Assessing Environmental Hazard Parameters of Natural Radioactivity in a High Background Area

Radionuclide concentrations in soil and rocks have been reported in several regions within the KSA. Radioactive radionuclides in soils and rocks are highly influenced by geochemical and geological factors. This study aims to investigate a high background area of Natural radioactivity in Heqal village in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Fourteen samples were collected from Heqal village (9 soil samples; 5-rocks samples). Rock and soil samples were analyzed using gamma spectrometry for 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K. This data provided the basis for calculating gamma dose rates (AGDRs), annual effective dose rates (AEDRs), radium equivalent (Raeq), external and internal hazard indexes (Hex and Hin), gamma index (Iγ), alpha index (Iα), and excess lifetime cancer index (ELCR). Our findings will help decision makers and public health officials with essential information for developing strategies to reduce radiation exposure and prevent future cases of cancer.