Natural Radioactivity Measurements for Assesment of Radiological Risks: Health Risk Assessment Due to Natural Radioactivity

This work deals with the measurement of natural radioactivity using different approaches in order to assess the potential hazards to the inhabitants of different villages/towns of different districts of Doaba region of Punjab. The work has been carried out for the first time to establish a proper co-relation for active and passive measurements and assessment of natural radioactive dose to the residents. The measurements of radon concentration levels in the environs (viz. air, soil and water) are of prime importance as: (a). This enables effective protection of population (humans and animals) from direct health hazards arising from decay of radon and its progeny. (b). The variation of measured radon concentrations leads to understanding of the mechanisms involved with natural hazards i.e. earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. From the natural risk point of view, it is necessary to know the dose limits of public exposure and to measure the natural environmental radiation level provided by ground, air and water etc. for the estimation of the exposure to natural radiation sources.