Operational Measures Taken for the Authorization of X-ray Generators Used in the Medical Sector in Cameroon.

The use of x-ray generators for diagnostic radiology in the medical sector in Cameroon, Central Africa, is wide spread and on the increase in recent times. Regulatory control of x-ray machines used in medical sector has been achieved in the Littoral Region of Cameroon by means of notification and authorization systems, routine inspections, and enforcement programs. Quality control of x-ray equipment is performed to test the components of the radiological system and verify that the equipment is operating satisfactorily before issuance of the authorization with a validity of two years. The Licensee has the responsibility to conduct internal QC of their own x-ray equipment to insure their safe use and quality care to patients. After a 2-y period, the authorization shall be renewed and a new quality control is carried out. Because Cameroon is a developing country, second hand x-ray machines are imported and radiation exposure control is required to ensure protection of workers, patients, and the public by measuring physical parameters of the x-ray generators and imaging devices at the time of commissioning. Forty-five x-ray machines located in the Littoral Region of Cameroon are considered. The authorization/registration program is implemented in the whole country, but the considered x-ray machines were identified because of the high number of medical examinations due to patients and workers to whom the annual routine medical examinations are required by their employers. Is appears by the present study that around 45% of x-ray machines are inappropriate for diagnostic radiology. Based on their state of operation, enforcement measures are taken to maintain them or to prohibit their use. Appropriate training of staff under ionizing radiation is part of the effort to develop the necessary awareness about safety culture. The acquired knowledge and skills ensure the required protection and safety at workplaces.

Determination of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K, (235)U and (238)U activity concentration and public dose assessment in soil samples from bauxite core deposits in Western Cameroon.

Determination of activity concentrations in twenty five (25) soil samples collected from various points in bauxite ore deposit in Menoua Division in Western of Cameroon was done using gamma spectrometry based Broad Energy Germanium (BEGe6530) detector. The average terrestrial radionuclides of (40)K, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (235)U and (238)U were measured as 671 ± 272, 125 ± 58, 157 ± 67, 6 ± 3 and 99 ± 69 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The observed activity concentrations of radionuclides were compared with other published values in the world. The outdoor absorbed dose rate in air varied from 96.1 to 321.2 nGy h(-1) with an average of 188.2 ± 59.4 nGy h(-1). The external annual effective dose rate and external hazard index were estimated as 0.23 ± 0.07 mSv year(-1) for outdoor, 0.92 ± 0.29 mSv year(-1) for indoor and 1.13 for the external hazard index, respectively. These radiological safe parameters were relatively higher than the recommended safe limits of UNSCEAR. Consequently, using of soil as building material might lead to an increase the external exposure to natural radioactivity and future applications research need to be conducted to have a global view of radioactivity level in the area before any undergoing bauxite ore exploitation.