BACKGROUND IONIZING RADIATION DOSE LEVELS AND EXCESS LIFETIME CANCER RISK IN ASHAKA CEMENT PLC, ASHAKA, GOMBER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background:
Radiation monitoring is crucial for assessing environmental safety and public health, particularly in areas with industrial activities such as cement production. Ionizing radiation exposure can have significant health implications, making it essential to evaluate dose levels and associated risks regularly.
Methods:
This study focuses on the radiation dose levels and excess lifetime cancer risk at multiple locations within Ashaka Cement Plc, situated in Ashaka, Gombe State, Nigeria. By measuring radiation levels and analyzing cancer risk, the research aims to ensure the safety of the environment and the well-being of workers and nearby communities. A Geiger counter rate meter was used to measure the radiation dose level 1 m above the ground level.
Results:
The results showed that the dose rates ranged from 0.1100 to 0.3467 μSv/h, with an average of 0.2496 μSv/h. The mean annual equivalent dose was 0.43728 mSv/y, lower than the 1 mSv/y limit, and the mean annual effective dose was 0.3061 mSv/y, higher than the 0.07 mSv/y, global average but lower than the 1 mSv/y limit. The excess lifetime cancer risk was 1.53×10-3, which is higher than the world average of 1.45×10-3.
Conclusion:
Generally, background ionizing radiation levels are safe and pose no immediate health risk. Low-level radiation doses may have long-term health effects over a lifetime (70 years), as per excess lifetime cancer risk values.