K.I. OGUNGBEMI^#, A.B. ADEGBOYEGA, C.E. IROEGBU

Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Akoka – Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

In this study, we quantify specific activity of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, from soils, water, and vegetables around limestone mining sites because of the dense urban settlement with high agricultural activities around the area. Annual effective dose (AED) was evaluated and used to estimate radiological hazard impact. Mean values of internal radiation hazard index (H_in) for soils, water, and vegetation are calculated and compared with those from literatures. The estimated mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was obtained, too. The values of ELCR are under the world average value as recommended by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) one of the world regulatory bodies. For this reason, health related issues may occur at long time of living in this environment.

Key words: Radionuclides, annual effective dose, cancer risk, health hazard index, dose rate.

Corresponding author’s e-mail: kogungbemi@unilag.edu.ng

 

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