Variation of annual indoor and outdoor gamma dose rate in the lower Himalayan region of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

The exposure from natural sources of radiation imparts a major contribution to doses, both due to external and internal exposures that would be received by members of public, and its levels rely upon the lithology, altitude, and building construction materials. The measurement results of ambient indoor and outdoor radiation levels at 28 locations (villages) of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, India, are presented. The ambient radiation levels were measured utilizing a portable gamma survey meter. For the outdoor environment, the minimum and maximum gamma dose rates were 0.09 and 0.29 μSv/h, whereas, at indoors, the minimum and maximum gamma dose rates were 0.08 and 0.22 μSv/h, respectively. Impact of elevation (height above sea level) on radiation levels has been investigated, and it revealed a weak positive relationship with altitude. Effects of lithology on indoor and outdoor gamma dose rates have likewise been investigated. The average annual effective dose value due to ambient radiation levels was well within the world average values.