INDOOR BACKGROUND IONIZING RADIATIONS IN SELECTED PREMISES IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract: Ionizing background radiation was recorded from 390 residential premises within 12 estates in Mombasa County, Kenya, to determine the levels of indoor ionizing radiation relative to the WHO recommended annual threshold. Most premises revealed increased levels of radiations with the highest level of ionizing radiation recorded in Mkomani, indicating a 61% deviation from WHO recommended standard. The results reported in this study reveal a possible environmental hazard emanating from exposure to indoor ionizing radiations. Whereas other activities including those involving hydrocarbon industry can elevate the ionizing radiation levels of the environment, this study recommends a baseline survey of the level of ionizing radiation of quarries around Mombasa county in order to determine the extent to which quarry stones contribute to rising levels of ionizing radiations in the environment in Mombasa county.

Keywords: Ionizing Radiation, premises, cancer, stones