Estimation of background radiation at Rivers State University of Sciences and Technology, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background radiation from the use of photocopies, computers and other electronic devices around River State University of Science and Technology was measured using a specialize digital, radiation meter type, radalert - 50, which is optimized to detect radiations like alpha, beta, gamma and x-rays. Measurements were carried out within seven working hours of the day and for seven days of the week in each of the five locations selected evenly. Using a calibration factor linked to Cs-137, the values obtained in count per minute (CPM) were converted to dose equivalent rate in mSv/Week. Results show that an average radiation level of 2.87x10^-3 mSv/Week was prevalent. This is clearly below the recommended safety radiation limit of 2.0x10^-2 mSv/Week as prescribed by ICRP, hence no cause for alarm.

KEYWORDS: Radiation, Radalert-50, electronic devices, radiation limit