Evaluation of Indoor Background Ionizing Radiation Profile in Some Hospitals in Jos, Plateau State-Nigeria

Abstract

Certain types of building materials are known to be radioactive. Exposure to indoor ionizing radiation like exposure to any other type of ionizing radiation results in critical health challenges.  An evaluation of the background ionizing radiation profile within the radiological departments of Skane Radiodiagnostic Centre, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, and their immediate neighbourhood were carried out. These hospitals also harbour a number of active radiation sources. The radiation levels were measured using gamma-scout (model GS2 with serial number A20). The radiation levels were: 2.063 mSv/yr for Skane Radiodiagnositic Centre indoor result and outdoor result was 1.848mSv/yr.  For Plateau State Specialist Hospital indoor result was 2.444mSv/yr, outdoor result was 2.002mSv/yr.

Keywords: Radiation profile, Hospitals, Plateau State, Radiation sources and Gamma scout