Abstract <p>Naturally occurring radioactive gases in rock, <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn, play a significant role in influencing the local air quality and pose potential health risks to nearby populations. Activities that disturb the Earth’s surface, such as excavation, can further enhance the release of these gases, thereby increasing the exposure risk. This study provides a comprehensive radiological assessment of rock samples collected from various locations across the Raparin region in northern Iraq, with the primary objective of quantifying <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn concentrations. Gas emissions were measured through alpha particle track detection using passive detectors. To reveal and enlarge the alpha tracks, the detectors were chemically etched in a 6.25 N NaOH solution at 70 ± 1°C for 8 h. The resulting tracks were then analyzed microscopically to determine <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn concentrations. The findings show that the mean concentrations of <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn in rock samples were 501 ± 80 and  509 ± 95 Bq m<sup>–3</sup>, respectively. All the measured values were within internationally accepted safety limits except Rezena and Kawbin samples. Radiological hazard indices for <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn were calculated for the rock samples and compared with international standards to assess the potential health risks. This study provides essential baseline data for the Raparin region, supporting public health initiatives and informing <sup>222</sup>Rn and <sup>220</sup>Rn risk management strategies across Iraqi Kurdistan.</p>

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Measurement and Exposure Assessment of Radon and Thoron Gas in Rock from Different Locations in Northern Iraq

  • H. M. Qadr

摘要

Abstract

Naturally occurring radioactive gases in rock, 222Rn and 220Rn, play a significant role in influencing the local air quality and pose potential health risks to nearby populations. Activities that disturb the Earth’s surface, such as excavation, can further enhance the release of these gases, thereby increasing the exposure risk. This study provides a comprehensive radiological assessment of rock samples collected from various locations across the Raparin region in northern Iraq, with the primary objective of quantifying 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations. Gas emissions were measured through alpha particle track detection using passive detectors. To reveal and enlarge the alpha tracks, the detectors were chemically etched in a 6.25 N NaOH solution at 70 ± 1°C for 8 h. The resulting tracks were then analyzed microscopically to determine 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations. The findings show that the mean concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn in rock samples were 501 ± 80 and  509 ± 95 Bq m–3, respectively. All the measured values were within internationally accepted safety limits except Rezena and Kawbin samples. Radiological hazard indices for 222Rn and 220Rn were calculated for the rock samples and compared with international standards to assess the potential health risks. This study provides essential baseline data for the Raparin region, supporting public health initiatives and informing 222Rn and 220Rn risk management strategies across Iraqi Kurdistan.