Residential Indoor Radon Assessment in the Vicinity of some Dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Dumpsites in Nigeria are generally open and significantly elevate the pollution and contamination level of the total environment. Indoor radon was measured with CR-39 detectors in some buildings in the vicinity of dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria. Eight (8) dumpsites (4 dormant and 4 active dumpsites) were chosen for this study. Detectors were exposed in 50 houses randomly selected within 0 and 100m away from the dumpsites. The detectors were exposed for 3 months. They were then retrieved and etched in a 6M NaOH solution in a water-bath at a temperature of 90o C for 3 hours. Tracks were counted using a semi-automatic system with a DCE camera mounted on a microscope and connected to a PC. Radon concentration ranged from 24.00±4.86 to 656.00±131.20 Bqm-3 in the active dumpsites.Mean concentrations were 120.3±24.0, 257±51.4, 179.8±33.6, and 131.5±19.4, respectively in Oke-Odo, MRF, Olusosun, and Solus-3. In the dormant sites, concentration ranged from 16±3.2 to 931±186.3 Bqm-3 having means of 194.17±38.80, 206.75±41.33, 223.25±44.69, and 334±66.85Bqm-3 , respectively in Oke-Afa, Solus-1, Solus-2, and Solus-4. The annual effective dose and cancer risk in the active and dormant dumpsites were (3.60 mSv, 8.97 per million person-yearly) and (4.53 mSv, 12.47 per million person-yearly), respectively. This study revealed some high value of radon concentrations in some houses close to the dormant dumpsites than in the active dumpsites. This is unsafe and can cause severe health issues in the long term.
 Keywords: Radon, dumpsites, Olusosun, CR-39, buildings, Lagos state, SOLUS

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“…All residential buildings and residential buildings and various combination casing materials investigated in this paper are not expected to provide a radioactive hazard to their occupants, according to these indications. Olaoye, et al [17] claim to have used CR-39 detectors to look into the radon levels in both active and inactive dumpsites. For a total of three months, detectors were installed in 50 randomly selected homes that were between 0 and 100 meters from the dumpsites.…”

“…This has significant implications for the small variation noted because of the depreciable levels of concentrations in several houses and inhabited locations mentioned above [6,7]. Using various measurement tools including the Rad7, CR 39, and Pro-3 series detector of radon in houses, places of work, and various campuses in universities, indoor radon and outdoor examinations have been conducted [17,18]. However, there aren't many reports on indoor and outdoor radon implications in Nigeria.…”

Radon Level and Effects in Public and Residential Places in Nigeria

“…Olaoye, et al [23] in "Residential Indoor Radon Assessment in the Vicinity of some Dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria" took it to a dump site also. In their expository quest, Eight (8) dumpsites (4 dormant and 4 active dumpsites) were considered.…”

“…Two of the radon decay products, Polonium-218 and Polonium-214 , account for vast majority of the radiation exposure to lungs. Exclusive measurements of radon concentrations in dwelling places and homes show that although concentrations may vary widely, radon is universally present, raising concerns that the observed rise in lung cancer cases among the general public could be as a result of radon exposure, especially those who spend a lot hours indoors [23].…”

"Radiological Implications of Radon Levels on Human Health: Systematic Review in Nigeria"

“…Although concentrations can vary greatly, radon is always present, according to independent measurement of radon concentrations in buildings and homes. This raises anxiety in the pragmatic increase in lung disorders such as cancer cases surrounded by wide-ranging public could be due to exposure to radon, particularly for persons who spend their time indoor [17]. Additionally, research has shown that radon has the ability to trigger genetic disorders at any concentration [16].…”