Radon and Radium Levels in Soil and Associated Indoor and Outdoor Radon Radiation Hazards in the Raparin Area, Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan.

Abstract

Radioactive gases naturally present in terrestrial environments, particularly radon, have substantial implications for atmospheric quality and represent considerable health hazards for surrounding communities. Surface disturbance activities, including mining and construction excavation, can amplify the emission of these gaseous radionuclides, consequently elevating exposure risks. This investigation provides a thorough radiological evaluation of terrestrial samples obtained from various locations throughout the Raparin district in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The research focuses on determining the activity levels of radon and radium within soil matrices. Alpha particle emissions from radon decay were quantified using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors. Track visualization and enhancement were achieved through chemical treatment using 6.25 N sodium hydroxide solution at 70 °C for 6 h. Microscopic examination of etched tracks enabled precise radon concentration calculations. Findings revealed radon activity concentrations spanning 139 to 395 Bq m-3, with radium levels ranging from 0.24 to 0.61 Bq kg-1. These measurements remained within established international safety guidelines. Health risk assessment involved calculating radiation hazard parameters, including annual effective doses, lifetime cancer probability estimates, and organ-specific dose distributions for both interior and exterior exposure conditions. The investigation confirms that alpha-emitting radionuclide concentrations in analyzed samples fall below recommended safety benchmarks, indicating minimal radiological risk in the Raparin region. These results establish fundamental baseline information essential for public health planning and radon management strategies throughout Iraqi Kurdistan.