Evaluation of background ionizing radiation levels in Jos University Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Exposure of patients to radiographic examination (computerized tomography, fluoroscopic
procedures, dental diagnosis, and routine exposure to x-rays), radioisotope procedures and radiation therapy have contributed to increase in background radiation and radiation levels of patients and many occupational
workers. The aim of this study was to measure and establish the background ionizing radiation level in different parts of Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Methods: Measurement of background ionizing radiation level was performed using a well calibrated Radiation Alert (Inspector+ and Inspector EXP+) monitor manufactured by S.E. International, INC. USA; 2013. The total count was taken for a period of 10 minutes which was carried out three times for each location, the average was calculated and recorded. This was carried out in all 71 locations within the hospital, the values were then converted to Sievert (Sv) using the relation: 1CPM=0.01μSv/hr (Radiation Alert User's manual 2007).
Results: The results obtained range from 0.218±0.0608 ìSv/hr to 0.308±0.01 ìSv/hr with a mean of 0.243±0.02 ìSv/hr within Radiology Department, 0.279±0.017 ìSv/hr for the wards, 0.254±0.026 ìSv/hr for the clinics, and 0.27±0.0382 ìSv/hr for the laboratories and other location in the Hospital.
Conclusion: The mean measurement from the wards is slightly above the standard of 0.274 ìSv/hr recommended as worldwide average natural dose of background ionizing radiation while the average measurement for Radiology Department and the clinics were within permissible allowed values. The results from this study indicates that some locations such as the Radiology Department and the clinics as safe while the wards are relatively unsafe.