Abstract

Assessment of background ionizing radiation (BIR) in some oil producing communities in Delta State Nigeria has been conducted using a Geiger Muller counter 320 plus (GMC 320 +). The purpose of this assessment is to obtain a base-line information on this radiation type of the communities, investigate the BIR distribution with respect to location and altitude and verify the radiological safety or otherwise of the members of the public therein. The mean results range from 0.008 to 0.017 mR/hr with an average value of 0.010 mR/hr. This value is in agreement with other research works carry out in Nigeria and lower than the worldwide recommended average of 0.013 mR/hr by the International Commission for Radiation Protection. The calculated mean results for radiation health parameters associated with BIR revealed that the obtained average values were lower compared to their respective global averages. The values obtained in some communities: Ekpan, Jeddo, Ugbokorodo and Kokori were higher than the worldwide average. This is attributable to the oil and gas activities in these areas. However, it indicates that the study areas are not threatened radiologically and the populace is not over exposed. But continuous exposure may be harmful to man in the environment. However there should be a routine check by relevant bodies in charge of radiation protection in the region.