gastrointestinal malfunctions in the body," he said, adding that, workers exposed to industrial noise often suffered from high blood pressure and other heart abnormalities. The Deputy Director challenged musical groups to occasionally check their blood pressures to enable them know their status due to the excessive noise they encountered during their work. He described noise pollution as sound that was not in order and irregular production of unpleasant sensation that was unwanted or impairs hearing.

"Residential areas, which are supposed to be most quiet areas have become noise centres due to activities of churches and vehicular movements," he said.

Mr Amlalo appealed to residents in urban areas to ensure that their radios or musical sets were tuned to noise levels, suitable for the ear. He also appealed to churches to conduct their activities in such a way that the noise levels were confined within their premises, adding that, drivers needed not to toot their horns unnecessarily since it also contributed to the noise pollution within the urban centres.