Assessment of Occupational Radon Exposure and Associated Health Risks in Campus Facilities at Adamawa State College of Education, Hong, Nigeria

Abdulhamid M Suleiman, Adamu Yakubu, Jackson Karniliyus, Barnabas Benaiah and Kabiru Mohammed
2025-05-09 12 views 1 downloads

 

This study evaluates the radon (Rn-222) concentration and associated health risks in the Campus facilities at Adamawa State College of Education, Hong, Nigeria. Radon concentrations were measured in 20 locations, including offices, laboratories, and residential quarters, using active radon monitoring devices (RAD7). The results revealed radon concentrations ranging from 8.6 Bq/m³ at the Deputy Provost’s office to 53.1 Bq/m³ at the Geography Departmental office, with a mean concentration of 20.3 Bq/m³. The effective dose rate (ER) ranged from 0.005 WLM/y to 0.031 WLM/y, while the annual effective dose (Dy) varied between 0.1248 mSv/y and 0.7703 mSv/y. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranged from 0.0176% to 0.1086%, with the Geography Departmental office having the highest risk. Inhalation exposure (Einh) and lifetime cancer cases (LCC) were also calculated, with values ranging from 0.2994 mSv/y to 1.8487 mSv/y and 5.39 × 10?? to 3.33 × 10??, respectively. Radon concentrations, ELCR and Dy in most offices and staff quarters are within the World Health Organization (WHO) reference level of 100 Bq/m³ and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) action level of 300 Bq/m³, 1.3% and 3 to 10 mSvy-1 for workplaces. However, the Geography Departmental office slightly exceeds the WHO reference level, warranting mitigation measures to ensure a safe working environment for staff and occupants.

 

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