PHARMACISTS IN THE FIGHT
AGAINST LUNG CANCER IN NIGERIA – THE RADON GAS REDUCT
TION WAY
Author , Pharm . Blessing Abai Sunday
.
Article Date : 16th November 2023 Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed indeed in the geology and soil composition . This soil composition varies down south and up north , contributing to fluctuations in radon levels . Like many countries , Nigeria faces the hidden threat of radon gas
, a potential health hazard that demands local attention and proactive community engagement .
Radon is regarded as the second leading cause of cancer after smoking because when it is inhaled or consumed , it causes radiation energy to be transferred directly to the tissues of the lungs and stomach . Where can we find radon gas in Nigeria ?
Communities with hand‐dug wells and boreholes as the primary drinking water sources are a risk of radon gas exposure . Radon gas can seepfrom the soil and get dissolved in water . Because of the various radon concentrations in the soil and water , the amount of radon people are exposed to varies greatly from place to location
.
What can
Communities do ?
Community engagement and advocacy are crucial in addressing radon‐related issues in Nigeria . Despite the limited scientific literature on the threat radon poses to public health in Nigerian houses , studies have been conductedd on radon soil gas in specific regions of Nigeria
. For instance
, a study in Nigeria ' s oldest university campus utilized CR‐39 track etch detectors to determine radon concentrations in offices , highlighting the need for indoor radon surveys in various settings .
For residential and corporate buildings , radon maps can be useful for determining new building sites and guiding future radon monitoring plans in Nigeria . This will help drive home the need for monitoring radon levels in domestic drinking water supplies and assess consumer population exposure indoor
.
Stakeholder engagement is also crucial in managing indoor radon exposures , as demonstrated by the inclusion of various stakeholders such as building professionals , local authorities , and school teachers , and the utilization of social media and personalized storiess to raise awareness and promote action plans in some countries .
What can Pharmacists do ?
Pharmacists can play a crucial role in addressing radon‐related issues in Nigeria . As healthcare professionals with frequent patient interactions , pharmacists are well‐positioned to disseminate information about radon as a potential carcinogen and educate the public about the health risks associated with radon exposure .
In Nigeria , where limited research has been conducted on radon exposure and its health implications , pharmacists can collaborate with public health authorities to advocate for and facilitate radon testing initiatives , thereby contributing to generating local data on radon concentrations and exposure levels . By actively engaging in disease prevention activities and public health campaigns , pharmacists can enhance their role as key stakeholders in addressing radon‐related