Experimental assessment of ambient gamma dose equivalent rates measured outdoors in the Republic of Benin from 2019 to 2020

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Gbetchedji, Daniel S. Takou, N. Innocent Gbaï, Mahougnon B. Zinsou, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 05 Mar, 2026 Read the published version in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment → Version 1 posted 11 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Natural background radiation, consisting of cosmic, terrestrial, and skyshine components, varies significantly due to environmental and geological factors. This study assessed outdoor gamma radiation levels across medical imaging centers in Benin, providing the first national-scale data on natural background radiation. Measurements were conducted using a radiameter, with georeferenced data mapped to the geological background of Benin. The results revealed an annual mean dose of 0.68 mSv, slightly below the international guideline of 0.9 mSv. However, significantly higher doses were recorded in the Borgou (1.93 mSv) and the Collines (1.37 mSv) regions, where granite rock formations rich in radionuclides such as 40 K and uranium decay chains are prevalent. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong correlation between elevated radiation levels and granite-rich areas. These findings highlight the uneven distribution of natural radiation across Benin, influenced more by geological features than by altitude. While the study provides valuable baseline data, it was limited to external gamma radiation and did not account for radon exposure, indoor environments, or outdoor occupancy factors. Future studies should address these gaps, including a more extensive sampling strategy and assessments of internal exposures, to better understand the public health implications. This research lays the foundation for epidemiological studies and informs regulatory efforts to ensure radiological safety in Benin. Natural Background gamma medical imaging external dose Benin Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction Beyond the visible light spectrum, there are other types of radiation that are not visible. Among these, we have ionizing radiation, which can be natural or man-made. Humans and their environment are chronically exposed to natural ionizing radiation from the cosmos and external terrestrial radiation. According to UNSCEAR (2008), external exposure to gamma radiation from cosmic and external terrestrial radiation can expose humans and their environment to a mean annual ambient equivalent dose of 0.90 mSv (0.39 mSv for cosmic radiation and 0.48 mSv for external terrestrial radiation) (UNSCEAR, 2010 ). On Earth, we can usually find radionuclides such as ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, the main radioactive elements responsible for telluric radioactivity (Rostampour et al., 2012 ; Wanjala et al., 2019 ). According to the literature, below 100 mSv, the probability of long-term health effects increases with recurrent doses from chronic exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018 ). Studies carried out on childhood cancer and natural background radiation have highlighted health effects such as leukemia, lymphomas, and central nervous system tumors, which are among the most studied childhood cancers (Kendall et al., 2023 ). Other health effects, such as brain cancer (David, 2021 ) and dose-dependent oxidative modifications in amino acid sequences of human serum albumin, were found (Yamaguchi et al., 2022 ). However, according to a study carried out by Azizova et al. ( 2018 ), the risk estimates remain unclear for chronic exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (Azizova et al., 2018 ). The measurement of natural background radiation is carried out in different countries around the world. This measurement serves as baseline information for the assessment of occupational exposure, epidemiological studies, and monitoring before the occurrence of a radiological event (Okeyode et al., 2016 ). At the international level, apart from the dose of natural background radiation to which the public and the environment may be subjected, it is recommended that the ambient dose equivalent (external and internal exposure) from man-made sources (medical, industrial, and research) should not exceed 1 mSv/y (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018 ). In Africa, some studies have been carried out on the assessment of background radiation levels in some countries. Ambient dose equivalents of 0.99 mSv, 0.46 mSv, and 1.46 mSv per year were estimated using a gamma radiation survey meter or gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively, at Ortum, Kenya (Wanjala et al., 2019 ); in the North and South Ruri hills in Lambwe East, Southwestern Kenya (Achola et al., 2012 ); and at Olusosun, Lagos Southwest, Nigeria (Ogungbemi et al., 2022 ). Natural background radiation from the Earth is distributed unevenly across different areas of the planet. In addition, the external dose from cosmic rays (CR) is influenced by altitude, the solar cycle, and the geomagnetic field depending on the region (Pooya, 2015 ). Therefore, it is important that each country assesses its natural background radiation level.In Benin, at the national scale, no data is available in the literature to estimate the natural background radiation level. However, similar studies have been carried out in the Collines region of Benin on granite crushers by Zinsou et al. (2022). The mean annual equivalent dose of a resident crusher was estimated to be 2.10 mSv (Zinsou et al., 2024 ). In order to obtain data on natural background radiation levels across the national territory of Benin, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 to assess ambient radiation doses in workplaces at X-ray medical imaging centers (Gbetchedji et al., 2021 ). The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of natural background radiation doses outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the mean annual ambient equivalent dose and the public exposure levels for man-made sources. Material and methods Data Collection and Processing A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2020 to March 2021 in selected public and private medical imaging centers in Benin. The informed consent of the hospital managers was requested and obtained before radiation dose measurements were carried out. These centers had voluntarily agreed to participate in the study aimed at assessing ambient radiation doses in X-ray medical imaging centers. The sample of medical centers was the same as that used in the study conducted by Gbetchedji et al. (Gbetchedji et al., 2021 ). Medical centers were chosen because they were distributed throughout the national territory. However, five (05) centers were excluded due to difficult access, as some of the centers had been demolished. To avoid selection bias, it was decided to carry out the measurements only in the surroundings of the operational centers, which were accessible and included in the study carried out by Gbetchedji et al. ( 2021 ). The flow chart in Fig. 1 displays the results of the selection process. Before measuring the background radiation dose, three measurement points in the surroundings were identified in a triangular formation. In addition, the extraction of geographic coordinates was carried out with a GPS-integrated smartphone, and the granite formations were determined on a geographic map of Benin. The spatialization of the geological units was carried out using the geological background of Benin obtained from the Beninese Office of Geological and Mining Research (OBRGM) in 1989. The mapping of the data relating to the different doses was done by cross-referencing the georeferenced data relating to the radiation doses with the geological background. Mapping software was used. Measurements at identified points The AT1123 radiameter from APVL serial 55056, was the main instrument used for measurements as shown in Fig. 2 . It was calibrated on May 14th 2019 ("Radiametre AT1123", 2019). The radiameter was used to measure ambient equivalent dose rate (Hi*(10)) in air and laid one (01) meter from the ground. Ambient equivalent dose rate (Hi*(d)), at a point in a radiation field is defined as equivalent dose that would be produced by the corresponding field in the ICRU sphere at a depth d mm (Chinangwa et al., 2017 ; International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, 1985 ). The ambient equivalent dose rate was measured over a period of three to five minutes, the time necessary for the relative error percentage to reach 4%, at three identified points (vertex of the triangle) in the same conditions and continuous mode. The measurements presenting the maximal data among the three measurements were retained for the most penalizing conditions. Statistical analysis To obtain data comparable to those published at the international level, ambient equivalent dose rates per hour are integrated over one year to obtain an annual equivalent dose (H a *(10)) which is estimated using the following formula: (H*(10))= (H*(10)) x t Where (H i *(10)) in µSv/hr are equivalent dose rates measured and retained; t : time in hour corresponding at one year . The data measured in hours and estimated in years were analyzed using SAS® software version 9.4. Depending on the dose distribution, parametric or nonparametric tests were performed to make comparisons and determine the position parameter between different values. Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences between each group. Bilateral tests were carried out, and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Correlation tests were performed to obtain parameter estimates for linear regression. Multivariable models with higher R-squared and higher concordance statistic were preferred. The final multivariable model was adjusted for Altitude, Granitic area and territorial department. Results Based on sample private and public centers distributed across all 12 territorial departments as described in the methodology, a total of 67 points were selected in territorial departments for gamma radiation measurements in air at one meter above the ground and distributed throughout the national territory. Benin is subdivided into 12 territorial departments including four in the northern region, two in the center and six near the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is generally flat. The low-lying sandy coastal plain is marshy and dotted with lakes and lagoons connected to the Atlantic Ocean. An area of ​​flat land dotted with rocky hills (granite and others) extends from the center to the north. Finally, the Atacora range (Northwest territorial department) extends along the northwestern border and towards Togo with the highest point, Mount Sokbaro at 658 meters. The different measurements carried out with the radiameter AT1123 allowed to obtain the mean background radiation in all centers to be 78 nSv/h (Table 1 ) or 0.69 mSv/y (Table 2 ). The mean altitude was 154 meters (Table 2 ). The mean values of background radiation by territorial department were 0.64, 0.67, 0.86, 0.99 and 1.47 mSv/y respectively for Atacora, Alibori, Donga, Collines and Borgou. But for altitude the mean values by territorial department were 229, 298, 423, 439 and 482 meter respectively for Collines, Alibori, Borgou, Donga and Atacora. The highest background radiation does not correspond to the highest altitude. Considering the limit of 1 mSv per year, only the background radiation doses from Borgou and Collines presented the highest equivalent doses per year, at 16.42% (Table 3 ). The equivalent doses estimated per year were above 1 mSv per year for altitudes of 150 meters and higher (Table 4 ). This study included 25 areas with granite (calc-alkaline syntectonic; calc-alkaline prostectonic) and 42 areas without granite which coincides at measurements points ( Fig. 3 ). The mean equivalent doses estimated per year in granite areas are more than twice as high as in no granite areas (Table 5 ). Those exceeding 1 mSv per year were all in granite areas (Table 6 and Fig. 3 ). This difference in mean equivalent doses estimated per year in granite area is statistically significant ( p-value < 0.0008 ) (Table 5 ). In the frame to study association between the equivalent doses estimated per year and factors such as altitude, granite area and territorial department linear regression performed. Both unadjusted and adjusted correlation coefficients are shown in Table 7 . The univariable model showed at positive correlation between equivalent doses estimated per year and altitude and granite areas, which is statistically significant ( p-value < 0.0001 ). In contrast, a negative correlation was found between the equivalent doses estimated per year and territorial department. This negative correlation was statistically significant ( p-value = 0.002 ) (Table 7 ). After adjustment for altitude and granite area, a similar trend was observed as in the univariable model for correlation coefficient of altitude and granite area. The correlation significance between equivalent doses estimated per year and altitude is weak ( p-value = 0.02 ). However, the correlation between the equivalent doses estimated per year and territorial department remains negative and statistically insignificant ( p-value = 0.26 ) (Table 7 ). Table 2 Mean background radiation in all centres and by department estimated in milli Sievert by year (mSv/y) and altitude in meter (m) Territorial departments Dose (mSv) Altitude (m) Mean Min Max Mean Min Max All 0.69 0.00 1.93 154.28 -27.00 482.00 Alibori 0.67 0.50 0.91 243.00 167.00 298.00 Atacora 0.64 0.50 0.77 394.00 247.00 482.00 Atlantique 0.55 0.38 0.90 50.80 11.00 98.00 Borgou 1.47 1.16 1.93 381.11 344.00 423.00 Collines 0.99 0.29 1.37 200.75 160.00 229.00 Couffo 0.46 0.41 0.49 156.67 69.00 228.00 Donga 0.86 0.80 0.99 323.67 93.00 439.00 Littoral 0.42 0.00 0.51 1.84 -27.00 25.00 Mono 0.51 0.50 0.52 49.00 30.00 68.00 Ouémé 0.56 0.47 0.79 35.71 -15.00 101.00 Plateau 0.54 0.52 0.56 107.00 79.00 135.00 Zou 0.61 0.50 0.88 222.60 104.00 289.00 Dose = annual ambient dose equivalent ; Milli Sievert/year = 10 − 6 x 1 nano Sievert/h x 8760 h Table 3 Comparison frequency centres having annual ambient dose equivalent upper and lower 1 mSv according to department. Territorial departments N (%) Level dose Dose 1 (N (%)) All 67 (100.00) 56 (83.58) 11 (16.42) Alibori 3 (4.48) 3 (4.48) 0 (0.00) Atacora 5 (7.46) 5 (7.46) 0 (0.00) Atlantique 5 (7.46) 5 (7.46) 0 (0.00) Borgou 9 (13.43) 0 (0.00) 9 (13.43) Collines 4 (5.97) 2 (2.99) 2 (2.99) Couffo 3 (4.48) 3 (4.48) 0 (0.00) Donga 3 (4.48) 3 (4.48) 0 (0.00) Littoral 19 (28.36) 19 (28.36) 0 (0.00) Mono 2 (2.99) 2 (2.99) 0 (0.00) Ouémé 7 (10.45) 7 (10.45) 0 (0.00) Plateau 2 (2.99) 2 (2.99) 0 (0.00) Zou 5 (7.46) 5 (7.46) 0 (0.00) P-Value* < .0001 * from Fisher's Exact Test ; Dose = annual ambient dose equivalent Table 4 Relation between altitude level and sub-group annual ambient dose equivalent (upper or lower 1 mSv). Level of altitude µ (m) N (%) Level dose P-Value* Dose 1 (N (%)) < .0001 All 67 (100.00) 56 (83.58) 11 (16.42) ≤ 20 22 (32.84) 22 (32.84) 0 (0.00) ] 20–150] 16 (23.88) 16 (23.88) 0 (0.00) ] 150–345] 15 (22.39) 12 (17.91) 3 (4.48) ≥ 345 14 (20.90) 6 (8.96) 8 (11.94) µ Intervalle interquartile * from Fisher's Exact Test ; Dose = annual ambient dose equivalent Table 5 Comparison between mean of annual ambient dose equivalent in group level of dose (upper or lower 1 mSv) and in group granite area. Annual ambient dose equivalent (mSv/year) N (%) Mean Min Max Level of dose (mSv) 1 11 (16.42) 1.45 1.16 1.93 Group granite area No granite area 42 (62.69) 0.50 0.00 0.90 Granite area 25 (37.31) 1.00 0.29 1.93 P-Value* 0.0008 * from wilcoxon Test ; Dose = annual ambient dose equivalent Table 6 Comparison between frequencies of annual ambient dose equivalent upper or lower 1 mSv in group of granite area. No granite area (N (%)) Granite area (N (%)) Level of dose (mSv) - - P-Value* < 1 42 (62.69) 14 (20.90) 1 0 (0.00) 11 (16.42) * from Fisher's Exact Test ; Table 7 Linear regression model simple and multiple analyses of dose mesured at different altitude, granite area and department. Covariate Simple regression (Estimate (Std)) Multiple regression (Estimate (Std)) Altitude 0.0015 (0.45) 0.0008 (0.00) P-value < .0001 0.02 Granite 0.4967 (0.08) 0.3052 (0.09) P-value < .0001 0.00 Department -0.0462 (0.01) -0.0149 (0.01) P-value 0.0020 0.26 Coefficient of regression Estimated from a single linear and multiple regression model that included three variables (Altitude, Granitic area, territorial Department) in table ; Discussion The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of natural background radiation doses outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the mean annual ambient equivalent dose and the public exposure levels for man-made sources. Benin recently enacted a Law on radiological safety and nuclear security on March 15th 2018. The Regulatory Body started its activities in August 20th 2020. Despite the existence of the framework law on the environment since 1999, no study has been conducted to estimate outdoor natural background radiation dose levels. Our study set out to assess the natural background radiation doses levels outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the required public exposure levels. Natural background radiation consists of three major components; cosmic (primary and secondary), terrestrial, and skyshine (Goddard, 2018 ). The component skyshine represents the atmospheric reflection of radiation from terrestrial and man-made sources (Goddard, 2018 ). The components cosmic, terrestrial includes of charged particles and photons. The natural radionuclides predominant in terrestrial component are 40 K and the 232 Th, 235 U, and 238 U decay chains. The decay of naturally occurring these radionuclides and their daughter products located in the soil and air emit gamma rays. External exposure to natural background (cosmic, terrestrial and skyshine) gamma radiation can be quantified by direct method using a survey meter. A spectrometer can be used to allow the characterization of the radionuclides present in the soil. This study focuses on assessing natural background gamma radiation using a survey meter. The characterization of the radionuclides present in the soil will not be discussed in this study. According to data published by UNSCEAR (2008) the mean annual effective dose due to natural radiation sources (external exposure) from cosmic rays and terrestrial gamma rays is 0.90 mSv (UNSCEAR, 2010 ). But this mean annual effective dose is included in mean annual global effective dose due to natural radiation sources (external and internal exposure), which is 2.4 mSv (UNSCEAR, 2010 ). Let us remind that, at the international level, apart from the dose of natural background radiation dose to which public and environment may be exposed, it is recommended that ambient doses equivalent (external and internal exposure) from man-made sources (medical, industrial and research) should not exceed 1 mSv/y (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018 ). In this study, to facilitate analysis, a mean annual ambient equivalent dose of 1 mSv/y is used as a reference. The means photon equivalent doses rate and annual for Benin resulting from the mentioned method are 78.6 nSv/h and 0.68 mSv/y respectively (Tables 1 and 2 ). These means photon equivalent doses rate and annual are high compared to those published by Goddard et al. in Abu Dhabi at United Arab Emirates (Goddard, 2018 ), Kardan et al. at Iran (Kardan et al., 2018 ), Wenli et al. in Beijing at China (Feng, 2020 ), Termizi Ramli et al. in Melaka state at Malaysia (Ramli et al., 2005 ), which were 51,1 nSv/h ± 1,7; 62.57 nSv/h; 0.110 mSv/y; 0.21 mSv/y respectively. However Okeyode et al. (Okeyode et al., 2016 ), Nima Rostampour at al. in Hamadan province at Iran (Rostampour et al., 2012 ); Achola et al. in North and South Ruri hills in Lambwe east, southwestern Kenya (Achola et al., 2012 ); Spix et al. at Germany (Spix et al., 2017 ) have published mean photon equivalent doses rate and annual 210 ± 79 nSv/h; 1.12 ± 0.22 mSv per year; 5.7 mSv per year; 0.817 mSv/y, higher than the figures recorded in this study. This difference suggest that natural background is distributed unevenly in world and depends on the soil component. We observed that the highest annual photon equivalent doses were in the Borgou region (1.93 mSv/y) and Collines region (1.37 mSv/y), with altitudes of 423 meters and 229 meters, respectively. While the highest altitude (482 meter) was obtained at Atacora region with 0.77 mSv/y as photon equivalent doses annual (Table 2 ). This result suggests that altitude may not be responsible for the high natural background radiation levels. In addition, these both regions presented the photon equivalent doses annual excess the limits (0.90 mSv/y or 1 mSv/h) (UNSCEAR, 2010 ) and (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018 ). This can be explained by the fact that is others elements which participate at the increase of natural background level and were presented in theses regions, such as nature of the geology (granite rock) or other anomalies. The calc-alkaline syntectonic; calc-alkaline prostectonic components of granite rock are present in Borgou and Collines regions particularly as show it the Fig. 3 and out of others regions except Donga. These granite rock, component terrestrial, contained probably the 40 K and the 232 Th, 235 U, and 238 U decay chains radionuclides predominant. This these was support by the results of Table 5 where there are a difference statistically significant ( p = 0.0008 ) between mean annual photon equivalent doses of granite area and those of no granite area. In additional, and univariable as multivariable model they are positive correlation statistically significant (Table 7 ) between photon equivalent doses trend and the places where granite area are presented. This analyze justifies the fact that all annual photon equivalent doses from Borgou and Collines (Tables 3 and 6 ) were upper at 0.90 mSv/y or 1 mSv/y reported by international community (UNSCEAR, 2010 ) and (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2018 ). The assessment of job study and public space around X-rays room or others areas in these regions, mainly Borgou and Collines regions, must take account the high level photon equivalent doses. The international community has been very insisting on annual dose limits for public from man-made. However, for determine the total environmental radiation level, we need further studies to measure internal exposures too. Strength and limitation This study was one of the largest undertaken to take account all regions in Republic of Benin. A study strength includes at least two measurements by region, which reduces the possibility of selection bias. Nevertheless, some limitations of the study should be considered. This study was limited to external photon radiation doses. The sample of measurements were low compared at those others studies. Outdoor occupancy factor has not been considered in this study because there are exist real figures on occupancy factor at Benin. Future studies should analyze soil composition and radon doses. Conclusion This first study to assess natural background external gamma radiation doses in Benin, confirms that there are fairly large and heterogeneous distributions of outdoor environmental radiation. It provides a basis for further studies, and had also permitted to know that there are two regions in Benin which present natural background external gamma radiation doses upper at values reported by international community. The natural background external gamma radiation doses was influenced by the natural radioactive nuclide (granite rock) concentrations in some regions. This study provides on the natural radiation epidemiological studies in Benin the first figures. But before to assess health effects from natural radiation, a preliminary work must to be done for assess occupancy factors at outdoors of Beninese citizens. In addition, an assessment of external exposure indoors at house and internal exposure must to be carried out to complete this study. In others studies, there should be correct to identify a considerable sample of measurements locations to estimate the average terrestrial radiation with acceptable uncertainty. Abbreviations APVL Ingenierie A company specializing in the trade of various industrial equipment and supplies IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency UNSCEAR Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation Declarations Acknowledgments We especially thanks to Ms Lydie Abathan for this real involvement in the reading the manuscript. We are also grateful to Françoise Terrier for her unfailing support and advice. Data Availability Statement Data are available on request. Funding This study was funded by the Division for Africa, Department of Technical Cooperation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Financial interests The authors declare they have no financial interests. Competing interests The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Author Contribution Authors contribution information A A G designed research, performed research, collected data, performed statistical analysis and wrote the manuscriptD S T analyzed and interpreted dataN I G analyzed and interpreted dataM B Z analyzed and interpreted dataH C H contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscriptT C M M contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscriptR S A contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscript References Achola, S.O., Patel, J.P., Mustapha, A.O., Angeyo, H.K. (2012). 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Radiat Prot Dosimetry , 152(4), 438-43. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncs062 Spix, C., Grosche, B., Bleher, M., Kaatsch, P., Scholz-Kreisel, P., Blettner, M. (2017). Background gamma radiation and childhood cancer in Germany: an ecological study. Radiat. Environ. Biophys . 56, 127–138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-017-0689-2 UNSCEAR, (2010). Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. 1: Sources, Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. United Nations, New York. UNSCEAR, (2001). Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. 1: Sources, Report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. United Nations, New York. Wanjala, F.O., Hashim, N.O., Otwoma, D., Nyambura, C., Kebwaro, J., Mauring, A., Bartilol, J., Chege, M. (2019). Human exposure to background radiation in ortum, Kenya. Radiat Prot Dosimetry , 188(1), 98-108. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncz264 Yamaguchi, M., Tatara, Y., Djatnika Nugraha, E., Ramadhani, D., Tamakuma, Y., Sato, Y., Miura, T., Hosoda, M., Yoshinaga, S., Syaifudin, M., Kashiwakura, I., Tokonami, S. (2022). Detection of biological responses to low-dose radiation in humans. Free Radic. Biol. Med . 184, 196–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.006 Zinsou, B., Comlan Roland Houessouvo, Rabesiranana, N., Allodji, R.S., Medenou, D., Dossou, J., Gbaguidi, B., De Souza, E.M., Mensah, G.A. (2024). Gamma radiation dose rate measurements in granite quarries and schools in two mountainous towns in Benin. Braz. J. Radiat. Sci. 01–10. doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2222 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 05 Mar, 2026 Read the published version in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 16 Jun, 2025 Reviews received at journal 16 Jun, 2025 Reviews received at journal 11 Jun, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 27 May, 2025 Reviews received at journal 23 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 21 May, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 08 May, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 22 Apr, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 22 Apr, 2025 First submitted to journal 13 Apr, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6439895","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":454804508,"identity":"80fee8da-9cf9-41d8-b6aa-afe1da4a2ba9","order_by":0,"name":"Arnaud A. Gbetchedji","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA9UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAC5oYPQALC5qlgYDAAMSrwamFsnIHQcgaq5QzRWnjbiNAi736wsbmiwlrefHbzM4m38w7Lm7M3H2A4uAe3FsMziY2NZ86kG865c8xMcu62w4Y7e44lMBx4hkdLQ2L7w8a2w4wzJBLMpHm3HWbccCPHgPnDATxa+h82Njb+O2w/QyL9mzTvnMP2IC0MB/BokZcAOqyx4XDiDIkcoC1ABkEtBhJAWxqOpScDtRRbzgEyNpw5lnAAry39yQcbG2qsbYEO23jjDZCx4XjzwQd4bUGTawaTeDQAbWlA5dfhUzwKRsEoGAUjFAAAuydgy4V0eYUAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"INSERM, CESP","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Arnaud","middleName":"A.","lastName":"Gbetchedji","suffix":""},{"id":454804509,"identity":"86abd218-d666-46c3-85a5-5763b2f6f6b3","order_by":1,"name":"Daniel S. Takou","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Abomey-Calavi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Daniel","middleName":"S.","lastName":"Takou","suffix":""},{"id":454804510,"identity":"96c14ed1-3c29-46e2-92a5-460792dc1188","order_by":2,"name":"N. Innocent Gbaï","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Abomey-Calavi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"N.","middleName":"Innocent","lastName":"Gbaï","suffix":""},{"id":454804511,"identity":"446415b0-a39b-4ea4-aa66-f4c09590e235","order_by":3,"name":"Mahougnon B. Zinsou","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Abomey-Calavi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mahougnon","middleName":"B.","lastName":"Zinsou","suffix":""},{"id":454804512,"identity":"aec41720-11e8-4933-ac77-4a1ab7e0655d","order_by":4,"name":"Hubert C. Hounsossou","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Abomey-Calavi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hubert","middleName":"C.","lastName":"Hounsossou","suffix":""},{"id":454804513,"identity":"ef53644d-721a-4c4e-95da-4c1b1b94f9ff","order_by":5,"name":"Thierry C. M. Medehouenou","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Abomey-Calavi","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Thierry","middleName":"C. M.","lastName":"Medehouenou","suffix":""},{"id":454804515,"identity":"266ffe7f-baae-4d1b-8b8c-c0b9ca6c132a","order_by":6,"name":"Rodrigue S. Allodji","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Univ. Paris-Sud, CESP-U1018","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rodrigue","middleName":"S.","lastName":"Allodji","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-13 14:53:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15084-9","type":"published","date":"2026-03-05T15:58:55+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":82791345,"identity":"4cb32081-296a-43be-aaba-3e201d6ca330","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-15 10:11:09","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":48724,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlow chart selection process of identified points in Benin\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6439895/v1/c3b974997bbcbef0132ce770.png"},{"id":82791346,"identity":"ff86427f-f5fd-40a3-97bd-8b419a6af3c9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-15 10:11:10","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":71892,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRadiameter APVL AT1123\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6439895/v1/d18667e7228dba0718a5c796.png"},{"id":82792148,"identity":"d9375866-ad06-4c28-9a43-92f987de3cd9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-15 10:19:10","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":89170,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of mean of annual ambient dose equivalent upper or lower 1 mSv on sites superimposed at geological map of Benin\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6439895/v1/a51672e8fac5102231caa30b.png"},{"id":104250819,"identity":"6ba2a00f-7a4b-4271-9961-7dce49077498","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-09 16:09:19","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1218656,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6439895/v1/9ccaa3b4-1895-4503-aea5-ad02cb5c879f.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Experimental assessment of ambient gamma dose equivalent rates measured outdoors in the Republic of Benin from 2019 to 2020","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eBeyond the visible light spectrum, there are other types of radiation that are not visible. Among these, we have ionizing radiation, which can be natural or man-made. Humans and their environment are chronically exposed to natural ionizing radiation from the cosmos and external terrestrial radiation. According to UNSCEAR (2008), external exposure to gamma radiation from cosmic and external terrestrial radiation can expose humans and their environment to a mean annual ambient equivalent dose of 0.90 mSv (0.39 mSv for cosmic radiation and 0.48 mSv for external terrestrial radiation) (UNSCEAR, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn Earth, we can usually find radionuclides such as \u0026sup2;\u0026sup3;⁸U, \u0026sup2;\u0026sup3;\u0026sup2;Th, and ⁴⁰K, the main radioactive elements responsible for telluric radioactivity (Rostampour et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Wanjala et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). According to the literature, below 100 mSv, the probability of long-term health effects increases with recurrent doses from chronic exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (International Atomic Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudies carried out on childhood cancer and natural background radiation have highlighted health effects such as leukemia, lymphomas, and central nervous system tumors, which are among the most studied childhood cancers (Kendall et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Other health effects, such as brain cancer (David, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) and dose-dependent oxidative modifications in amino acid sequences of human serum albumin, were found (Yamaguchi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). However, according to a study carried out by Azizova et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), the risk estimates remain unclear for chronic exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (Azizova et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe measurement of natural background radiation is carried out in different countries around the world. This measurement serves as baseline information for the assessment of occupational exposure, epidemiological studies, and monitoring before the occurrence of a radiological event (Okeyode et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). At the international level, apart from the dose of natural background radiation to which the public and the environment may be subjected, it is recommended that the ambient dose equivalent (external and internal exposure) from man-made sources (medical, industrial, and research) should not exceed 1 mSv/y (International Atomic Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). In Africa, some studies have been carried out on the assessment of background radiation levels in some countries. Ambient dose equivalents of 0.99 mSv, 0.46 mSv, and 1.46 mSv per year were estimated using a gamma radiation survey meter or gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively, at Ortum, Kenya (Wanjala et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e); in the North and South Ruri hills in Lambwe East, Southwestern Kenya (Achola et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e); and at Olusosun, Lagos Southwest, Nigeria (Ogungbemi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNatural background radiation from the Earth is distributed unevenly across different areas of the planet. In addition, the external dose from cosmic rays (CR) is influenced by altitude, the solar cycle, and the geomagnetic field depending on the region (Pooya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, it is important that each country assesses its natural background radiation level.In Benin, at the national scale, no data is available in the literature to estimate the natural background radiation level. However, similar studies have been carried out in the Collines region of Benin on granite crushers by Zinsou et al. (2022). The mean annual equivalent dose of a resident crusher was estimated to be 2.10 mSv (Zinsou et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). In order to obtain data on natural background radiation levels across the national territory of Benin, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 to assess ambient radiation doses in workplaces at X-ray medical imaging centers (Gbetchedji et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe purpose of this study was to assess the levels of natural background radiation doses outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the mean annual ambient equivalent dose and the public exposure levels for man-made sources.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Material and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eData Collection and Processing\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2020 to March 2021 in selected public and private medical imaging centers in Benin. The informed consent of the hospital managers was requested and obtained before radiation dose measurements were carried out. These centers had voluntarily agreed to participate in the study aimed at assessing ambient radiation doses in X-ray medical imaging centers. The sample of medical centers was the same as that used in the study conducted by Gbetchedji et al. (Gbetchedji et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Medical centers were chosen because they were distributed throughout the national territory. However, five (05) centers were excluded due to difficult access, as some of the centers had been demolished. To avoid selection bias, it was decided to carry out the measurements only in the surroundings of the operational centers, which were accessible and included in the study carried out by Gbetchedji et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The flow chart in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e displays the results of the selection process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBefore measuring the background radiation dose, three measurement points in the surroundings were identified in a triangular formation. In addition, the extraction of geographic coordinates was carried out with a GPS-integrated smartphone, and the granite formations were determined on a geographic map of Benin. The spatialization of the geological units was carried out using the geological background of Benin obtained from the Beninese Office of Geological and Mining Research (OBRGM) in 1989. The mapping of the data relating to the different doses was done by cross-referencing the georeferenced data relating to the radiation doses with the geological background. Mapping software was used.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasurements at identified points\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe AT1123 radiameter from APVL serial 55056, was the main instrument used for measurements as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. It was calibrated on May 14th 2019 (\"Radiametre AT1123\", 2019). The radiameter was used to measure ambient equivalent dose rate (Hi*(10)) in air and laid one (01) meter from the ground. Ambient equivalent dose rate (Hi*(d)), at a point in a radiation field is defined as equivalent dose that would be produced by the corresponding field in the ICRU sphere at a depth d mm (Chinangwa et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1985\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe ambient equivalent dose rate was measured over a period of three to five minutes, the time necessary for the relative error percentage to reach 4%, at three identified points (vertex of the triangle) in the same conditions and continuous mode. The measurements presenting the maximal data among the three measurements were retained for the most penalizing conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo obtain data comparable to those published at the international level, ambient equivalent dose rates per hour are integrated over one year to obtain an annual equivalent dose \u003cb\u003e(H\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003ea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e*(10))\u003c/b\u003e which is estimated using the following formula:\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e(H*(10))= (H*(10)) x t\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere \u003cb\u003e(H\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003ei\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e*(10))\u003c/b\u003e in \u003cb\u003e\u0026micro;Sv/hr\u003c/b\u003e are equivalent dose rates measured and retained; \u003cb\u003et\u003c/b\u003e: time in hour corresponding at \u003cb\u003eone year\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data measured in hours and estimated in years were analyzed using SAS\u0026reg; software version 9.4. Depending on the dose distribution, parametric or nonparametric tests were performed to make comparisons and determine the position parameter between different values. Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences between each group. Bilateral tests were carried out, and a p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Correlation tests were performed to obtain parameter estimates for linear regression. Multivariable models with higher R-squared and higher concordance statistic were preferred. The final multivariable model was adjusted for Altitude, Granitic area and territorial department.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on sample private and public centers distributed across all 12 territorial departments as described in the methodology, a total of 67 points were selected in territorial departments for gamma radiation measurements in air at one meter above the ground and distributed throughout the national territory. Benin is subdivided into 12 territorial departments including four in the northern region, two in the center and six near the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain is generally flat. The low-lying sandy coastal plain is marshy and dotted with lakes and lagoons connected to the Atlantic Ocean. An area of ​​flat land dotted with rocky hills (granite and others) extends from the center to the north. Finally, the Atacora range (Northwest territorial department) extends along the northwestern border and towards Togo with the highest point, Mount Sokbaro at 658 meters.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe different measurements carried out with the radiameter AT1123 allowed to obtain the mean background radiation in all centers to be 78 nSv/h (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) or 0.69 mSv/y (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The mean altitude was 154 meters (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The mean values of background radiation by territorial department were 0.64, 0.67, 0.86, 0.99 and 1.47 mSv/y respectively for Atacora, Alibori, Donga, Collines and Borgou. But for altitude the mean values by territorial department were 229, 298, 423, 439 and 482 meter respectively for Collines, Alibori, Borgou, Donga and Atacora. The highest background radiation does not correspond to the highest altitude.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering the limit of 1 mSv per year, only the background radiation doses from Borgou and Collines presented the highest equivalent doses per year, at 16.42% (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The equivalent doses estimated per year were above 1 mSv per year for altitudes of 150 meters and higher (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study included 25 areas with granite (calc-alkaline syntectonic; calc-alkaline prostectonic) and 42 areas without granite which coincides at measurements points (\u003cb\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;3\u003c/b\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean equivalent doses estimated per year in granite areas are more than twice as high as in no granite areas (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Those exceeding 1 mSv per year were all in granite areas (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cb\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;3\u003c/b\u003e). This difference in mean equivalent doses estimated per year in granite area is statistically significant (\u003cb\u003ep-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0008\u003c/b\u003e) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the frame to study association between the equivalent doses estimated per year and factors such as altitude, granite area and territorial department linear regression performed. Both unadjusted and adjusted correlation coefficients are shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e. The univariable model showed at positive correlation between equivalent doses estimated per year and altitude and granite areas, which is statistically significant (\u003cb\u003ep-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003c/b\u003e). In contrast, a negative correlation was found between the equivalent doses estimated per year and territorial department. This negative correlation was statistically significant (\u003cb\u003ep-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/b\u003e) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter adjustment for altitude and granite area, a similar trend was observed as in the univariable model for correlation coefficient of altitude and granite area. The correlation significance between equivalent doses estimated per year and altitude is weak (\u003cb\u003ep-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/b\u003e). However, the correlation between the equivalent doses estimated per year and territorial department remains negative and statistically insignificant (\u003cb\u003ep-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.26\u003c/b\u003e) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cimg 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\" height=\"563\" width=\"584\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean background radiation in all centres and by department estimated in milli Sievert by year (mSv/y) and altitude in meter (m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTerritorial departments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose (mSv)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAltitude (m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-27.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e482.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlibori\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e243.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAtacora\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.77\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e394.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e247.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e482.00\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAtlantique\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBorgou\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.47\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.16\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.93\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e381.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e344.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e423.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollines\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.37\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e200.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e229.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCouffo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e156.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDonga\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e323.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e93.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e439.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLittoral\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-27.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMono\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOu\u0026eacute;m\u0026eacute;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-15.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlateau\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e135.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZou\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e222.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e289.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eDose\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;annual ambient dose equivalent ; Milli Sievert/year\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e x 1 nano Sievert/h x 8760 h\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison frequency centres having annual ambient dose equivalent upper and lower 1 mSv according to department.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTerritorial departments\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel dose\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1 (N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1 (N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67 (100.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (83.58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11 (16.42)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlibori\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAtacora\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAtlantique\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBorgou\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (13.43)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e9 (13.43)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollines\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 (5.97)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCouffo\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDonga\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLittoral\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 (28.36)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 (28.36)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMono\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOu\u0026eacute;m\u0026eacute;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 (10.45)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 (10.45)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlateau\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZou\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 (7.46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP-Value*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003efrom Fisher's Exact Test ; Dose\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;annual ambient dose equivalent\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelation between altitude level and sub-group annual ambient dose equivalent (upper or lower 1 mSv).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel of altitude\u003csup\u003e\u0026micro;\u003c/sup\u003e (m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLevel dose\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP-Value*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1 (N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDose\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1 (N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67 (100.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (83.58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (16.42)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (32.84)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 (32.84)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e] 20\u0026ndash;150]\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 (23.88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 (23.88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e] 150\u0026ndash;345]\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 (22.39)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (17.91)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3 (4.48)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;345\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14 (20.90)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (8.96)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e8 (11.94)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u0026micro;\u003c/sup\u003eIntervalle interquartile \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003efrom Fisher's Exact Test ; Dose\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;annual ambient dose equivalent\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison between mean of annual ambient dose equivalent in group level of dose (upper or lower 1 mSv) and in group granite area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnnual ambient dose equivalent (mSv/year)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLevel of dose\u003c/b\u003e (mSv)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56 (83.58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (16.42)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGroup granite area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo granite area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42 (62.69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGranite area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25 (37.31)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP-Value*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.0008\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003efrom wilcoxon Test ; Dose\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;annual ambient dose equivalent\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparison between frequencies of annual ambient dose equivalent upper or lower 1 mSv in group of granite area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo granite area (N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGranite area\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(N (%))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLevel of dose\u003c/b\u003e (mSv)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP-Value*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42 (62.69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14 (20.90)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 (16.42)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e from Fisher's Exact Test ;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLinear regression model simple and multiple analyses of dose mesured at different altitude, granite area and department.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCovariate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimple regression (Estimate (Std))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultiple regression (Estimate (Std))\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAltitude\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0015 (0.45)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0008 (0.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP-value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.02\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGranite\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4967 (0.08)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3052 (0.09)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP-value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.0001\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.00\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDepartment\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0462 (0.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0149 (0.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP-value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.0020\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e0.26\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoefficient of regression Estimated from a single linear and multiple regression model that included three variables \u003cb\u003e(Altitude, Granitic area, territorial Department)\u003c/b\u003e in table ;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of this study was to assess the levels of natural background radiation doses outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the mean annual ambient equivalent dose and the public exposure levels for man-made sources.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBenin recently enacted a Law on radiological safety and nuclear security on March 15th 2018. The Regulatory Body started its activities in August 20th 2020. Despite the existence of the framework law on the environment since 1999, no study has been conducted to estimate outdoor natural background radiation dose levels. Our study set out to assess the natural background radiation doses levels outdoors at medical imaging centers in order to compare them with the required public exposure levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNatural background radiation consists of three major components; cosmic (primary and secondary), terrestrial, and skyshine (Goddard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The component skyshine represents the atmospheric reflection of radiation from terrestrial and man-made sources (Goddard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The components cosmic, terrestrial includes of charged particles and photons. The natural radionuclides predominant in terrestrial component are \u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK and the \u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh, \u003csup\u003e235\u003c/sup\u003eU, and \u003csup\u003e238\u003c/sup\u003eU decay chains. The decay of naturally occurring these radionuclides and their daughter products located in the soil and air emit gamma rays.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExternal exposure to natural background (cosmic, terrestrial and skyshine) gamma radiation can be quantified by direct method using a survey meter. A spectrometer can be used to allow the characterization of the radionuclides present in the soil. This study focuses on assessing natural background gamma radiation using a survey meter. The characterization of the radionuclides present in the soil will not be discussed in this study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to data published by UNSCEAR (2008) the mean annual effective dose due to natural radiation sources (external exposure) from cosmic rays and terrestrial gamma rays is 0.90 mSv (UNSCEAR, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). But this mean annual effective dose is included in mean annual global effective dose due to natural radiation sources (external and internal exposure), which is 2.4 mSv (UNSCEAR, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Let us remind that, at the international level, apart from the dose of natural background radiation dose to which public and environment may be exposed, it is recommended that ambient doses equivalent (external and internal exposure) from man-made sources (medical, industrial and research) should not exceed 1 mSv/y (International Atomic Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). In this study, to facilitate analysis, a mean annual ambient equivalent dose of 1 mSv/y is used as a reference.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe means photon equivalent doses rate and annual for Benin resulting from the mentioned method are 78.6 nSv/h and 0.68 mSv/y respectively (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese means photon equivalent doses rate and annual are high compared to those published by Goddard et al. in Abu Dhabi at United Arab Emirates (Goddard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), Kardan et al. at Iran (Kardan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), Wenli et al. in Beijing at China (Feng, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), Termizi Ramli et al. in Melaka state at Malaysia (Ramli et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e), which were 51,1 nSv/h\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1,7; 62.57 nSv/h; 0.110 mSv/y; 0.21 mSv/y respectively. However Okeyode et al. (Okeyode et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e), Nima Rostampour at al. in Hamadan province at Iran (Rostampour et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e); Achola et al. in North and South Ruri hills in Lambwe east, southwestern Kenya (Achola et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e); Spix et al. at Germany (Spix et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) have published mean photon equivalent doses rate and annual 210\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;79 nSv/h; 1.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22 mSv per year; 5.7 mSv per year; 0.817 mSv/y, higher than the figures recorded in this study. This difference suggest that natural background is distributed unevenly in world and depends on the soil component.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe observed that the highest annual photon equivalent doses were in the Borgou region (1.93 mSv/y) and Collines region (1.37 mSv/y), with altitudes of 423 meters and 229 meters, respectively. While the highest altitude (482 meter) was obtained at Atacora region with 0.77 mSv/y as photon equivalent doses annual (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). This result suggests that altitude may not be responsible for the high natural background radiation levels. In addition, these both regions presented the photon equivalent doses annual excess the limits (0.90 mSv/y or 1 mSv/h) (UNSCEAR, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and (International Atomic Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). This can be explained by the fact that is others elements which participate at the increase of natural background level and were presented in theses regions, such as nature of the geology (granite rock) or other anomalies. The calc-alkaline syntectonic; calc-alkaline prostectonic components of granite rock are present in Borgou and Collines regions particularly as show it the \u003cb\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;3\u003c/b\u003e and out of others regions except Donga. These granite rock, component terrestrial, contained probably the \u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK and the \u003csup\u003e232\u003c/sup\u003eTh, \u003csup\u003e235\u003c/sup\u003eU, and \u003csup\u003e238\u003c/sup\u003eU decay chains radionuclides predominant. This these was support by the results of Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e where there are a difference statistically significant (\u003cb\u003ep\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0008\u003c/b\u003e) between mean annual photon equivalent doses of granite area and those of no granite area. In additional, and univariable as multivariable model they are positive correlation statistically significant (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) between photon equivalent doses trend and the places where granite area are presented. This analyze justifies the fact that all annual photon equivalent doses from Borgou and Collines (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e) were upper at 0.90 mSv/y or 1 mSv/y reported by international community (UNSCEAR, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and (International Atomic Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The assessment of job study and public space around X-rays room or others areas in these regions, mainly Borgou and Collines regions, must take account the high level photon equivalent doses. The international community has been very insisting on annual dose limits for public from man-made. However, for determine the total environmental radiation level, we need further studies to measure internal exposures too.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrength and limitation\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was one of the largest undertaken to take account all regions in Republic of Benin. A study strength includes at least two measurements by region, which reduces the possibility of selection bias.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNevertheless, some limitations of the study should be considered. This study was limited to external photon radiation doses. The sample of measurements were low compared at those others studies. Outdoor occupancy factor has not been considered in this study because there are exist real figures on occupancy factor at Benin. Future studies should analyze soil composition and radon doses.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis first study to assess natural background external gamma radiation doses in Benin, confirms that there are fairly large and heterogeneous distributions of outdoor environmental radiation. It provides a basis for further studies, and had also permitted to know that there are two regions in Benin which present natural background external gamma radiation doses upper at values reported by international community.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe natural background external gamma radiation doses was influenced by the natural radioactive nuclide (granite rock) concentrations in some regions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study provides on the natural radiation epidemiological studies in Benin the first figures. But before to assess health effects from natural radiation, a preliminary work must to be done for assess occupancy factors at outdoors of Beninese citizens. In addition, an assessment of external exposure indoors at house and internal exposure must to be carried out to complete this study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn others studies, there should be correct to identify a considerable sample of measurements locations to estimate the average terrestrial radiation with acceptable uncertainty.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAPVL Ingenierie\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 490px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA company specializing in the trade of various industrial equipment and supplies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIAEA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 490px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInternational Atomic Energy Agency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 130px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUNSCEAR\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 490px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eScientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe especially thanks to Ms Lydie Abathan for this real involvement in the reading the manuscript. We are also grateful to Fran\u0026ccedil;oise Terrier for her unfailing support and advice.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData are available on request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was funded by the Division for Africa, Department of Technical Cooperation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinancial interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare they have no financial interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors contribution information A A G designed research, performed research, collected data, performed statistical analysis and wrote the manuscriptD S T analyzed and interpreted dataN I G analyzed and interpreted dataM B Z analyzed and interpreted dataH C H contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscriptT C M M contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscriptR S A contributed vital and analytical tools and review the manuscript\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAchola, S.O., Patel, J.P., Mustapha, A.O., Angeyo, H.K. (2012). Natural Radioactivity and external dose in the high back ground radiation area of Lambwe east, southwestern Kenya. , 152(4), 423-428. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncs047\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAzizova, T.V., Bannikova, M.V., Grigoryeva, E.S., Rybkina, V.L. (2018). Risk of malignant skin neoplasms in a cohort of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation at low dose rates. \u003cem\u003ePloS One 13\u003c/em\u003e, e0205060. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205060\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eChinangwa, G., Amoako, J.K., Fletcher, J.J. (2017). Radiation dose assessment for occupationally exposed workers in Malawi. \u003cem\u003eMalawi Med. J.\u003c/em\u003e 29, 254. https://doi.org/10.4314/mmj.v29i3.5\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDavid, E. (2021). Background radiation impacts human longevity and cancer mortality: reconsidering the linear no-threshold paradigm. \u003cem\u003eBiogerontology\u003c/em\u003e, 22(2), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-020-09909-4.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eFeng, W. (2020). Spatial distribution, risk assessment and influence factors of terrestrial gamma radiation dose in China. \u003cem\u003eJ. Environ. Radioact\u003c/em\u003e. 222, 106325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106325\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGbetchedji, A.A., Mansouri, I., Hounsossou, H.C., Houndetoungan, G.D., Gbaguidi, B.A., Haddy, N., Medehouenou, T.C.M., Avocefohoun, A.S., Takou, D.S., Rubino, C., Biaou, O., Medenou, D., de Vathaire, F., Amoussou-Guenou, K.M., Allodji, R.S. (2021). Experimental Assessment of Workplace Radiation Exposure in Diagnostic X-ray Medical Imaging Centres in Benin from 2019 to 2020. \u003cem\u003eAnn. Work Expo. Health\u003c/em\u003e, 65, 988\u0026ndash;997. https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab046\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGoddard, B. (2018). Evaluation of background radiation dose contributions in the United Arab Emirates. \u003cem\u003eJ. Environ. Radioact\u003c/em\u003e. 189, 191-196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.04.015.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInternational Atomic Energy Agency, (2018). Radiation protection and safety in medical uses of ionizing radiation: specific safety guide. Vienna.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInternational Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, (1985). Report 39. \u003cem\u003eJ. Int. Comm. Radiat. Units Meas\u003c/em\u003e. os20, NP-NP. https://doi.org/10.1093/jicru/os20.2.Report39\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKardan, M.R., Sadeghi, N., Fathabadi, N., Attarilar, A. (2018). Assessment of terrestrial radiation by direct measurement of ambient dose equivalent rate of background radiation. \u003cem\u003eRadiat Prot Dosimetry\u003c/em\u003e, 184(2), 189-197. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncy198\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKendall, G.M., Little, M.P., Wakeford, R. (2023). A review of studies of childhood cancer and natural background radiation. \u003cem\u003eInt J Radiat Biol\u003c/em\u003e, 97(6), 769-781. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2020.1867926\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOgungbemi, K.I., Adedokun, M.B., Ibitoye, A.Z., Oyebola, O.O., Owoade, R.L. (2022). Estimation of radiological impact of the activities of Olusosun Dump Site on workers and dwellers of Olusosun, in Lagos Southwest Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eJ Radiat Res\u003c/em\u003e, 64(1), 53\u0026ndash;62. https://doi.org/10.1093/jrr/rrac067\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOkeyode, I.C., Rabiu, J.A., Alatise, O.O., Makinde, V., Akinboro, F.G., Al-Azmi, D., Mustapha, A.O. (2016). Area monitoring of ambient dose rates in parts of south-western Nigeria using a GPS-integrated radiation survey metter. \u003cem\u003eRadiation Protection Dosimetry\u003c/em\u003e, 173(1-3), 263-267. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncw336\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePooya, S.M.H., 2015. Public exposure due to external gamma background radiation in boundary areas of Iran. \u003cem\u003eJ. Environ. Radioact\u003c/em\u003e, 147, 97-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.05.020\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRadiam\u0026egrave;tre AT1123, (2019), from https://www.apvl.com/radioprotection/420-radiametre-at1123.html (accessed 12.30.19).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRamli, A.T., Sahrone, S., Wagiran, H. (2005). 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Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. 1: Sources, Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. United Nations, New York.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUNSCEAR, (2001). Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. 1: Sources, Report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. United Nations, New York.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWanjala, F.O., Hashim, N.O., Otwoma, D., Nyambura, C., Kebwaro, J., Mauring, A., Bartilol, J., Chege, M. (2019). Human exposure to background radiation in ortum, Kenya. \u003cem\u003eRadiat Prot Dosimetry\u003c/em\u003e, 188(1), 98-108. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncz264\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eYamaguchi, M., Tatara, Y., Djatnika Nugraha, E., Ramadhani, D., Tamakuma, Y., Sato, Y., Miura, T., Hosoda, M., Yoshinaga, S., Syaifudin, M., Kashiwakura, I., Tokonami, S. (2022). Detection of biological responses to low-dose radiation in humans. \u003cem\u003eFree Radic. Biol. Med\u003c/em\u003e. 184, 196\u0026ndash;207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.006\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eZinsou, B., Comlan Roland Houessouvo, Rabesiranana, N., Allodji, R.S., Medenou, D., Dossou, J., Gbaguidi, B., De Souza, E.M., Mensah, G.A. (2024). Gamma radiation dose rate measurements in granite quarries and schools in two mountainous towns in Benin. \u003cem\u003eBraz. J. Radiat. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e 01\u0026ndash;10. doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2222\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-monitoring-and-assessment","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"emas","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Monitoring and Assessment](http://link.springer.com/journal/10661)","snPcode":"10661","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10661/3","title":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Natural Background, gamma, medical imaging, external dose, Benin","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eNatural background radiation, consisting of cosmic, terrestrial, and skyshine components, varies significantly due to environmental and geological factors. This study assessed outdoor gamma radiation levels across medical imaging centers in Benin, providing the first national-scale data on natural background radiation. Measurements were conducted using a radiameter, with georeferenced data mapped to the geological background of Benin. The results revealed an annual mean dose of 0.68 mSv, slightly below the international guideline of 0.9 mSv. However, significantly higher doses were recorded in the Borgou (1.93 mSv) and the Collines (1.37 mSv) regions, where granite rock formations rich in radionuclides such as \u003csup\u003e40\u003c/sup\u003eK and uranium decay chains are prevalent. Statistical analysis confirmed a strong correlation between elevated radiation levels and granite-rich areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings highlight the uneven distribution of natural radiation across Benin, influenced more by geological features than by altitude. While the study provides valuable baseline data, it was limited to external gamma radiation and did not account for radon exposure, indoor environments, or outdoor occupancy factors. Future studies should address these gaps, including a more extensive sampling strategy and assessments of internal exposures, to better understand the public health implications.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research lays the foundation for epidemiological studies and informs regulatory efforts to ensure radiological safety in Benin.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Experimental assessment of ambient gamma dose equivalent rates measured outdoors in the Republic of Benin from 2019 to 2020","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-15 10:11:05","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6439895/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-06-16T17:24:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-06-16T17:08:19+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-06-11T16:39:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"2894120428804054079936605025133124241","date":"2025-05-27T09:57:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-23T07:54:24+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"314536565680714480516924489778852272795","date":"2025-05-22T04:58:41+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"272580516292000098767939945532878315967","date":"2025-05-21T19:20:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-08T16:36:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-04-22T22:47:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-04-22T22:46:14+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","date":"2025-04-13T14:45:12+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"environmental-monitoring-and-assessment","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"emas","sideBox":"Learn more about [Environmental Monitoring and Assessment](http://link.springer.com/journal/10661)","snPcode":"10661","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/10661/3","title":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b77deb31-86e9-400a-ad6f-8f8155aa2f5c","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 15th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-09T16:05:52+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6439895","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15084-9","journal":{"identity":"environmental-monitoring-and-assessment","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment"},"publishedOn":"2026-03-05 15:58:55","publishedOnDateReadable":"March 5th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-15 10:11:05","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s10661-026-15084-9","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-026-15084-9","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6439895","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6439895","identity":"rs-6439895","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}