By Godwin Ajom
A new doctoral study by Cross River-born researcher and science communicator, Emmanuel George Ndoma, has identified measurable respiratory and digestive health risks associated with welding activities, particularly where workers do not use appropriate protective equipment.
The research, conducted at Akwa Ibom State University, found the presence of naturally occurring radioactive materials in commonly used welding electrodes and workshop environments, highlighting an often-overlooked pathway of occupational radiation exposure and recommends routine radiological monitoring to improve workplace safety in Nigeria.
The student who hails from Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, is a researcher in Environmental Radioactivity and Radiation Protection, a public policy analyst, and a science communicator.
He credited the successful completion of the study to the guidance and mentorship of his supervisory team at Akwa Ibom State University, led by Professor Nyakno George.
As part of the research, Ndoma assessed the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides consisting of potassium-40, uranium-238, and thorium-232, in widely used welding electrodes and workshop environments using gamma-ray spectrometry.
The study recorded average activity concentrations of 385.7 Bq/kg for potassium-40, 23.1 Bq/kg for uranium-238, and 24.4 Bq/kg for thorium-232 in welding electrodes.
According to the findings, while these average values generally compare favourably with internationally accepted reference levels, some categories of welding electrodes recorded activity concentrations above corresponding global averages.
The research notes that although the findings do not indicate an immediate public health emergency, workers who experience prolonged exposure in certain workshop environments may require closer radiological monitoring.
Ndoma stressed that the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that welding is inherently unsafe or as a cause for public alarm. Rather, he said the study presents an opportunity to strengthen occupational health and safety through evidence-based monitoring and preventive workplace practices.
Speaking on the significance of the findings, he said: “Welding remains indispensable to industrialization and national development. Our findings show that welding consumables can constitute an under-recognized pathway of radiological exposure and should be incorporated into routine occupational health and environmental monitoring, particularly in high-activity workshops.”
The study recommends periodic radiation monitoring of welding consumables and workshop environments, improved workplace ventilation, regular housekeeping to minimise the accumulation of welding residues, worker awareness programs, and routine occupational health surveillance.
Beyond its immediate findings, the research provides one of the most comprehensive baseline datasets on naturally occurring radioactivity in welding electrodes and workshop environments in Nigeria, contributing to the growing body of global research on occupational and environmental radiation protection.
The findings are expected to support evidence-based policymaking by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), occupational safety agencies, manufacturers, and other stakeholders working to strengthen workplace health, industrial safety, and radiation protection across Nigeria.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this