Assessment of occupational radiation exposure of medical radiation workers at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Title : Assessment of occupational radiation exposure of medical radiation workers at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract:

Background: Systematic dosimetric surveillance of medical radiation workers is essential for regulatory compliance and worker protection. Comprehensive occupational dose data from tertiary hospitals in north-western Nigeria remain sparse.
Objective: To assess occupational radiation exposure and estimate cancer lifetime risks among medical radiation workers in the Radiotherapy, Radiology, and Dental departments of UDUTH, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Methods: Sixty-three TLDs (Harshaw 4500) were deployed across three departments over five years (2014–2018). Parameters computed included AAED, ACD, and LFTR per the BEIR VII model.
Results: Radiotherapy workers recorded the highest AAED (1.35 ± 0.73 mSv), followed by Radiology (1.13 ± 0.51 mSv) and Dental (0.76 ± 0.61 mSv). No worker exceeded 10 mSv annually; LFTR estimates remained below regulatory thresholds.
Conclusion: All doses were within the ICRP occupational limit of 20 mSv/year, with a progressive downward trend, confirming adequate radiation protection at UDUTH and supporting continued adherence to the ALARA principle.

Biography:

Ibrahim Ahmadu holds an M.Sc. in Physics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria (2024), specialising in radiation physics and medical dosimetry. His research focuses on occupational radiation protection, thermoluminescent dosimetry, and cancer risk assessment in healthcare settings. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in clinical radiation environments and is committed to advancing radiation safety practice in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.Ibrahim Ahmadu holds an M.Sc. in Physics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria (2024), specialising in radiation physics and medical dosimetry. His research focuses on occupational radiation protection, thermoluminescent dosimetry, and cancer risk assessment in healthcare settings. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in clinical radiation environments and is committed to advancing radiation safety practice in Nigerian tertiary hospitals.