Radiological Hazards Associated with 238U, 232Th, and 40K in some selected Packaged Drinking Water in Ilorin and Ogbomoso, Nigeria

In order to ensure radiation monitoring and protection, investigation and assessment of radiological risks that may be associated with the consumption of packaged table waters commonly consumed in Ogbomoso and Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria, was carried out. The measurements were carried out using a ‘3 x 3’ inch lead-shielded NaI (Tl) detector coupled through coaxial cable to a multichannel analyser. The measured activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides in the packaged drinking water sample are mostly within the recommended limits. The estimated mean Annual Effective Dose was found to be within the acceptable limits of 1 mSv/y for the general populace except for the infants which is slightly higher for some of the samples. The estimated Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk were found to be lower than the world average value of 0.2 x 10-3 in only two of the selected packaged drinking water. This implies the possibility of developing cancer over a lifetime considering seventy years as the average life span is considerably high.