Assessment of public awareness on the effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation sources in Tanzania

Abstract

Devices, equipment and facilities producing Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) are all around human environment. Exposure to NIR has effects to humans. Humans need to be aware of such effects as they are working with NIR sources and are working and living close to them. The objective of this research was to study public awareness on possible effects of exposure to NIR. The research was conducted in Mwanza, Dodoma and Dar es salaam regions in Tanzania. Through survey, respondents were approached and voluntarily requested to complete a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was employed in data analysis and frequencies were computed to determine the counts and their percentages, and Chi-Square test of independence determined the existence of significant relationship between awareness statements and demographic variables. The research involved 600 respondents (314 (52.3%) males, 286 (47.7%) females). Results show that most respondents were aware of the effects of exposure to NIR and females were more aware than males. Awareness did not differ across education levels and respondents with no/low education showed the same level of awareness as those with higher education. Based on age, respondents of all age groups demonstrated awareness of NIR effects. However, some practices like mobile phone use, watching TVs, conducting activities or living near NIR sources, are exposing people to NIR. To make people more aware of NIR exposure effects, it is recommended awareness campaigns and training be provided to the public; to minimize NIR exposure, policies, regulations and guidelines be enforced by regulatory bodies and be observed by organs owning sources producing NIR. The essence is to ensure cases of effects due to NIR exposure are minimized.