Presence of radioactive materials in ferrous scrap supply presents several challenges including significant health threat to scrap metal workers and the general public not withstanding the radiological security threat. Reports have shown several incidences where orphan radiation sources or nuclear materials out of regulatory control have been found amongst the scrap metals. This is a radiological security alarm as these materials can end up falling into the hands of people with bad intentions. This study was set to analyze the presence of radiation sources in selected scrap metal stores in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by monitoring the radiation exposure levels in the stores. Measurements were conducted at randomly selected points in each store using the Ionization Chamber Survey Meter (ICSM). Subsequently, in each store, the radiation exposure level at a point with maximum radiations were measured using a Gamma Scout Detector (GSD) at the knee and chest levels. The results showed that the radiation exposures in the selected scrap metal stores exceeded the recommended maximum exposure limits for public, with some stores registering very high radiation exposure rates. Further investigation revealed that many scrap yards lacked proper radiation screening protocols, employee training, and emergency response plans. These findings highlight the urgent need for strict regulations and enhanced radiological security measures to mitigate the risks of radioactive contamination in the scrap metal industry as well as preventing the proliferation of radioactive and nuclear materials in Tanzania. Recommendations include mandatory radiation screening of all incoming materials, personal dosimeters for workers, and the establishment of a centralized database to track the movement of radioactive sources and nuclear materials within the country.
Year
2024
Abstract