Assessment of the Effects of X-Ray Leakage Exposure in Some Selected Teaching Hospitals in South Western Nigeria

X-ray imaging is an essential component of modern medical diagnosis, with modalities such as radiography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography widely used to visualize internal anatomical structures ((NIBIB, 2022). These techniques rely on ionizing radiation, which, although beneficial when properly controlled, can pose significant health risks under conditions of excessive or unintended exposure (Najjar, 2023). Ensuring radiation safety is therefore a fundamental requirement in clinical environments where healthcare personnel work in close proximity to X-ray producing equipment. A key source of avoidable occupational exposure is X-ray leakage and scattered radiation, which may escape through inadequately shielded walls, doors, windows, or ageing equipment in radiology suites (WHO, 2020). Such leakage can contribute to cumulative radiation doses among radiology staff, especially in facilities with inadequate structural shielding, limited monitoring programs, or high patient throughput. These challenges are more pronounced in many low- and middle-income countries (Ali and Chen, 2021), where periodic safety audits and infrastructural upgrades may be insufficiently implemented. Although several studies have examined patient doses and general occupational exposure trends within isolated institutions in Nigeria, there is limited empirical evidence on actual leakage radiation levels across multiple teaching hospitals, particularly in South-Western Nigeria. This lack of comprehensive assessment restricts the development of consistent radiation-protection protocols and prevents institutions from identifying potential lapses in shielding or facility design. This study addresses this gap by measuring absorbed dose rates around the radiology departments of selected teaching hospitals in South-Western Nigeria and estimating the corresponding annual effective dose equivalents. The findings are intended to provide evidence-based insights for improving shielding effectiveness, enhancing occupational safety, and strengthening radiation-protection policies within healthcare facilities in the region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Area

This research was carried out in four different teaching hospitals, namely; LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH) Ogbomoso, BOWEN Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital (UTH), Osogbo, and University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, (UNIMEDTH), Ondo. Where the radiation exposure were measured. The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital is located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Ogbomoso at geographical coordinates that lies approximately between latitude 8 °08′N and longitude 4 °15′E, and was established in 1991 to support the medical faculty at LAUTECH which was initially founded in 1990. The hospital plays a pivotal role in medical education and healthcare delivery, serving as a training ground for medical student, nurses and other healthcare professionals while also providing healthcare services to the public. BOWEN Teaching Hospital (BTH), located in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. At the geographical coordinates approximately 8.13443 °N latitude, 4.23449 °E longitude and was founded in 1945 by the Nigeria Baptist Convention. It was established as point of the broader effort to improve healthcare service in Nigeria, especially in the southwestern region. The hospital was initially set up as a missionary hospital. It offers internship, clinical rotations and residency programs. BTH has contributed significantly to improving healthcare access in the region, especially in rural areas. UNIOSUN is a state-owned medical teaching hospital located in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria at the geographical coordinates 7.77856 °?N, 4.55146 °E (7 °?46′?43″?N, 4 °?33′?5″?E). It provides tertiary healthcare and supports undergraduate medical students from Osun State University. UTH was previously known as LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, (LTH), Osogbo. The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) is located in Medical Village, along Laje Road in Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria, at the geographical coordinates 7 °14′35.369″?N latitude and 5 °11′59.777″?E longitude. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State at the radiology department of both the University and Teaching Hospital (University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH)), Ondo, Ondo State. UNIMED is a medical state university situated in Ondo town, established during the regime of formal governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. UNIMED was designed to integrate the training of health professionals, producing graduate that see the health profession as an integral part rather than as antagonistic parts. It will be a major innovative contribution to human resource development and the fostering of inter-professional harmony in the Nigeria health sector. The Radiology department at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, is tasked with providing a comprehensive spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services, encompassing conventional radiography, ultrasonography, and specialized radiologic procedures. The department also functions as an integral component of the clinical training framework for students of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. It facilitates the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of Radiography and Radiation Science, thereby equipping graduates with proficiency in advanced imaging modalities, as well as in the principles and application of radiation safety and protection. Such integration of clinical service delivery with academic training underscores the department's dual role in promoting both healthcare provision and professional education. The diagnostic procedures at the radiation unit of all these hospitals encompasses a range of imaging techniques primarily used to visualize internal structures of the body. It typically involves a few key steps, depending on the type of imaging or treatment being performed.

2.2 Measurement of X-ray Exposure

To assess the radiation exposure levels within the radiology unit and the surrounding areas, a handheld Radiation Alert 200 (RAM 200) was used. This pre-calibrated devices measures radiation dose rates in microsieverts per hour (µSv/hr), the standard unit for background radiation. Three distinct location were randomly selected for data collection: Exposed room (radiology unit), Non-exposed room (waiting room), and Cubicle corridor (partially exposed area). RAM 200 was positioned 1.2 meters above ground level, simulating the height of the liver and kidney of human beings. Background radiation levels were recorded at each data point. Three measurements were taken at each location to ensure representative data. Radiation Alert Monitor 200 is shown in Plate 1 below.