Abstract: In this study, indoor $$^{222}Rn$$ concentrations were evaluated in different selected dwellings in Kırklareli (Turkey) and specific activities of natural radionuclides ($$^{226}Ra$$, $$^{232}Th$$, and $$^{40}K$$) were analyzed in the soil samples collected near these dwellings. The indoor $$^{222}Rn$$ concentration ranged from 11 ± 1 to 37 ± 3 Bq $$m^{−3}$$. The annual effective doses due to inhalation of $$^{222}Rn$$ gas were estimated and vary between 0.28 and 0.93 mSv $$y^{−1}$$. Activity concentrations of $$^{226}Ra$$, $$^{232}Th$$, and $$^{40}K$$ range from 19.61 ± 2.91 to 50.54 ± 4.82 Bq $$kg^{-1}$$, 18.66 ± 2.14 to 91.20 ± 8.68 Bq $$kg^{-1}$$, and 97.45 ± 8.96–1354.05 ± 128.50 Bq kg−1. The correlation between indoor $$^{222}Rn$$ and $$^{226}Ra$$ content in soil was investigated and a weak correlation was found between them. Radiological hazard parameters were calculated to determine the radiological effect of natural radionuclides on the population in the study region.

Keywords: Soil, Indoor radon, Gamma spectrometry, AlphaGUARD, Radioactivity, Radiological parameters, Health risks, Pollution

Pages: 847-857