A Survey of Radiation Exposure Techniques Factors Used for Common Diagnostics X- Ray Examinations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Introduction Refused dumpsites are known to be associated with enhanced level of ionizing radiation depending on the items that constitute the refuse. Exposure to chronic levels of exposure from these refuse dumpsites could result in severe health risk. Materials and Methods Calabar was divided into three sections depending on the location for ease of data collection. The dumpsites in each section were identified by their geographical coordinates using geographical positioning system (GPS) device. Exposures were measured using an exposure meter in µSv/h and converted to annual effective dose rate in mSv/yr. The effective dose rate values were used in evaluating the cancer incidence and mortality for male and female using conversion factors in BEIR VII. Results The annual effective dose rates for the waste dumpsites in Calabar ranged from 0.15 – 0.36 mSv/yr, with one dumpsite in Section C having the highest value annual effective dose rate of 0.36 mSv/yr. The corresponding observed maximum values of cancer incidence for male and female respectively were 110 and 154 persons per 100,000 persons while the cancer mortality for male and female were respectively 61 and 86 persons per 100,000 persons. Conclusion The study shows enhanced levels of ionizing radiation around waste dumpsites in Calabar. The effective dose rates were lower than the established occupational effective dose. The cancer incidence and mortality evaluated for males and females were low. However, there is need to control the activities of scavengers around the waste dump to further minimize the cancer risk.

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Chest X-Ray ESD and ESAK Assessment in A Few Diagnostic Radiological Facilities in Delta State

O.C,

J.C

et al. 2022

JHTD

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Background: The utilization of X-rays in medical procedures has sparked apprehension regarding their potential adverse consequences, despite their undeniable advantages in the realms of diagnosis and therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) and Entrance Skin Air Kerma (ESAK) associated with chest X-ray examinations conducted in diagnostic radiological facilities located within Delta State. The present study employed a standardized approach to describe the materials and methods used in the research. The dose assessment was performed on a sample of 700 patients who were 18 years of age or older. These patients were selected from 10 operational facilities located throughout the State. The findings of the study are as follows: The effective dose (ESD), ascertained through the utilization of patient anatomical data and exposure parameters, fell within the recommended reference dose limits of 1 mGy (National Nuclear Regulatory Agency) and 0.4 mGy (International Atomic Energy Agency) for the majority of healthcare facilities. Nevertheless, certain centers demonstrated elevated dose levels, which can be attributed to factors such as increased exposure rates, aging x-ray tubes, and inadequate technician competency. The effective dose values (ESD) exhibited a range of 0.018 to 1.671 mGy for males and 0.084 to 1.542 mGy for females. The range of Entrance Skin Air Kerma (ESAK) values for males was found to be between 0.019 and 0.085 mGy, while for females it ranged from 0.016 to 0.098 mGy. These values were observed to be within the recommended dose limits. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of surveillance of radiation exposure and the implementation of quality assurance protocols in order to safeguard patient well-being and mitigate potential hazards linked to chest X-ray procedures conducted in diagnostic radiological establishments.

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A Survey of Radiation Exposure Techniques Factors Used for Common Diagnostics X- Ray Examinations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Cited by 4 publications

References 11 publications

Quality Assurance in Medical Imaging: A Review of Challenges in Nigeria

Quality Assurance in Medical Imaging: A Review of Challenges in Nigeria

Radiation Health Risk to Human Scavengers at Refuse Dumpsites in Calabar, Nigeria

Chest X-Ray ESD and ESAK Assessment in A Few Diagnostic Radiological Facilities in Delta State

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