Preliminary study of ambient radioactive particles in Gebeng Industrial Estate vicinity

Mohd Rusdan, Ahmad Afiq Al-Hakimi and Mohamad Fandi, Noor Fatihah and Rabaiee, Nor Ain and Ahmad, Norhidayah (2025) Preliminary study of ambient radioactive particles in Gebeng Industrial Estate vicinity. In: 1st International Biomedical Conference (IBC2025), 3rd September 2025, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

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Abstract

The growing demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has led to an increase in the production of materials that generate radioactive waste as a byproduct, raising the risk of radiation exposure to nearby residents through environmental release. In Malaysia, residents near Gebeng Industrial Estate (GIE) may face such concerns due to the presence of REE processing facilities in the area. This study aimed to assess radioactive particle levels near the GIE and in comparative areas, as well as to analyse cellular turnover in residents of the GIE’s vicinity. This cross sectional study involved environmental sampling at two different areas: exposed areas within 5 km of the GIE (16 sites) and comparative areas approximately 20 km away (16 sites). Ambient radioactive particle levels were measured at each site using a Tracerco Personal Electronic Dosimeter over 30 minutes, between 0900 and 1500, and analysed using Dose Vision software. Demographic data was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. Buccal cells collected from participants in the exposed areas underwent a micronucleus (MN) assay and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Micronuclei were identified through microscopic examination. Data were analysed using SPSS. Ambient radioactive particle levels in the exposed areas ranged from 2.7 x 10-4 µSv to 8.9 x 10-4 µSv, while higher levels were recorded in the comparative areas, ranging from 1.1 x 10-3 µSv to 2.3 x 10-3 µSv. All the recorded levels were well below the permissible radiation exposure limit. The ambient temperature in both areas ranged from 22.2 to 22.3°C, with humidity levels between 63.4% and 63.5%. Micronuclei counts in buccal cells ranged from 2 to 45, which may indicate cellular damage in the analysed samples. A non-significant positive correlation was observed between ambient radioactive particle levels in the exposed areas and the total micronuclei frequency (p-value = 0.779; R2 = 0.01; Pearson Correlation test). This preliminary study provides baseline data on ambient radioactive particle levels in the vicinity of the industrial estate. Elevated levels in comparative areas may be influenced by factors such as demographics, construction, and transportation. The presence of micronuclei in biological samples suggests a possible link between radiation exposure and adverse health outcomes.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Poster)
Additional Information:	9817/123693
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Radiation, Radioactive Particles, Rare-earth Element, Cellular Damage
Subjects:	BPG Islamic geography > BPG113 Environmental ethics/responsibility. Sustainable living. G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Radiology
Depositing User:	Dr Norhidayah Ahmad
Date Deposited:	28 Nov 2025 16:29
Last Modified:	28 Nov 2025 17:41
Queue Number:	2025-11-Q219
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123693

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