Monitoring the Environmental Radiation Levels for Some Regions in Iraq

Abstract

The absorbed dose rates in air have been monitored in 23 different urban areas in Iraq using TLD dosimeter for the period 1992-1994 and in 2011-2012, with no significant differences observed. The risk of cancer incidence (morbidity) and mortality to the individuals related to external exposure to ambient gamma radiation is evaluated in this study using the linear, no-threshold (LNT) dose-response model. The risk estimations include delayed radiation effects (cancer morbidity, mortality and hereditary genetic damages). The mean effective dose equivalent to the individuals of 0.48 mSv/y is found to be less than the recommended dose limit to the public established by the International Atomic Energy Agency of 1 mSv/y. However, the findings of this study report that about 0.24% of the respective population are expected to be diagnosed with radiation-induced cancer over there lifetime. The lifetime fatal cancer probability (mortality) is estimated to be occurs at a rate of 0.18%. The risk of developing fatal stomach cancer is found to be occurs at a largest extent in comparison with other exposed body organs and tissues. Other consequences of radiation injury such as genetic effects transmitted to succeeding generations are expected to occur at a rate of 0.03% in the offspring of the respective population as a result of changes transmitted via the genetic mechanisms due to irradiation of gonads