ANALYSIS OF BACKGROUND RADIATION DOSES AND THEIR POTENTIAL RADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN HOSPITALS ACROSS SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the radiological impact of background ionizing radiation exposure levels in selected hospitals in Southwestern Nigeria. Ambient radiation measurements were conducted using a Geiger-Müller counter under non-operational conditions (X-ray machines turned off). Key radiological indices, including Absorbed Dose Rate (ADR), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), were computed to evaluate potential health risks. Indoor radiation levels recorded at PMH, GFH, OGH, and SSH averaged 0.012, 0.012, 0.013, and 0.010 mR/h, respectively. Outdoor levels at PMH, OGH, and SSH were 0.013, 0.012, and 0.011 mR/h, while GFH recorded the highest outdoor value at 0.014 mR/h. Although the absorbed dose rates exceeded the world average and recommended limits of 59.0 and 84.0 nGy/h, the calculated AEDE values remained below the public safety threshold of 1.0 mSv/y. The findings indicate that while short-term exposure remains within safe limits, prolonged exposure may increase the probability of cancer development for individuals regularly present in these environments. These results underscore the need for continuous environmental radiation monitoring and the enforcement of radiological safety practices in healthcare settings.