IOSR Journal of Applied Physics (IOSR-JAP) e-ISSN: 2278-4861.Volume 7, Issue 3 Ver. II (May. - Jun. 2015), PP 86-91 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/4861-07328691 www.iosrjournals.org 86 | Page Assessment of Radiation Exposure Levels within Ikot Akpaden Campus of Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria Sunday E. Etuk a , Nyakno J. George b , Ime E. Essien a and Samuel C. Nwokolo a a Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria. b Department of Physics, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria. Abstract: In-situ measurements of the equivalent dose in 1  Svhr  at twenty two locations within Ikot Akpaden Campus of Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, using Portable Inspector Alert Nuclear Radiation Monitor, have been conducted. Hundred measurements per study location were taken for averaging. The average values with standard error were for each location converted to annual dose rate in 1  mSvyr and presented. The result of the computed mean equivalent dose rate for the University Community was 1 0240 . 0 2442 . 0   mSvyr . Comparing the result with the stipulated regulatory maximum permissible level, even at location within the Campus with maximum measured value, it is far below the maximum permissible level, indicating that there is no threat of radiological hazard within the University Campus which has operated for more than five years now. However, routine and periodic radiation level assessment within the University Campus and its vicinity is recommended as accumulated effect which is a function of time may raise the level and pose threat to health and the environment in future. Keywords: Equivalent dose, annual dose rate, background radioactivity, equivalent dose, permissible dose, health hazard I. Introduction The materials, with which the earth is made up of, contain many radioactive isotopes. Some of these materials have short and long half-lives. Rocks, soil, air, food and drinking water and the total environment contain natural radioactive materials. This means that the natural environment is the major contributor of radiation. Radiation from natural sources that we are all exposed to at all times is referred to as background radioactivity (Solomon, 1986). Cosmic sources and earth crust, together with artificial sources of radiation resulting from medical applications, nuclear industry and nuclear bomb explosion, contribute to an average of about 2.5 mSv radiation dose per year for each inhabitant of the earth (UNSCEAR, 1988). The effects of radiation may be acute somatic effect, developmental effect, genetic effect and late somatic effect (Noz and Maguire, 1979; UNSCEAR, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1988, 2000, 2009). Radionuclides in natural environment may enter into the body unintentionally through inhalation, ingestion or absorption and get deposited at various sites in the body. Unfortunately, human body has no means of directly sensing exposure to radiation, except it is invariably at lethal level. Hence, it is difficult therefore, for the body to provide defense against radiations. This poses a severe problem to mankind. Therefore on this basis, it is imperative that acceptable (safe) levels of radiation exposure and maximum permissible doses (MPD) be set by various bodies based on research findings in the field of radiation. Such bodies, which are regarded as regulatory bodies include International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), World Health Organization (WHO), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to mention but a few. Maximum permissible dose (MPD) for none occupationally exposed individual is put at 1 1  mSvyr while that of nuclear energy workers is put at 20 1  mSvyr (Lewis et al., 1999). Ionizing radiation becomes dangerous at high doses; therefore, knowledge of the level of radiation within our living and working environment becomes necessary, considering the health implications. It is therefore based on the above that this research is predicated. The justification for choosing Akwa Ibom State University as the study area is primarily due to the population of the students and staff that the Campus harbours while some of industrial and scientific activities that emit radiations taking place. Chemicals are stored and used in the laboratories; drugs are used in the medical centre, and different rock samples and solid minerals brought into the school premises are crushed, processed and used for study in the Geosciences units. It therefore becomes very necessary to carry out radiation measurements to know the radioactivity level and, of course, assess the equivalent dose that the occupants are