Evaluation of Radon Concentration Levels in Selected Offices of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria and Concomitant Health Hazards

Abstract

Environmental level of radioactive radon was measured in selected offices of two prominent buildings of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State. The measurement was done using a standardized RAD7 continuous radon monitor. Radon concentration levels for the offices in the administrative building varied between 13.1±3.1 and 44.1±5.6 Bqm-3 with a mean value of 22.8 ± 4.0 Bqm-3, while the variation in concentration for the offices in the FMSS building was from 8.6 ± 3.6 to 25.3 ± 5.6 Bqm-3 with an average value of 15.3±4.2 Bqm-3. These values were below the world average value of 40 Bqm-3. Computed mean annual effective dose to the lungs for the admin building and FMSS building were 0.55 and 0.46 mSvy-1 respectively. Although the radon levels obtained in all the offices evaluated were found to be below the permissible reference levels, there is need for accurate consciousness of the danger of radon accumulation in apartments. Adequate ventilation and other necessary mitigation measures should be put in place to keep the radon concentration levels as low as reasonably achievable.