Abstract
This study assessed the radiological health hazards to various body organs of workers working within Transnet Precinct in Richards Bay in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa due to radionuclide content of mineral ores often stored within the facility. Thirty samples were collected from five mineral ores (rock phosphate, rutile, zircon, coal and hematite) and analyzed for 238U, 234U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 235U, 232Th, 228Ra, 228Th and 40K using delayed neutron activation analysis and low energy gamma spectroscopy. Rutile was found to be the most radioactive mineral ore within the facility with 210Pb concentration of 759.00 ± 106.00 Bq·kg−1. Effective annual dose rate in (mSv·y−1) delivered to different organs of the body: testes, bone marrow, whole body, lungs and ovaries from mineral ores were such that dose from mineral ores decreased in the order coal > rutile > rock phosphate > hematite > zircon. The organs with the highest received dose rate were the testes and this received dose was from coal. However, all of the calculated absorbed dose rates to organs of the body were below the maximum permissible safety limits.
Highlights
The exposure of human beings to naturally occurring radiation arises mainly from cosmic sources and terrestrial radioactive materials present in minerals and soils at different trace levels [1]
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that exposure from natural radiation is of more concern to those working with mineral ores and naturally occurring radioactive material than the general public [7]
The port has stimulated the establishment of several industries in Richards Bay including Foskor, Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
Summary
The exposure of human beings to naturally occurring radiation arises mainly from cosmic sources and terrestrial radioactive materials present in minerals and soils at different trace levels [1]. Patients who are treated with medical irradiation or members of staff working in mining and nuclear industries may receive higher radiation exposure levels than members of the general public [4]. The National Council on Radiation Protection Measurement (NCPRM) pronounced ionizing radiation arising from radionuclides in the natural environment as the most obvious source of radiation to which all individuals are exposed (both in working and public environments) [5]. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that exposure from natural radiation is of more concern to those working with mineral ores and naturally occurring radioactive material than the general public [7]. Any dose of radiation involves a possible risk to human health [6] from a health physics point of view
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