Estimation of indoor radiological hazard on worker and public health in atomic energy centre Dhaka campus, Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation gives tremendous benefit to mankind but unnecessary radiation may pose harm to worker and public. The purpose of the study is to continuous indoor radiation monitoring of Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD) campus to minimize the radiological risk on worker and public health in and around the campus. Materials and methods: Continuous indoor radiation monitoring was conducted in the AECD campus from November 2018-April 2019 using the Thermoluminescent dosimeters. The excess life-time cancer risk on worker and public health were estimated based on the continuous indoor radiation monitoring data. Results: The annual effective doses to the worker and public from indoor radiation were ranged from 0.28±0.11 mSv to 0.67±0.25 mSv and the mean was found to be 0.43±0.10 mSv. The excess life-time cancer risk (ELCR) on the radiation worker & public health were estimated based on the annual effective dose and ranged from 1.13 Χ 10-3 to 2.65 Χ 10-3 with an average of 1.72 Χ 10-3.The average annual effective dose and ELCR on worker and public health were lower than those of the worldwide average values. Conclusion: The radiological hazard on worker and public health in and around the AECD campus is not significant because those values are lower than the recommended values of the international commission on radiological protection. Monitoring of these indoor places would help in keeping a record of safe working practices during the handling of the radioactive substances and radiation generating equipments in a radiological facility.

Keywords

• Radiation; Atomic energy centre Dhaka (AECD); Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD); Effective dose; Excess life-time cancer risk (ELCR)