Abstract
A survey was carried out in 1970 of the gamma-ray natural background in Perth the State Capital of Western Australia. Dose rates were determined using a portable high pressure ionization chamber. The contribution of cosmic radiation to the chamber ion current was deducted from each reading. Locations of measurement were chosen to permit representative data to be obtained over the important geological structures, and in and adjacent to houses and other areas utilised by the population. The survey revealed a wide range of gamma-ray dose rates, from the extremely low value of 0.2 μrad/hr in limestone and sand plain areas to a maximum of 35 μrad/hr over a laterite formation. The effect of building materials, pavements and roads on the dose rate was demonstrated. The population dose was calculated using the measured dose rates, and statistical data for distribution of population and the various types of dwellings. The average dose rate determined for the population of the Perth metropolitan area was 6.9 μrad/hr or 60 mrad/yr, The annual gonadal dose rate from external gamma radiation was 48.4 mrad/yr.
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