RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION OF SOME STAPLE FOOD CONSUMED IN UVWIE AND WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND EFFECT ON HUMAN AFTER CONSUMPTION

RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION OF SOME STAPLE FOOD CONSUMED IN UVWIE AND WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND EFFECT ON HUMAN AFTER CONSUMPTION

1. 1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The radiation burden of the environment is constantly being enhanced by ionizing radiations from natural sources and their transfer to flora and faunas have been noted by many researchers (Badran, et al., 2003; Velasco, et al., 2004; Eyebiokin, et al., 2005 and Akinloye and Olomo, 1995). The deleterious radiological health hazards posed by human activities, especially in the production of energy (oil and gas exploration and exploitation), research and medical applications of nuclear facilities have attracted great concern and tremendous interest over the years in the field of radiation protection (Arogunjo, el al., 2005). Dietary pathways become contaminated with radioactive materials from naturally enhanced radionuclide and man-made applications during routine operation, accidents, and migration of radionuclide from radioactive waste deposal repositories into the biosphere (Tang, et al., 2003). This androgenic contribution gained prominence after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident on 26 April 1986 when large quantities of radioactive substances were released to the environment, which eventually found their way into the fishes organs from contaminated water bodies, soil and vegetation (Tang, et al., 2003, Rhaman and Voigt, 2004; Arogunjo et al., 2005). Contamination of the human food chain occurs as a result of direct deposition of this radionuclide on fauna from contaminated soil or water, and animas ingesting contaminated plants, soil or water. Considerable efforts are being made by researchers in many parts of the world to measure the activity of radionuclide in the rivers and sea faunas and the estimated of their deposition in human organs and tissues as a result of the consumption of these fauna from radionuclide contaminated water (Hakonson-Hayes, et al., 2002; Badran, et al., 2003; Tang, et al., 2003; Velasco, et al., 2004; Avwiri et al,. 2005; Uchida and Tagami, 2007). Some radioisotopes are only found on the earth as a result of human activity, they are Stontium-90 (90Sr), Cesium- 137 (137Cs), Iodine-131 (131I) and Technetium-99 (99TC), and some Isotope like Potassium-40 (40K) is only present due to natural processes, a few isotopes are present as a result of both natural processes and human activities e.g tritium (3H). The concentration and location of some natural isotopes, particularly Uranium-238 (238U), can be affected by human activity (Wikipedia, 2009). There have been claim of loss of endanger species of aquatic organisms, health problems due to the consumption of fish and other faunas from Worlds ocean, water pollution and other health related radiation and radioactivity induced sicknesses. The biological effects of radiation on marine animals will be essentially the same as they are humans. Both would have the same long-term risks, which are a very slight increase in the risk of cancer, all humans have a risk of dying from cancer. About 19% to 23% of us will die from cancer, even if we are never exposed to radiation levels above natural background levels. According to the American Cancer Society’s website there would be no giant or super sea creatures produced by the dilute amounts of natural, man-made radioactive material found in seawater. Also, there is essentially no increase in mutations in the generations the follow the exposure of the parent animals. Because the radioactive material in the ocean is so dilute and the water itself absorbs radiation and is a very good shielding material, very little if any exposure will be from the water outside the animal. Essentially all exposure will be from radioactive materials ingested by the animal.

1.2. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Radionuclide (radioactive nuclide, radioisotope or radioactive isotope) is an atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This excess energy can either create or emit from the nucleus, new radiation (gamma radiation) or a new particle (alpha particle or beta particle), or transfer this excess energy to one of its electrons, causing it to be ejected (conversion electron). Radionuclide which emit radiation are found naturally in air, water and soil. Natural radioactivity is common in materials that make up our planet, in waters and oceans, and rock. A radionuclide (radioactive nuclide, radioisotope or radioactive isotope) is an atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This excess energy can be either emitted from the nucleus as gamma radiation, or create and emit from the nucleus a new particle (alpha particle or beta particle), or transfer this excess energy to one of its electrons, causing that electron to be ejected as a conversion electron. During those processes, the radionuclide is said to undergo radioactive decay. Radionuclides that find their way into the environment may cause harmful effects as radioactive contamination, Potential health damage from exposure to radionuclides depends on a number of factors, and can damage the functions of healthy tissue/organs. Radiation exposure can produce effects ranging from skin redness and hair loss, to radiation burns and acute radiation syndrome. Prolonged exposure can lead to cells being damaged and in turn lead to cancer. Signs of cancerous cells might not show up until years, or even decades, after exposure. (Ionizing radiation, health effects and protective measures". World Health Organization. (2012; 2014).

Unplanned exposure to radionuclides generally has a harmful effect on living organisms including humans, although low levels of exposure occur naturally without harm. The degree of harm will depend on the nature and extent of the radiation produced, the amount and nature of exposure (close contact, inhalation or ingestion), and the biochemical properties of the element; with increased risk of cancer the most usual consequence. However, radionuclides with suitable properties are used in nuclear medicine for both diagnosis and treatment.

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