An Assistant Director at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr (Mrs) Amosu-Kareem Lateefat, has said that improper use and over-exposure to radiation in everyday life can pose serious health risks to humans.

She said that while radiation plays an important role in medicine and the environment and the human body, it must be properly controlled.

Lateefat, who spoke as a guest lecturer during the 21st yearly Family Day celebration organised by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Women Council, held at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos, said: “Radiation is beneficial, but if it is not properly controlled, it becomes harmful.

The Assistant Director at the NNRA, at the event, themed “Understanding of Radiation and its Health Effects,” emphasised that medical use of radiation must always be justified and minimised, noting that alternative diagnostic methods, such as MRI scan, can sometimes be used instead.

According to her, excessive or poorly managed exposure can lead to two main types of health effects: immediate damage at high doses and long-term risks, such as cancer, due to accumulated exposure.

Lateefat also cautioned against the dangers of prolonged exposure to mobile devices, warning that excessive use and poor usage habits could pose serious health risks, especially among the youth.

In her remark, the Chairperson, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Women Council, Risikat Adeyanju, stressed the need to adopt safer habits when dealing with everyday devices to mitigate overexposure to radiation.

She also expressed concern over the careless use of mobile phones, noting that many people are unaware of potential health risks.

Besides, she emphasised that the programme is not only about health awareness but also about strengthening family unity and values.

Also, Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Council, Jubril Kolawole, urged parents to strengthen their guidance in shaping the behaviour of the younger generation, highlighting serious societal challenges facing them.

He said that while some of these children exhibit good behaviour, others are negatively influenced by their environment, emphasising the need to improve the situation through intentional parenting and strict adherence to moral and religious teachings.