Environmental Radiation Studies around Jos-North, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Environmental radiation, mineral processing, radiation levels, radiation hazard, radiation doseAbstract
Environmental radiation studies have been carried out in part of Jos-North in Plateau State, where the inhabitants of this area are exposed to radiation resulting from mineral-related activities in the area. Using a Gamma Scout dosimeter, radiation levels were measured within the mineral processing and outside the mineral processing areas, generally representing the background. Results obtained vary from 39.42 to 57.86 mSv/yr around Dogon Duste old mill, 123.6 to 422.76 mSv/yr around British – America Junction dump, 123.6 to 422.76 mSv/yr in the Utah mill area, and between 40.431 to 127.11 mSv/yr in the Alheri mill area; the background value is generally between 1.189 to 5.802 mSv/yr. About 22.8% of the area investigated are potential radiation hazard area as values here are well above the maximum permissible radiation dose limits. The inhabitants of the area should therefore be made aware of the potential radiation-related health problems they may face over time, while the Government should enact and enforce all necessary laws relating to the preservation of our living environment.
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