In the heart of Nigeria, a pressing question looms over the construction industry: how safe are the materials we use every day? A recent study published in the journal *Physics Access* (translated from English) sheds light on this issue, focusing on the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) associated with natural radioactivity in marble samples from two regions in North Central Nigeria. The research, led by Gyuk P Musa of the Department of Physics at Kaduna State University, offers crucial insights that could reshape how we approach building materials and public health.
Musa and his team set out to evaluate the radiological safety of marble from Gidan Waya and Ungwar Damishi. Using a gamma ray spectrometer equipped with a NaI (Tl) detector, they measured the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in marble samples. From these measurements, they calculated various radiological hazard indices, including the excess lifetime cancer risk.
The findings reveal a stark contrast between the two regions. Marble from Gidan Waya exhibited ELCR values well below the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) reference value of 0.29 × 10-³, indicating a low cancer risk. “The results suggest that Gidan Waya marble is radiologically safe for construction and decorative purposes,” Musa explained. This is good news for the construction industry, as it validates the use of locally sourced materials without compromising public health.
However, the story is different for marble from Ungwar Damishi. The ELCR values here were significantly higher, averaging 2.17 × 10-³. While other hazard indices were within safe limits, the elevated ELCR values raise concerns about long-term indoor exposure. “Though the other radiological parameters are within safe limits, the high ELCR values suggest a potential health risk that warrants further investigation,” Musa noted.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the construction industry, it underscores the importance of rigorous testing and safety assessments. For the energy sector, it highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of natural radioactivity in building materials, which could influence future regulations and standards.
Looking ahead, Musa emphasizes the need for further research. “Future studies should consider long-term indoor exposure scenarios, radon exhalation rates, and refined dose modeling to provide a more comprehensive risk profile,” he said. This call to action could shape the future of radiological safety assessments, ensuring that building materials are not only durable and aesthetically pleasing but also safe for long-term use.
As the world strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being), this research serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between economic development and public health. By informing safe material use, it contributes to the broader goal of promoting well-being and protecting communities from potential health risks.
In the end, this study is more than just a scientific inquiry; it’s a step towards a safer, healthier future. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights gleaned from this research will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices, ensuring that the buildings we inhabit are not only structurally sound but also radiologically safe.