In the recent past and presently, industries, commercial centres and households are frequently off grid due to unreliable electric power supply and hence standby electric generators served as an alternative source. It is necessary to carry out investigations into the adverse effects of the widespread use of the generators and suggest ways of mitigating the bad consequences on biological lives in the immediate environment. Gaseous emissions from generators react with ozone layers causing its depletion. This has led to escalation of hitherto uncommon diseases. Likewise, noise pollution emanating from the generators contributed immensely to reported cases of hearing impairments and deafness in humans at early stages of life.

A commercial centre in Ibadan metropolis (Gbadebo Business Centre, Mokola) was taken as case study in our investigation. Data was gathered from the study area using distributed structured questionnaires. The data gathered was analyzed using Chi-square and Logistic Regression statistical methods.  94.59% of the respondents agreed on widespread use of generators, 56.76% ensured regular exhaust system maintenance while 67.57% agreed that noise pollutions can cause deafness. It was also observed that 51.35% strained ears to listen and 37.84% (14) get upset by noise while 5.4% never get upset. 27% reported death cases range of 1-5 persons.

Majority believed on the adverse effects whereas preferably average did the needful on   mitigating the effect of noise pollution on hearing impairments. Public enlightenment programs on adverse effects, regular generator maintenance and enforcement agencies are needed in commercial areas. Government agencies such as the Nigerian Industrial Standards (owner of the SON/NIS certification) and the National Environmental Protection Agency should wake up to the task of enforcing the acceptable noise threshold level(s) in our society and prohibition of turning our country into a dumping ground for substandard electrical products, such as standby generators.