Abstract

This study assessed the radiological levels from Awwal artisanal gold mining exercises in Kebbi State. Results show mean values of activities of ⁴⁰K>²²⁶Ra>²³²Th numerically as 425.96±5.56, 23.85±2.01 and 18.80±1.21 Bq/kg, respectively. The average outdoor gamma dose was 34.26 nGy/h while the mean annual effective dose rate was 42.15 μSv/year (= 0.042 mSv/year), which is less than 0.07 mSv/year benchmark given in UNSCEAR (1993). Radio logically, the values obtained are low and do not imply any significant health concerns effects on the local population. However, the observed unprofessional practices such as lack of use of gas mask while working in the dust-filled mine cafes and at the mills could expose workers to possible risks from inhalation of respiratory crystalline silica as well as exposure to radon gas.

Keywords:

Artisanal mining activity concentrations, awwal, health effect,

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