Occupational radiation exposure in Tanzania (1996-2010): status and trends.
Data on occupational radiation exposure using the thermoluminescence dosimetry methodology in Tanzania for the years 1996-2010 are analysed and discussed. The results of the analysis indicate that over 80 % of the total collective dose was from diagnostic radiology. In addition, <1 % of workers received annual individual doses above 5 mSv, and there were no doses that exceeded the recommended limit of 20 mSv y(-1), except for one incidence in non-destructive testing. Furthermore, the trends in occupational exposure remained approximately constant and largely within the ranges of average doses in the literature. The status and trends in occupational exposure demonstrate that radiation protection conditions at the majority of workplace were adequate. Despite that, further optimisation is necessary due to large variations observed in the maximum individual doses over three 5-y sub-periods.
Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania. wmuhogora@yahoo.com
W E
WE
Muhogora
E
E
Byorushengo
U S
US
Lema
G
G
Mboya
J B
JB
Ngatunga
S
S
Sawe
N M
NM
Katsidzita
S
S
Mikidadi
F
F
Chuma
A
A
Marco
M I
MI
Hamed
D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D013636:Tanzania; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry; D013997:Time Factors