Evaluation of activity concentration of 40 K, 226Ra and 232Th and radiological hazards in commercial wall paints used in Nigeria

This study evaluated radioactivity concentration of 40 K, 226Ra and 232Th in popular brands of commercial wall paints used in Nigeria and their associated radiological hazard indices. A NaI (Tl) detector (76 × 76 mm) was employed in the measurements. Higher mean levels of the radioactivity of 174.73, 58.18 and 56.98 Bq/kg for 40 K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively were observed in emulsion paints while oil paints gave lower values of 119.66, 44.66 and 37.86 Bq/kg for 40 K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. From results obtained, most of the emulsion and oil paints available in Nigeria present low level of radioactivity concentration which does not pose significant radiological risk to user population. However, average excess lifetime cancer risk of these paints gave a value higher than the recommended limit. Base on this, regulation, quality control and constant monitoring of raw materials used for paint production in Nigeria is highly advised.