Survey of Background Ionization Radiation Level in Some Selected Automobile Mechanic Workshops in Uvwie LGA Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental radiation measurement was carried out in automobile mechanic workshops in Effurun, Uvwie Local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. An in-situ measurement was done using a well calibrated nuclear radiation meter (Radalert-100) and a geographical positioning system (GPS). The mean background Ionization radiation value in all the automobile mechanic workshops is 0.0167±0.002mR/hr  while the mean Equivalent  Dose Rate value is 1.428±0.002mSv/y. Both the background ionization radiation and equivalent dose rate levels obtained values exceeded the normal world average background ionization radiation (BIR) level of 0.013mR/h and 1.0mSv/y respectively (ICRP, 1999). This study revealed that the automobile mechanic workshops environment may have been impacted, but there is no immediate health implication. However, it will pose some long-term health side effects on the workers, residents and the environment.

Keywords: Survey, Ionization, Radiation, Dose, Automobile, Mechanic, Workshop.