Natural Radioactivity Research Articles

Natural radioactivity, radon exhalation rates and radiation doses in the soil samples collected from the vicinity of Kolaghat thermal power plant, West Bengal, India

Natural radioactivity, radon exhalation rates and radiation doses in the soil samples collected from the vicinity of Kolaghat thermal power plant, West Bengal, India

Investigation of natural and artificial radioactivity levels in travertines of the Cappadocia region in Turkey.

This study determined natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations to evaluate natural radioactivity and health risk levels of nine travertines in the Yaprakhisar and Balkayası regions in Turkey. The samples coded B1-M, B2, B5, B7, B8, and B10 represent waste derived from the Yaprakhisar travertines, as well as samples T5-M, T12, and Z1 travertines derived from Balkayası. The levels of natural and artificial radionuclide concentrations (232Th, 40K, and 137Cs) were measured using a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector system. The travertine activity ranged from 2.09 to 12.07Bqkg-1 for 232Th, 4.21 to 13.41Bqkg-1 for 40K, and 0.42-3.26Bqkg-1 for 137Cs. The results showed that the activity concentration values for 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were coherent with the travertine analysis results in the UNSCEAR, 2000; 2008 publications. The values obtained were lower than the average values in the UNSEAR reports. The radiological hazard parameters calculated in this study were absorbed gamma dose rate (D), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), exposure dose (ER), total annual effective dose (AEDEtotal), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtotal), gamma representative level (GRL), internal hazard index (Hin) and external hazard index (Hex).

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Hazard Indicators in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Nepal through In-situ Technique and Multivariate Analysis

The evaluation of primordial radionuclide concentrations in rapidly urbanized and concrete-laden areas through the importation of construction materials from various regions of Nepal is both important and essential. This study utilized a portable gamma-ray spectrometer (PGIS 2) to analyze the distribution of three natural radionuclides:uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) in Tarakeshwor Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal. The measured dose rates ranged from 70.22 nSv hr−1 to 163.66 nSv hr−1, with an average of 124.65±20.29 nSv hr−1, surpassing the global average of 59 nSv hr−1. The activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th exceeded global averages, indicating relatively higher natural radioactivity concentrations in the region. Specifically, the average values for 40K, 238U, and 232Th were 935.26±172.30 Bq kg−1, 80.47±15.53 Bq kg−1, and 80.44±18.58 Bq kg−1, respectively. The calculated radium equivalent (Raeq) ranged from 132.26 to 351.22 Bq kg−1, and the annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) varied from 372.61 to 1028.81 μSv yr−1. The annual effective dose rates for indoor and outdoor environments were 0.54±0.09 mSv yr−1 and 0.15±0.03 mSv yr−1, respectively, both exceeding the global average. The representative level index (RLI) within the study area averaged 1.96±0.32, indicating an elevated radiation risk. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values for outdoor and indoor environments were 0.52×10−3 ±0.09 ×10−3 and 1.87 ×10−3 ±0.31×10−3, respectively, surpassing the world average. Additionally, external hazard indices (Hex) ranged from 0.36 to 0.59, while internal hazard indices (Hin) ranged from 0.38 to 1.20, both indicating values higher than UNSCEAR recommendations. These findings underscore the necessity for further experimental analysis employing ex-situ equipment. The data generated in this study can provide a valuable baseline for future assessments and interventions in radiation risk management guidelines within the country.

Evaluation of Radiological Risks Due to Natural Radioactivity in Soils from Swampy Agricultural Farmlands in Kokona, Nigeria

Evaluation of Radiological Risks Due to Natural Radioactivity in Soils from Swampy Agricultural Farmlands in Kokona, Nigeria

Evaluation of Radioactivity and Radiological Parameters in Soil Samples in Isparta, Türkiye

In the city centre of Isparta, located in the southwestern part of Türkiye, indoor radon concentrations and gamma dose rate levels were observed above the world and country averages. For this reason, the determination of the natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Isparta province is of great interest. In the present study, the activity concentrations of radionuclides (namely 226Ra,232Th, 40K and 137Cs) were investigated in the soil samples collected from 72 different points including the city centre and 12 towns of Isparta by using a gamma spectrometer with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra,232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclides in the samples were found in the range of 4.08±0.39 - 69.84±1.43 Bqkg-1, 2.63±0.28 - 65.66±1.41 Bqkg-1, 44.48±3.17 - 452.38±9.65 Bqkg-1 and 0.28±0.18 - 19.10±0.61 Bqkg-1 respectively. The averages of all the measurements were determined as 15.69±0.72 Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 15.40±0.78 Bqkg-1 for 232Th, 210.60±6.22 Bqkg-1 for 40K and 3.44±0.31 Bqkg-1 for 137Cs. Although these values were below the country and world averages, it was revealed that the 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations in the city centre exceeded the national and world averages. In addition, radiological risk maps of the analysed radionuclides were produced for the first time, covering all towns within the Isparta province. To evaluate the radiological hazards resulting from natural radionuclides, external hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), male and female lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values were also calculated. The outcomes of this study revealed that all the radiological parameter averages for Isparta were lower than the world and country averages but the calculation results for the city centre displayed the opposite of this situation except for the external hazard index.

Harnessing Geothermal Energy Potential from High-Level Nuclear Waste Repositories

The disposal of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) has been one of the most challenging issues for nuclear energy utilization. In this study, we have explored the potential of extracting decay heat from HLW, taking advantage of recent advances in the technologies to utilize low-temperature geothermal resources for the co-generation of electricity and heat. Given that geothermal energy entails extracting heat from natural radioactivity within the Earth, we may consider that our approach is to augment it with an anthropogenic geothermal source. Our study—for the first time—introduces a conceptual model of a binary-cycle geothermal system powered by the heat produced by HLW. TOUGHREACT V3.32 software was used to model the heat transfer resulting from radioactive decay to the surrounding geological media. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of employing the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate approximately 108 kWe per HLW canister 30 years after emplacement and a heat pump system to produce 81 kWth of high-potential heat per canister for HVAC purposes within the same timeframe. The proposed facility has the potential to produce carbon-free power while ensuring the safe disposal of radioactive waste and removing the bottleneck in the sustainable use of nuclear energy.

Heavy metals and radionuclides in Islamabad's industrial area: A comprehensive analysis of soil and water pollution, source apportionment and health effects using statistical and geospatial tools

IntroductionHeavy metal pollution in industrial areas around the world is a significant problem that is worsening day by day. Heavy and toxic metals are detrimental to human health and ecology in a region. Hence, determining their level and potential is critical to form effective pollution control strategies for reducing the risks associated with them. Study areaIslamabad is the capital city of Pakistan with a dedicated industrial zone. PurposeThis study evaluated the heavy metal pollution levels in the soil and water of Islamabad's industrial area and radionuclides activity in the soil using statistical, geospatial tools as well as their subsequent health and ecological hazards. Materials and methodsElemental analysis in this study was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The radionuclides activity in the soil was quantified using High Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe). ResultsThe soil of Islamabad's industrial area is highly polluted with heavy and toxic metals. The risk posed by heavy metals to the eco-system was calculated using Ecological risk factor and was found to be above recommended level. Principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation and inverse distance weighting interpolation (IDW) revealed that the soil near the steel mills, landfill and marble processing plants is extremely polluted with heavy metals. Health hazards from heavy metal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact were also calculated. Cr posed a carcinogenic risk to children via the three exposure pathways with the value being 4 × 10−4. Natural radioactivity levels for Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 were found to be 25.96±12.50, 15.84±2.59, 469.48±52.38 Bqkg−1, respectively. Elemental analysis of water samples coupled with geospatial analysis showed that water samples collected near the industrial complexes have elevated levels of Sb. The water quality for irrigation was assessed and the water from Islamabad's industrial area was found to be suitable for irrigation. ConclusionIn conclusion, the soil of Islamabad's industrial area is highly polluted with heavy metals and has lower levels of natural radioactivity. The water near the industries also has elevated levels of some heavy metals.

Geochemical characteristics, hazards impact assessment and radiogenic heat production of the alkaline rocks.

This study primarily investigates the natural radioactivity level in alkaline rocks collected from the Wadi El-Dib ring complex (WDRC) in North Eastern Desert of Egypt, and assesses potential health risks associated with their use as decorative building materials. The work was accomplished using a high-purity germanium detector as well as ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques. The WDRC composed essentially of trachyte, quartz syenite, granite and syenite. Geochemically, these rocks contain high SiO2 and alkalis with metaluminous to slightly peraluminous features. All rocks contain high concentrations of rare earth elements (∑REEs = 109-1075ppm), with clear enrichment in light REEs compared to heavy REEs [(La/Yb)N = 8.3-25.3. Radiometrically, the concentrations of the natural radioisotopes (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in the studied rock types surpassed the worldwide average values assigned for building materials by UNSCEAR. This elevation of the radioisotope concentration values is due to the presence of supplement minerals such as monazite, zircon, allanite, and rutile. Granites exhibit the highest mean concentrations of 238U (av. 164.24 ± 14.76Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 214.37 ± 23.33Bq/kg), while trachytes demonstrate the highest 40K (av. 1352.56 ± 65.56Bq/kg) concentrations. In contrast, syenites exhibite the lowest mean concentrations for 238U (av. 54.51 ± 6.81Bq/kg) and 232Th (av. 56.76 ± 6.25Bq/kg), while quartz syenites display the lowest mean concentration of 40K (av. 1144.78 ± 96.19Bq/kg). The radiogenic heat production (RHP) associated with U, Th, and K range between 1.41 to 9.33μW/m3, exceeding the typical crustal mean value of 0.8 to 1.2μW/m3. The radiological parameters and indices evaluating risks of the outdoor and indoor radiation doses due to the investigated rocks were assessed. The results indicated that these rocks meet globally accepted values and safety standards (approved by UNSCEAR, ICRP, and EC) for surface building materials, as well as they underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols to safeguard workers from radiation exposure within the WDRC area. Ultimately, the data herein provide a valuable database for assessing the compatibility of geochemical data and natural radioactivity level in WDRC rocks. Additionally, it reveals that from the radiological perspective, the investigated rocks are considered safe for use as decorative construction materials.

Estimation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in aggregate (stone dust) used as building materials in South Africa

ABSTRACT In this study, the radioactivity concentrations of natural radionuclides (Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassiumi-40) in aggregate/stone dust samples used for building construction purposes have been measured with thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(TI)) detector. The samples’ associated radiological hazard risks were calculated using standard radiological expressions. The mean values of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassiumi-40 activity concentrations in the studied Quarries’ samples were above the World mean values of 35, 30, and 400 Bq.kg−1 for radioactivity concentrations in building materials. The lowest and highest values of all the estimated radiological hazard indices were recorded in samples Afrisam C 5 and Afrimat 3.

Risk Assessment of Natural Radionuclides and Trace Elements of Industrial Activities in Suez Bay

ABSTRACT The study aims to assess the marine environmental hazards resulting from some industrial activities areas being found at the Suez Bay. The survey was done to select five industrial locations along the studied areas where different water and sediment samples were collected during September 2020. The study methods showed that different concentrations were measured in the collected water and sediment samples, such as; Al, Fe, Mn, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Mo, V, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, where the digested samples were measured by using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma spectroscopy (ICAP 6500 Duo), while the natural radioactivity concentrations of the selected radio-nuclides such as 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, were measured in both water and sediments samples by using Hyper germanium detector, as the radiological risk assessment of different samples was detected by using ERICA modeling software. The study results showed that the concentrations of the measured trace elements in the selected five industrial sites were slightly higher than the standard limits, while the measured radioactivity concentrations of the selected radio-nuclides in both water and sediment samples were below the standard limits. The results showed that the calculated distribution coefficient of the selected trace elements was (Kd Metal Pollution Index < 3), which indicated that the measured trace elements were more dissolved in the aqueous than the sediment medium. The study used the mean probable effect Level (m-PEL-Q) for estimating the metal concentration hazards in the sediment samples at the selected sites, where these values were ranged from 0.04 to 0.1, indicating that the combined concentration effects for these metals were caused 9% toxic probability. The study showed that both the calculated quotient risk (QR) and dose rate values of the marine organisms which were being calculated by the ERICA model were below the recommended limits.

Evaluation of natural radioactivity levels and related radiological hazards in marine sediment samples taken from Ahanta West in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana

Evaluation of natural radioactivity levels and related radiological hazards in marine sediment samples taken from Ahanta West in the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana

Radiological Risk to Inhalation of Thoron Gas from Medical Materials Samples Derived from Medical Plants in Iraq

Pollution by thoron is one of the factors that is harmful to human health. Medical materials, especially those derived from plants, have natural ingredients which are a major source of natural radioactivity, thoron being one of them. Therefore, the presence of harmful radioactivity in these materials is a matter of concern. This study determined the concentrations of thoron (220Rn or radon-220) from 70 samples of medical materials derived from medical plants using a CR-39 detector. Samples are drugs (solid), skin creams, herbs, toothpaste, drugs (liquid), and cosmetic products found in Iraqi pharmacies. Also, radiological risks such as Annual Effective Dose (AED), Excessive Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), and Lung Cancer Case (LCC) due to inhalation of thoron from medical materials samples in pharmacies were calculated. The results show that the results of the thoron  concentrations in the samples of medical materials ranged from 1.02 Bq/m3 to 74.53 Bq/m3, with an average value of 18.21 ± 2.00 Bq/m3. The range values of AED, ELCR (×10-3) and LCC (×10-6) were 0.01-0.588 mSv/y, 0.04-2.36, and 0.18-10.58, respectively. It was als found that the thoron concentrations in samples of the present study vary from a minimum of 12.82 Bq/m3 in cosmetic products samples to a maximum of 30.29 Bq/m3 in herbs samples. Nonetheless, all thoron and radiological risk values were lower than the acceptable world limit (thoron = 200-300 Bq/m3  by ICRP and AED = 1.1-4.4 mSv/y by UNSCEAR).

Activity concentration of NORM at reclaimed ex-coal mines in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Unbeknownst to us, natural radiation is in close proximity to human existence. Post-mining practices can generate naturally occurring radionuclides that have the potential to cause radiological effects on human health. This study utilized soil samples obtained from ex-mining reclamation land in Banko Barat, South Sumatra Province, to assess the concentration of natural radioactivity and the corresponding radiation dose. Eight composite soil samples were collected from reclaimed land. The samples underwent processing and analysis through gamma spectrometry in order to ascertain the activity concentration of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K. The RESRAD-ONSITE 7.2 software utilizes the activity concentration of soil samples as an input parameter to accurately predict the dose rate for workers. The projected dose rate was determined by considering four routes of exposure: external gamma radiation, inhalation, radon, and ingestion of soil. The measured activity values of soil samples from reclamation land for 226Ra ranged from 25.6704 ± 0.5082 to 58.8555 ± 0.6917 Bq/kg. The activity values for 232Th ranged from 30.5546 ± 0.1757 to 42.53020.3004 Bq/kg. Lastly, the activity values for 40K ranged from 533.902 ± 6.4023 to 988.081 ± 9.6948 Bq/kg. The total effective dose rate measured in the reclaimed land falls between 0.08673 and 0.1469 millisieverts per year. The value does not surpass the maximum limit set by BAPETEN, which is one mSv/year. Therefore, no additional protective measures are required for workers.

Assessment of the Natural Radioactivity Levels in Soils and the Associated Health Risks to the Public in Mbeya City, Tanzania

The objective of this study was to assess the radioactivity levels in soils from Mbeya City and their associated health risks. Samples were collected from selected locations. Then, the samples were analyzed by using an HPGe detector to determine the concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K. The concentrations were used to compute the radiation indices. The concentrations ranged from 13.98±1.99 to 275.93±25.88 Bq/kg for 232Th, 5.69±1.48 to 107.49±10.61 Bq/kg for 226Ra and 195.76±21.17 to 1,710.00±161.32 Bq/kg for 40K with an average of 169.55 Bq/kg, 71.86 Bq/kg and 998.42 Bq/kg, respectively. The radium equivalent ranged from 41.10 to 583.93 Bq/kg with an average of 391.19 Bq/kg. The gamma dose rate ranged from 42.97 to 691.85 nGyhr-1 with an average of 467.57 nGyhr-1. The indoor effective dose ranged from 0.21 to 3.39 mSv/y, with an average of 2.29 mSv/y while the outdoor effective dose ranged from 0.05 to 0.85 mSv/y, with an average of 0.57 mSv/y. The internal hazard index ranged from 0.13 to 1.84 Bq/kg with an average of 1.25 Bq/kg while the external hazard index ranged from 0.11 to 1.58 Bq/kg with an average of 1.06.Bq/kg. The results indicate elevated levels of background radiation above the world average and the hazard indices above the ICRP and UNSCEAR recommendations. Therefore, control measures were recommended to protect the public against possible health risks.

Seasonal Variations of Radioactivity Concentrations in Soil and Sediment of Meriç River, Turkey

In this study, natural and artificial radioactivity levels were determined for spring, summer, autumn and winter in soil and sediment samples collected from different sites in the Meriç River using a HPGe detector. The mean radioactivity levels in this study were compared with other activity concentrations in various region’s soils and sediments and also with the world mean values. The mean activity concentrations of 40K were found to be higher than the world mean value in both soil and sediment samples. In addition, 137Cs radionuclide emitted into the atmosphere by the Chernobyl explosion is still present in both soil and sediment. In order to estimate the potential health risk in samples, radiological hazard parameters were calculated for samples and compared with the recommended values.

Correlation between cancer risk and natural radioactivity in food samples of different areas of Haryana and Punjab, India

Correlation between cancer risk and natural radioactivity in food samples of different areas of Haryana and Punjab, India

Natural radioactivity in soil and water of Saudi Arabia: A mixed-studies review

Keeping track of radiation levels within human-inhabited areas is imperative to prevent public exposure. The human body is subjected to out-of-control radiation doses of approximately 82%, resulting from radiation sources such as earthly, cosmic, and internal radiation exposure. One public health issue is the radionuclide contamination in water and soil. In this paper, an overview of radionuclides contamination for some selected radionuclides in waters and soils has been conducted in all Saudi regions to better understand the sources and status of contamination. This review shows certain radioactive elements, such as 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K, and 137Cs, in soil and water, which may have originated from natural or human-made sources. However, the available literature covers radionuclide levels in soil and water across all regions of Saudi Arabia, including the northern, southern, eastern, western, and central parts.

Assessing the radiological hazards due to radionuclides in sediments and tailings around Kilembe copper mines, Western Uganda

ABSTRACT Copper mining in Kilembe Valley, Western Uganda, between 1956 and 1982 resulted in multiple tailing sites, raising concerns about potential increases in the natural background radiation. In this study, the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in 31 sediments and tailing samples from the Kilembe copper mines area were determined using HPGe-based gamma spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in sediment samples were 38.6 ± 8.9, 37.4 ± 7.8, and 708.0 ± 147.3 Bq kg−1, respectively. While in tailing samples, the mean values were 171.3 ± 31.7, 34.8 ± 14.9, and 792.4 ± 208.2 Bq kg−1, respectively. These values exceeded global averages of 35, 30, and 400 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. To assess the radiological hazards due to radionuclides in sediments and tailings, several parameters such as the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), gamma representative index (Iγ), absorbed dose rate (D), total annual effective dose (Etot), and total excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRtot) were determined. In sediments, most of these hazard parameters were above the world’s average values, except Raeq, Iγ, Hex, and Hin. While in tailings, all the hazard parameters surpassed the global average values except Raeq and Hex. Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that 226Ra was the main contributor to the assessed radiological hazards. The study suggests potential radiological risks linked to natural radioactivity from sediments and mine tailings, especially when used as building materials.

A review of naturally occurring radioactive elements in coastal regions of Bangladesh

Extensive and systematic study has been carried out globally to get a thorough understanding of the underlying dynamics of radionuclides in the environment. This study was aimed to examine the natural radioactivity level in coastal areas of Bangladesh by combining the main research carried out on environmental radioactivity, predominantly employing established nuclear methods and methodologies during the past. The concentrations of important radionuclides, including 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 238U, and 235U, were measured in those investigations. Soil samples showed the highest concentration of 226Ra at Inani Beach, Cox's Bazar (21°8ʹ N latitude, 92°4ʹ E longitude), with a value of 61.66 Bqkg-1. On the other hand, Cox's Bazar Sea Beach has the lowest 226Ra concentration at 10.8 Bqkg-1. In contrast, Cox's Bazar had the highest 226Ra activity in the sand and silt samples (147.93 Bqkg-1), whereas Kuakata Sea Beach (21° 48ʹ N latitude and 90° 10ʹ E longitude) had the lowest (2.82 Bqkg-1). The research found that 226Th activity varied from 1085.99 Bqkg-1 to 27.4 Bqkg-1 in soil samples from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach. In Cox's Bazar, the sand and silt samples showed the highest 226Th activity at 1085.9 Bqkg-1. In contrast, Kuakata Sea Beach has the lowest radioactivity at 9.22 Bqkg-1. Soil samples showed that 40K content was highest at Inani Beach (21°13ʹ N latitude and 92°3ʹ E longitude), Cox's Bazar (1304.11 Bqkg-1) and lowest at Cox's Bazar Sea Beach (25.16 Bqkg-1). The sand and silt sample from Kuakata Sea Beach had the greatest 40K activity, measuring 852 Bqkg-1. However, the sample from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach had the lowest amount (21.9 Bqkg-1). Soil samples from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach showed 238U activity of 455.99 Bqkg-1 and 110.84 Bqkg-1, respectively. The highest 238U activity sand sample was found in Cox's Bazar, measuring 460.5 Bqkg-1. The Patenga region (22°14ʹ N  latitude and 91°47ʹ E longitude) in Chattogram has the lowest radioactive level, 45.2 Bqkg-1. The study's findings have been meticulously recorded as crucial foundational knowledge for forthcoming investigations on radionuclides in this coastal area. A comprehensive evaluation of prior published analyses of naturally occurring radioactive elements in the coastal regions of Bangladesh has shown that the level of activity is completely non-hazardous. The experimental areas' soils are ideal for a variety of agricultural and other purposes. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 135-152, 2023

Baseline Study and Statistical Analysis of Natural Radioactivity, Radon, and Soil Properties in Proposed Underground Mine in Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of Western Region, Ghana

The study aims to establish a natural radioactivity and radon gas baseline for the proposed concession for an underground gold mine in the Bonteboni within the Prestea Hun-Valley Municipality of the Western Region, Ghana. The CR-39 and HPGe detectors were used to determine radon gas and 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K concentrations with sieving and weighing methods to determine the porosity and composition of soils, in sixty (60) soil samples and one hundred twenty (120) dwellings. The studied data for dwellings were found to range from 82.9 to 165.8 Bq/m3 (131.0 ± 12.7 Bq/m3). The radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and soil radon gas were in the range of 12.5–35.9 Bq/kg (23.3 ± 0.9 Bq/kg), 35.8–134.7 Bq/kg (83.2 ± 3.7 Bq/kg), 30.4–324.6 Bq/kg (143.2 ± 11.3 Bq/kg) and 8.0–19.3 (14.7 ± 0.4 µBqm−2 h−1), respectively. Indoor radon gas was found in increasing order in dwelling types as clay > sandcrete > wooden while the natural radionuclides were also found to follow the order 40K > 232Th > 226Ra. Sixty-three dwellings obtained indoor radon levels above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 100 Bq/m3. Fifteen locations had levels of the radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th exceeding guidelines set by the UNSCEAR. The effective doses due to natural radionuclides were found to be less than 1 mSv/yr with thirty-five locations having values greater than the ICRP’s lower recommended limit of 3 mSv/yr. The ventilation systems were found to have a greater influence on the indoor radon concentration in different dwellings. The linkage and composition analysis between the porosity and soil particles indicated a direct impact on natural radionuclides and radon levels, thereby influencing the amount of radiation exposure to the public and environment.