In-situ measurements of dose rates in villages near mining sites in Oke-Ogun, Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of mining activities is not limited to the mining sites only but also linked to the villages near the mining sites via erosion and stockpiling of ores. In-situ measurements of dose rates in four villages near tantalite mining sites in Oke-ogun, Oyo state were investigated using a Gamma RAEIIR survey meter. Radiation dose-to-risk software was used to estimate radiological parameters related to the continuous exposure of villagers in the study area. The radiological parameters were estimated within the age brackets of infants, children and adults respectively. The mean of the measured in-situ dose rates, the estimated annual effective dose rates, the commutative doses and excess lifetime cancer risks for adults, children and infants were 98.30nSv/y, 0.86mSv/y, 60.2mSv,10.3mSv, 0.86mSv and 30.5 × 10^-4, 5. 17 × 10^-4 and 0.42 × 10^-4 respectively. The mean of the measured dose rates and estimated annual effective dose rates were above the world averages of 84nSv/h and 0.77mSv/y respectively. Some of the considered radiological parameters for the study were above the world average. The villagers are advised not to live their entire lives in the villages since this can predispose them to exposure that may not be suitable for their health.