Health risk assessment of radiation dose level in oranges and mangoes fruits from farms in Benue State, Nigeria

The health risk and radiation dose level in Oranges and Mangoes due to ingestion from farm locations in Benue State was assessed. A total of fifty (50) samples were collected in five different farm locations in Benue State, the samples were washed with distilled water to remove dirt, a radiation meter was placed 10cm from the fruits and measurements were taken for 30 seconds, background radiation levels and radiation dose level from the fruits were measured and calculated. The results showed that the radiation dose level for Oranges ranged from 1.489 to 2.365 mSv/hr and 1.122 to 1.899 mSv/hr for mangoes and the Annual Equivalent Doses (AED) for Oranges and Mangoes consumption was estimated to be 0.107 and 0.027 mSv/yr, respectively. Both values exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended limit of 1.0 mSv/yr. The high radiation levels could be attributed to naturally occurring radioactive materials in the soil or water, contamination from nearby sources. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was calculated, with values of 0.2677 for Oranges and 0.683 for Mangoes, which are lower than the safe limit specified by WHO. While there is minimal risk associated with radiation exposure from consuming these fruits, further monitoring and investigation are necessary to ensure food safety and security in the study area.