Radon Level and Effects in Public and Residential Places in Nigeria

Abstract

Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding radon as human lung carcinogen has generated a lot of research interest on the impacts of radon exposure to people all over the world. Radon concentration of different building types such as glass house, bricks and basement house structures at different locations geographically were reviewed to evaluate sustainable radon level as a strategic pathway for environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Volumes of expertises in research domain and their respective views were crystallized to forge status of Nigerians on the risk scale. Average mean radon concentration from cumulative survey suggested that dwelling and residential houses are within the recommended limit suggested by standard international and local organizations with little variations owing to several contributory factors. Research also shows that some buildings materials containing relative parent radionuclides of radon and its progenies can also contribute to indoor radon concentration, nevertheless, soil gas containing radon found in soils overlying basement rocks constitute the main source for indoor radon concentration within dwelling places. It is wholly to write that the delineated radon map will serve as a useful tool for determination of new building sites in Nigeria and as a guide for future radon remediation and monitory plan for the safest life in our dear Nation Nigeria.