Radiological Risk Assessment of Roasted Food Processing Activities and Implications for Sustainable Public Health in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Roasted food vending is a widespread informal economic activity in Southwestern Nigeria, where biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood are commonly used for food preparation. This study assessed the radiological hazards associated with ionizing radiation exposure around selected roasted food vending sites in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria, with emphasis on environmental sustainability and public health implications. Background ionizing radiation measurements were conducted around twenty-one (21) randomly selected roasted food vendors located in Okitipupa (OK), Ode-Irele (IR), and Ore (OR) during roasting and non-roasting periods using a digital GQ-500 Geiger–Müller counter positioned at 1 m above ground level. Absorbed dose rate (Ḋ), annual effective dose (Ė), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were evaluated from the measured exposure rates, while descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed. Mean exposure rates during non-roasting periods ranged from 0.006 to 0.007 mRh⁻¹, whereas significantly higher values of 0.017 to 0.020 mRh⁻¹ were recorded during roasting periods. The maximum absorbed dose rate during roasting was 234.9 nGy h⁻¹, exceeding the global average background value of 59 nGy h⁻¹ and the recommended public limit of 84 nGy h⁻¹. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in radiation exposure during roasting activities (p < 0.05), with approximately 186% higher levels than during non-roasting periods. Although annual effective dose and ELCR values remained below internationally recommended limits, the findings indicate that combustion-related roasting activities contribute to localized increases in environmental radiation levels. The study highlights the need for environmental radiation monitoring, cleaner fuel adoption, improved ventilation, and occupational safety practices to promote sustainable public health and environmental protection.