Assessment of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates and its associated hazards in Taraba State, Nigeria

Natural radioactivity is the major source of human exposure to ionizing radiation, whose level of exposure primarily depends on geographical and geological features of the region. Taraba State is endowed with abundant uranium deposits, which emit gamma rays into the environment. Gamma ray is carcinogenic, and its relation to excess cancer risks in the state is yet to be ascertained. Terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) rates in Taraba State were assessed with respect to geological formations of the state, using a handheld gamma surveyor. The measured TGRD rates in the studied area ranged from [Formula: see text] with an average value of [Formula: see text]. The average annual outdoor effective dose rates and excess lifetime cancer risk in the state were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively, which are higher than the world average values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. The isodose map revealed that Yorro, Zing, Lau, Jalingo, Wukari, Donga, and Saraduna local government areas of the state are the places affected by elevated TGRD rates above the world average value. This means that inhabitants within the above-mentioned locations are at higher risk of excess cancer and other radiation-related illnesses in their lifetime in the state, assuming they spent their lifetime in the state.