Natural radiation doses to the population in a granitic region in Spain

Abstract

The global average effective dose from natural radiation sources is estimated to be 2.4 mSv y−1. Nevertheless, local variations in the radiation exposure may differ by orders of magnitude. In this paper, we study a rural area in western Salamanca (Spain) where doses are potentially well above the stated average value. Its geology consists mostly of granite and schist, presenting various uranium mineralisations, some of which were exploited in former years. Water samples, both surface and groundwater, were collected in selected villages and measured by liquid-scintillation spectrometry. 222Rn in dwellings was determined in dwellings by means of short-term measurements, using Picorad vials and long-term measurements with CR-39 detectors. The committed effective doses to the inhabitants due to indoor 222Rn and 222Rn and 226Ra in drinking water were assessed using the dose conversion factors proposed in the UNSCEAR 2000 report.