Radionuclide Contents in Yam Samples and Health Risks in Oguta, Nigeria

Introduction

The presence of natural radionuclides in food crops raises concerns about potential health risks. A recent study investigates the radionuclide concentrations in yam samples from Oguta, an oil-producing region in Imo State, Nigeria, to assess potential radiological health risks. Given the environmental impact of crude oil extraction, the findings provide crucial insights into public health and food safety.

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Study Findings: Radionuclide Concentrations in Yam

The study analyzed yam samples from Oguta and a control location, Mbaitoli, to compare their levels of natural radioactivity. Key findings include:

• Elevated radionuclide levels in Oguta:
  • Potassium-40 (⁴⁰K): 189.99 ± 59.14 Bq/kg
  • Radium-226 (²²⁶Ra): 23.75 ± 5.69 Bq/kg
  • Thorium-232 (²³²Th): 30.99 ± 9.51 Bq/kg
• In comparison, yams from Mbaitoli had significantly lower levels:
  • Potassium-40: 110.40 ± 78.53 Bq/kg
  • Radium-226: 10.12 ± 3.34 Bq/kg
  • Thorium-232: 18.39 ± 8.74 Bq/kg

Despite the increase in radionuclide concentrations in Oguta, the committed effective dose (CEDE) remains below the global safety threshold of 1.1 mSv/year, indicating that immediate health risks are minimal. However, long-term exposure remains a concern.

Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.ijpra.1001034.

Health Implications: Cancer Risks & Blood Analysis

To further assess health risks, researchers examined cancer incidence and haematological health profiles in Oguta and Mbaitoli:

• Cancer risk due to natural radiation exposure:
  • Oguta: 1.7% contribution to cancer incidence
  • Mbaitoli: 1.4% contribution
• Blood analysis (Haematological profiling) showed no significant health abnormalities in the population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that prolonged exposure to natural radioactivity can increase long-term health risks. It is crucial to monitor contamination levels, particularly in oil-producing regions where improper waste management may contribute to elevated radiation exposure.

Regulatory and Environmental Considerations

Oil companies operating in Oguta should implement stricter environmental controls to reduce contamination risks. Regulatory bodies must enforce proper waste management to prevent further increases in radionuclide concentrations.

For related studies on environmental radiation and health, explore HSPIOA’s research archive.

Conclusion

While the study indicates that radionuclide concentrations in Oguta’s yams are higher than in non-oil-producing areas, current levels do not pose an immediate health threat. However, consistent exposure could increase long-term radiological health risks.

Continuous monitoring and stricter environmental policies are essential to protect public health.

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