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Assessment of Radiation Exposure Levels from Selected Scrap Metal Stores in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS),
Vol. 10 No. 5 (2021)
Abstract
This study analyses the radiation exposure rate emanating from scrap metal stores in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using the ion chamber based survey meter and a Gamma-Scout radiation detector. Two (2) scrap metal stores located at Manzese and Ubungo-External were selected for the investigation. The radiation exposure rates in ?Sv/hr at 20 randomly selected points in each store were determined using a survey meter. More readings were taken at points 100m away from each of the stores to establish the background radiation exposure. From the readings of the survey meter, 3 points with the highest radiation exposure rates from each store were selected. A Gamma–Scout detector was then deployed at each point to measure the radiation exposure rates. The Gamma-Scout measurements were then used to evaluate the annual absorbed dose rate, the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and the excessive lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). Results showed that the average radiation exposure in the Philipo and Mapinduzi scrap metal stores were 0.467 and 0.4 ?Sv/hr, respectively. These values are both higher than 0.2 ?Sv/hr, the recommended upper limit for radiation exposure rate. Nonetheless, AEDE values resulting from radiation exposures at the Philipo and Mapinduzi stores were respectively 0.286 mSv/yr, and 0.245 mSv/yr. Although these values of AEDE are both below the recommended upper limit of 1 mSv/yr for the public, the annual absorbed dose rates were higher than the recommended limit resulting to higher excessive lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for workers at these stores, as well as people in their neighbourhoods. The evaluation of ELCR showed that works at Mapinduzi and Philipo scrap metal stores had ELCR values of 1.002 × 10–3 and 0.858 × 10–3, respectively. These ELCR values are higher than the limit of 0.29 × 10–3, indicating higher chances of developing cancer problems for workers at these scrap metal stores. Therefore, the researcher recommends that workers at these stores should observe all recommended radiation safety protocols and residential homes be built at least 500 m away from the scrap metal stores.
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- Al-Kaabi, M. A. & A. Al-Shimary. 2016. Study of the Radiological Doses and Hazard Indices in Soil Samples from Karbala City, Iraq. Chinese Physics, 16: 331–347. Cherry, S., J. Sorenson & M. Phelps. 2012. Physics in Nuclear Medicine. London: Elsevier. Essien, I. E & A. A. Essiett. 2016. Investigation of Radiological Hazards Within Uyo Metropolis Central Dumpsite in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 6(5). Foulke, G. 2008. Guidance for the Identification and Control of Safety and Health Hazards in Metal Scrap Recycling. New York: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 2018. Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. 2018 Edition. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). 2007. The Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. James I. U., I. F. Moses & J. N. Vandi. 2014. Measurement of Gamma Radiation in an Automobile Mechanic Village in Abuja, North-Central Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 18(2): 293–298. Kerinja, S. S., U. Ibrahim, S.D. Yusuf, M. M. Idris & A. A. Mundi. 2020. Assessment of Radiation Exposure Level from Scrap Metal Dumpsites in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Research and Reviews in Physics, 3(2). Kyessi A.G. & H.M. Omar. 2018. Social-Economic Impact of Scrap Metal Business in Dar es Salaam: The Case of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania. Journal of Economics, 6(4): 2 – 17. Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology (MoCST). 2013. The National Nuclear Technology Policy. Dar es Salaam: United Republic of Tanzania. Mohammed, S. A. 2002. Nigerian Steel Industry Historical Development. African Iron and Steel Association (AISA). National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 2020. 2019 Tanzania in Figures. Dodoma: United Republic of Tanzania. (https: //www.nbs.go.tz/nbs/takwimu/references/tanzania_in_figures_2019.pdf). Ngaile J.E, F. P. Banzi & L.D. Kifanga. 2007. Some Experience with Illicit Trafficking of Radioactive Materials in Tanzania. The Second All-African IRPA Regional Radiation Protection Congress, Ismailia, Egypt. Ogundare, F. O. & C. U. Nwankwo. 2015. Radionuclide Content and Radiological Hazards Associated with Samples from Different Streams of Metal Recycling Facilities. Journal of Radioprotection, 50(1): 55–58. Sacco, D., F. Ruggeri, G. Bindi, A. Bonanni, S. Casciardi, R. Delia & E. Venturini. 1995. Radioactivity in the Scrap Recycling Process: Radiation Protection Aspects and Experimental Monitoring Problems. Ministry of Health (Superior Institute of Protection and Work Safety) Via Di Fontana Candida, Monteporzio Catone, (Rome) Italy. Smith, K. P., D. L. Blunt, G. P. Williams & C. L. Tebes. 1996. Radiological Dose Assessment Related to Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials Generated by the Petroleum Industry. ANL/EAD-2: Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne. Tawfik, A. A & E. M. Ahmed. 2014. Radiological Doses and Risk Assessment of NORM Scrap Metal by Using RESRAD-RECYCLE Computer Code. Open Journal of Modelling and Simulation, 2: 34–42. United Nations (UN). 2002. Report on the Improvement of Management of Radiation Protection Aspects in the Recycling of Metal Scrap. Report of an International Group of Experts Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UNITED NATIONS, New York and Geneva. —. 2006. Recommendations on Monitoring and Response Procedures for Radioactive Scrap Metals. Report of an International Group of Experts Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UNITED NATIONS, New York and Geneva.
References
Al-Kaabi, M. A. & A. Al-Shimary. 2016. Study of the Radiological Doses and Hazard Indices in Soil Samples from Karbala City, Iraq. Chinese Physics, 16: 331–347. Cherry, S., J. Sorenson & M. Phelps. 2012. Physics in Nuclear Medicine. London: Elsevier. Essien, I. E & A. A. Essiett. 2016. Investigation of Radiological Hazards Within Uyo Metropolis Central Dumpsite in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 6(5). Foulke, G. 2008. Guidance for the Identification and Control of Safety and Health Hazards in Metal Scrap Recycling. New York: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 2018. Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. 2018 Edition. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). 2007. The Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. James I. U., I. F. Moses & J. N. Vandi. 2014. Measurement of Gamma Radiation in an Automobile Mechanic Village in Abuja, North-Central Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 18(2): 293–298. Kerinja, S. S., U. Ibrahim, S.D. Yusuf, M. M. Idris & A. A. Mundi. 2020. Assessment of Radiation Exposure Level from Scrap Metal Dumpsites in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Research and Reviews in Physics, 3(2). Kyessi A.G. & H.M. Omar. 2018. Social-Economic Impact of Scrap Metal Business in Dar es Salaam: The Case of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania. Journal of Economics, 6(4): 2 – 17. Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology (MoCST). 2013. The National Nuclear Technology Policy. Dar es Salaam: United Republic of Tanzania. Mohammed, S. A. 2002. Nigerian Steel Industry Historical Development. African Iron and Steel Association (AISA). National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 2020. 2019 Tanzania in Figures. Dodoma: United Republic of Tanzania. (https: //www.nbs.go.tz/nbs/takwimu/references/tanzania_in_figures_2019.pdf). Ngaile J.E, F. P. Banzi & L.D. Kifanga. 2007. Some Experience with Illicit Trafficking of Radioactive Materials in Tanzania. The Second All-African IRPA Regional Radiation Protection Congress, Ismailia, Egypt. Ogundare, F. O. & C. U. Nwankwo. 2015. Radionuclide Content and Radiological Hazards Associated with Samples from Different Streams of Metal Recycling Facilities. Journal of Radioprotection, 50(1): 55–58. Sacco, D., F. Ruggeri, G. Bindi, A. Bonanni, S. Casciardi, R. Delia & E. Venturini. 1995. Radioactivity in the Scrap Recycling Process: Radiation Protection Aspects and Experimental Monitoring Problems. Ministry of Health (Superior Institute of Protection and Work Safety) Via Di Fontana Candida, Monteporzio Catone, (Rome) Italy. Smith, K. P., D. L. Blunt, G. P. Williams & C. L. Tebes. 1996. Radiological Dose Assessment Related to Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials Generated by the Petroleum Industry. ANL/EAD-2: Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne. Tawfik, A. A & E. M. Ahmed. 2014. Radiological Doses and Risk Assessment of NORM Scrap Metal by Using RESRAD-RECYCLE Computer Code. Open Journal of Modelling and Simulation, 2: 34–42. United Nations (UN). 2002. Report on the Improvement of Management of Radiation Protection Aspects in the Recycling of Metal Scrap. Report of an International Group of Experts Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UNITED NATIONS, New York and Geneva. —. 2006. Recommendations on Monitoring and Response Procedures for Radioactive Scrap Metals. Report of an International Group of Experts Convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. UNITED NATIONS, New York and Geneva.