Evaluation of the Potential Health Effects Resulting from Radon Exposure via Groundwater in Keffi, Nigeria

In Nasarawa State, groundwater is the most often used source of fresh water for daily consumption, but its quality still remains a serious concern due to rising concentrations of radon resulting from activities of mining. This study evaluated the potential pose resulting from radon exposure via groundwater ingestion and inhalation in Keffi, Nigeria using the liquid scintillation detector. Ten borehole samples of groundwater were collected. The mean content of radon from water samples of Keffi was ۱۹.۳۶۸ Bq/l. the average ingested and inhaled dose effectiveness annually was ۰.۰۹۹ mSv/y and ۴.۹ x۱۰-۵ mSv/y, respectively. In Keffi, the average ingested extra lifetime cancer risk was ۳.۵ x۱۰-۴ and for inhalation was ۱.۷۱ x۱۰-۷. Research area's average radon concentration was higher than the standard of ۱۱.۱ Bq/l set by the SON and USEPA. Based on the findings of the present work, the radon concentration is unacceptable, hence, inhabitants should be restricted from using the water until measures are put into place. However further analysis could be carried out in the area to prevent people from cancer risk. To cover the entire zone, additional research should be conducted covering additional sources in the study area. As concentrations of radon in water sources varies with time as a result of dilution by rainfall, more examination may be conducted in dry and raining periods.

Keywords:

Groundwater , Annual effective dose , Excess lifetime cancer risk