Assessing Low Ionizing Radiation Exposure and Health Impact on Professional Workers in South Eastern Nigerian Hospitals: A Comparative Study across Medical and Non-Medical Personnel

Radiation encompasses a spectrum of electromagnetic and particle radiation, posing potential health risks when exposure surpasses recommended limits. This study assesses the health impact of low ionizing radiation on professional radiation workers in selected South Eastern Nigerian hospitals, comparing doses among medical and non-medical personnel with International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) standards. Among medical workers, Centre (A) records the highest effective dose (۰.۹۱۶۰±۰.۲۲۴۸ mSv), followed by center (B) (۰.۷۷۲۶±۰.۱۳۷۴ mSv), and center (C) with the lowest (۰.۷۲۰۴±۰.۱۵۶۱ mSv). Non-medical workers exhibit a similar trend, with center (A) having the highest dose (۰.۶۲۴۷±۰.۲۵۶۱ mSv), followed by center (B) (۰.۵۶۸۷±۰.۱۴۱۳ mSv), and center (C) with the lowest (۰.۴۴۲۹±۰.۱۵۴۶ mSv). Despite slightly higher doses for medical workers, all values fall below ICRP limits, emphasizing safety adherence. Statistical analyses confirm significant differences in mean doses between medical and non-medical workers across all centers, providing valuable insights into radiation health impact in these tertiary hospitals.

Keywords:

Radiation , Ionizing Radiation , Health impact , Professional radiation workers , Doses , International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) , Tertiary hospitals