Monitoring of Background Radiation in Selected Schools in Ota, Ogun State Nigeria by Direct Measurement of Terrestrial Radiation Dose Rate

Terrestrial radiations are natural types from radionuclides found in rocks, building materials and soils in an environment. Monitoring of background radiation energy levels in selected school in Ota, Ogun State Nigeria by direct measurement of terrestrial radiation dose rate was done. The mean dose rate ranged from 35.4 to 62.34 nGyh⁻¹. The measured mean values are within world average recommended limits of 59 nGyh⁻¹ except for study location SC7 with mean dose rate value of 62.34 nGyh⁻¹. On the over all, it can be concluded that the concentration of NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) and radiation dose rate in an environment is at safe level. Further environmental radiation assessment is recommended to ascertain the possible sources of background radiation dose rate and exposure, beside terrestrial radiation sources. (paper)