Natural Radionuclides Research Articles

A new methodology for efficiency calibration of uncharacterized Ge detectors by using characterized Ge detectors

The measurement of gamma emitters natural radionuclides is a very relevant subject in environmental radioactivity in many fields. For this, a valid calibration based on the full-energy peak efficiency (FEPE) is essential, which can be carried out for gamma-ray spectrometry using Monte Carlo codes (Geant4, LabSOCS, MNCP, etc.) without needing a source preparation and with much less time consuming compared to experimental methodologies. Therefore, this work aims to develop a methodology for the FEPE determination of uncharacterized Ge detectors by using characterized Ge detectors with known FEPE. For this, a general relationship was found between the simulated FEPE (εsim) for characterized Ge detectors by LabSOCS and the experimental one (εexp) for uncharacterized Ge detectors obtained for a problem sample (phosphate rock (PR) in our case), where εsim and εexp were factorized using three correction factors: geometrical, photon self-absorption and true coincidence summing (TCS) effects. Thus, the εsim/εexp ratio (FEPER) was obtained for two couples of Ge detectors (2 characterized and 1 uncharacterized detectors), using 4 different cylindrical geometries (C) and 2 Marinelli (M) ones, and varying the sample thickness (h), and gamma energy (Eγ) (from 46 keV (210Pb) to 1765 keV (214Bi)). The consistency obtained for the FEPERs for C geometries suggested a constant geometric factor, finding some deviations for M geometries only at Eγ < 150 keV. Given a pair of detectors, the behavior of the FEPERs was found to be very similar for all geometries, and h at each specific Eγ. Moreover, a constat relationship between the FEPERs of both detector couples versus Eγ was found. Then, the influence of the TCS effects was also studied varying the distance between the geometry bottom and detector window. The developed methodology was also validated confirming the consistency of the FEPERs, which were found to be independent on the chemical composition and apparent density of the sample, supporting our theoretical hypothesis. Consequently, given that the FEPER was found to be independent on the sample type and h, using our developed methodology it is possible to obtain εexp for any sample, geometry and h using the FEPER, previously obtained at each Eγ for the sample selected for methodology development (PR in our case), and the εsim that is obtained for the desired case.

Influence of physico-chemical parameters on natural radionuclides in the coastal belt of Kollam district, South west coast of India

Influence of physico-chemical parameters on natural radionuclides in the coastal belt of Kollam district, South west coast of India

Assessment of the Ra-226 and Ra-228 Content in the Bottom Sediments of the Kolva and Usa Rivers (Bolshezemelskaia Tundra of the Nenets Autonomous Region and the Komi Republic)

An assessment was made of the content of natural radionuclides Ra-226 and Ra-228, as well as petroleum products, in the bottom sediments of the Kolva and Usa rivers (Bolshezemelskaia tundra of the Nenets Autonomous Region and the Komi Republic). The values of the specific activities of the studied radionuclides, their isotope ratios, the concentration of petroleum products are obtained, and the correlation dependences of the specific activities of Ra-226 and Ra-228 on the concentration of petroleum products are established. It has been demonstrated that certain sections of the Kolva river are characterized by increased content of Ra-226 in bottom sediments. It was concluded that the likely source of radionuclide entry into bottom sediments is the entry of oil and gas waste into surface waters.

Assessment of cancer risk and radiological effects from 210Po and 210Pb with consumption of wild medicinal herbal plants

BackgroundPlants' raw materials can accumulate chemical elements, including radioisotopes, to some extent and reflect the region they grow in. Due to their high environmental content and toxicity, natural radionuclides – polonium 210Po and lead 210Pb are the most dangerous radioisotopes for human health. Methods70 raw medicinal herbal materials from 54 popular wild-growing medicinal plant species, most of them included in the European Pharmacopoeia, were collected across three regions. In 210 samples, the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb were determined, and their radiotoxicity and cancer risk were calculated. ResultsThe results of 210Po and 210Pb activities measured in herbal raw material were from 0.12 mBq g−1 dry weight in the fruits of the common chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) to 19.7 mBq g−1 dw in herb of ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) for 210Po, while for 210Pb ranged from 0.16 mBq g−1 dw to 34.3 mBq g−1 dw in the same plants. There were statistically significant differences between 210Po and 210Pb content in leaves, herbs, flowers, and fruit. The studies indicated that the estimated annual effective radiation dose from Polish medicinal herbs consumption was low, ranging 0.03–105 µSv from 210Po and 0.02–98.2 µSv from 210Pb, while the risk of cancer morbidity and mortality ranged from 10−5 to 10−9. ConclusionsConsumption of the tested medicinal herbs is safe from the radiological point of view and, based on the predictions related to the calculated risk of cancer, should not increase the probability of its occurrence.

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.

Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Natural Gamma Dose Rates as a Baseline Study in the Province of Asti, Italy

Natural background gamma rays and their effects on human health are essential components of both radiation protection and public concern. In the frame of these aspects, the mapping of the natural gamma dose rate values of the Province of Asti is given. The Asti Fire Brigade Command approved a project relating to the mapping of gamma radiation from the natural background in the territory of Asti. The project engaged both the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Radiological (NBCR) and Topography Applied to Rescue (TAS) components of the Asti Command. Skilled personnel, comprising level 1 TAS operators for data collection and level 2 TAS operators for cartographic analysis, were deployed across the six working days. The methodology involved the use of two digital handheld radiation G-M detectors, in conjunction with a portable GPS unit, including the Global Mapper software. One of the significant findings of this study is the observation that the natural gamma dose rate levels were 201.25% higher in the streets of the city center compared to other areas, predominantly because the building materials in these locations contain a higher amount of natural radionuclides. The results indicated that the level of natural gamma dose rates in the studied region is close to the global average value.

Estimation of 210Po and 210Pb and its doses to human beings due to consumption of freshwater species of Ponnusamuthiram Lake, South India

Abstract A systemic study on the natural radionuclides such as 210Po and 210Pb in the environmental matrices and biota of Ponnusamuthiram Lake (Kumarapalayam) has been undertaken to establish a baseline data on the radiation profile of Ponnusamuthiram Lake ecosystem. The environmental samples, such as water, sediment, and biota (Catla catla, Channa punctata, Clarias batrachus, and Oreochromis mossambicus), crustaceans (Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Macrobrachium malcolmsonii), and bivalves (Lamellidens marginalis), have been subjected to analyses. It has been observed that the concentration of 210Po and 210Pb in the water samples of Ponnusamuthiram Lake was 1.95 and 3.70 mBq L−1, respectively. The activity concentration of 210Po and 210Pb in the sediment sample was 65.31 and 21.12 Bq kg−1, respectively. The bivalve mollusc Lamellidens marginalis have been identified to accumulate higher concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb suggesting that they could serve as bioindicators of radionuclides in the Ponnusamuthiram Lake ecosystem. The concentration factor of 210Po for the biotic components ranged from 1.0 × 103 to 3.0 × 105, while for 210Pb, it ranged from 1.0 × 103 to 4.7 × 104. The committed effective dose for human beings was found at 21.74–248.20 and 16.84–118.67 μSv y−1 for 210Po and 210Pb, respectively.

Study on the behavior of radionuclides in geologic samples from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

The present study concerned with the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U) in ten sedimentary rock samples collected from fault zone, Gabal Um Hamd, southwestern Sinai, Egypt. These samples were investigated to study their behavior during a part of geologic time. The activity concentrations were measured using γ-ray spectrometry (HPGe detector). The investigated samples were analyzed for major oxides using the XRF technique. The results demonstrated high average activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and, 235U than the worldwide average values as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. Theil diagram showed that there are accumulation and leaching of uranium in some samples in the two sides of the fault zone. It is noticed that the ages of uranium depositions for the samples collected from the downthrown of the fault zone vary from 121.5 to 440.1 ky, while for the sample collected from the upthrown of the fault is 210.9 ky. The 230Th/232Th activity ratios range between 4.55 and 91.04 for downthrown samples and between 4.75 and 6.05 for upthrown samples which are smaller than 20 except for two samples, indicating a contamination of the samples by detrital 230Th. After subtraction of the detrital 230Th, the corrected ages for downthrown samples vary from 119.1 to 231.7 ky while for upthrown samples vary from 164.4 to 390 ky.

Investigation of natural radioactivity and its associated radiological parameters in different tiles used in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract Radiological parameters resulting from different tiles commonly used in homes and offices in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India were assessed in this study by carrying out radioactivity measurement of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) in them using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. The tiles’ respective mean activity concentrations were about 49.2 Bqkg−1 for 226Ra, 49.3 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, and 479 Bqkg−1 for 40K. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, and gamma index were evaluated. The calculated mean absorbed dose rate is slightly higher than the world average values. The geometric mean of radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, and gamma index are well within the recommended limit and hence do not pose any risk when used as building materials. The findings will be helpful for creating guidelines and standards for the proper utilization of these materials.

Measurement of Natural Radionuclide Activity in Soil Samples from Different Regions in Al-Hilla City, Iraq

Measurement of Natural Radionuclide Activity in Soil Samples from Different Regions in Al-Hilla City, Iraq

Assessment of Extent of Radiological Exposures in Subsurface Dumpsite Sediments around the Residential Area of Oru-Ijebu South-West Nigeria

Assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides was carried out from 20 sampling points in a dumpsite systematically collected from varying subsurface depth intervals of 0-0.2m, 0.2-0.4m, 0.4-0.6m, 0.6-0.8m and 0.8m-1.0m, while the control samples were taken from two sampling points located 200m away from the dumpsite. The samples were consequently analyzed in the laboratory for natural radioactive emission where each activity concentration measurements of the radionuclides were determined; the natural radionuclides identified were 226Ra, 238U, 232Th, 40K utilizing gamma ray spectrometry with NaI (IT) detector. The mean activity concentrations recorded in Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 238U, 232Th and 40K in the subsurface soil samples were respectively 2.53±0.60, 31.50±2.01, 27.20±1.63 and 340.39±19.48 in depth 0m−0.2m; 1.96±0.37, 28.2455±2.50, 23.84±3.07 and 320.59±24.07 respectively in depth 0.2m-0.4m; 1.24±0.41, 24.197±3.66, 19.86±2.46 and 290.71±28.99 respectively in depth 0.4m−0.6m; 0.80±0.34 Bqkg-1, 20.10±4.133, 16.10±1.54, and 259.04±34.22 in depth 0.6m−0.8m and 0.68±0.25, 18.509±2.08, 14.50±0.91 and 247±30.13 for 0.8-1.0m. The levels of radioactivity were then used to assess public dose rates and radioactive contamination thereby predicting changes in environmental radioactivity caused by poor waste management, industrial activities, and other human activities. In all the investigated sampling point 40K exhibited the highest activity concentration in 0-0.2m depth with the value of 383.45±19.4883 while Pr exhibited the lowest activity concentration with the value of 0.08±0.4252 in depth 0.8-1.0m. The mean activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K, in the soil samples at the dumpsite were 20.80, 20.3 and 291.54 Bqkg-1respectively for 0-0.2m depth. These results were lower than the world permissible standard stated by UNSCEAR. It was generally observed that the activity concentrations reduced with 0-0.2m having the highest concentration values for both the dumpsite and the control sites, while the mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and40K for the control sites were found to be 31.5045±2.0123, 13.145±1.4637 and 183.415±21.4465 respectively for 0-0.2m depth.

An Overview of the Concentration of Natural Radionuclides Present in the Iraqi Environment: A Review

An Overview of the Concentration of Natural Radionuclides Present in the Iraqi Environment: A Review

The Influence of Technogenic Systems and Geological Periods on the Formation of Oil Radioactivity

The article describes the influence of technogenic systems and geological periods on the formation of radioactivity in oil. It is known that damage to equipment by natural radionuclides released during oil refining, processing, transportation has a significant impact on radioactivity in the oil deposit. The influence of the content of organoelements, hydrocarbons, sulfur in oil at different stages of geological development on radioactivity has been proven by scientists in their studies. The impact of metals, organoelement compounds, hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds contained in oil in studies of oil-contaminated soils, oil sludge of the Kumkol deposit is shown as a result of qualitative analysis with the mobile application «RD» and the spectrometer «Spectroscan mass». As a result of the study, it can be seen that high radioactivity is present in the sludge and soil with highly contaminated oil.

CARCINOGENIC EFFECT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF SMOKE

All types of smoke are carcinogenic. Increasing air smoke is a serious global problem. Knowledge on carcinogenic effects of various types of smoke is necessary to work out effective preventive measures.&#x0D; The purpose of the review is to characterize the general characteristics and peculiarities of the carcinogenic effects of various types of smoke. The most significant carcinogens of all types of smoke are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and carbon microparticles. Any smoke is an etiological factor for respiratory tract cancer, and systemic neoplasms (tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, central and peripheral nervous systems, soft tissues and skeleton). Tobacco smoke may be involved in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer due to the induction of local immunosuppression and specific tropic nitrosamines. Exhaust fumes due to high benzene content may cause hematological malignancies, especially leukemia in children. Wildfire smoke, due to significant amounts of ultra-fine carbon particles PM0.1, contributes to the development of central nervous system tumors. Severe contamination with natural and artificial radionuclides makes wildfire smoke a factor of high carcinogenic danger for the human population globally. Prevention of malignant neoplasms caused by smoke requires government measures to promote smoking cessation, hybrid and electric engines in automobiles, as well as wildfire prevention, early detection and extinction. Effective respirators and indoor air filters should be used for personal protection. To relieve environmentally caused oxidative stress, herbal medicines and food products that stimulate autophagy, as well as transfer factors for immunodeficiency correction, are recommended.

STUDY OF THE PLANT COVER AND CONTENTS OF RADIONUCLIDES AT THE AKTAN-BERLI SITE

The article presents characteristics of the plant cover at the “Aktan-Berli” site including the content of natural (40K, 232Th, 226Ra) and artificial (137Cs, 90Sr, 241Am, 239+240Pu, 3Н) radionuclides. It has been found that the plant cover of the site is represented by ecosystems of high Kazakh hammocks bordering on ecosystems of lowlands in the west and ecosystems of ancient alluvial and modern alluvial plains. The content of free-water 3Н (FWT) and organic constituent (OBT) is below the detection limit of the methodological instrumentation in use (&lt;8 Bq/kg). The concentration of natural radionuclides is typical, especially for Kazakhstani soil. The range of 90Sr activity concentration in plants range from &lt;0.7 to 6.7 Bq/kq, 137Cs – from &lt;0.6 to 1.1 Bq/kg, the content of 241Am and 239+240Pu are below the detection limit in most cases (&lt;0,2 Bq/kg). Values of the radiation dose rate of plants are below the accepted international criteria. In general, the content of radionuclides in the plant cover of the “Aktan-Berli” site is significantly below the maximum permissible levels of radioactive contamination of forage plants posing no hazard when using the territory of interest for economic activities.

Investigation of radiogeology and environmental geochemistry of quarry ponds in post-tin mining areas of Phuket Island, southern Thailand

Increasing demand for water supply on Phuket Island for both the local consumption and hotel industry has led to overexploitation of ground- and surface water bodies; hence, it is unremittingly important to monitor the local hydrologic regime. Radiogeological and hydrogeochemical environments are investigated by representative water and surface sediment samples collected from the different quarry ponds located in post-tin mining areas on Phuket Island. The study assessed water quality, analyze the relationship between bedrock weathering and water quality, and identify radiogeological factors and natural radon concentrations, with insights into the local geology of the study areas. The representative quarry ponds of Phuket Island consist of a granite quarry pond (PKW1), a Quaternary sediment quarry pond (PKW2), a granitic-metamorphic quarry pond (PKW3), and the perturbation pond (PKW4), with the formation of a variety of geologic features. All collected water samples show total cation concentrations with Ca2+ > Na+ > K+ > Mg2+ and total anion concentrations with HCO3− > Cl− > NO3− > SO42−. However, Gibbs diagrams suggest that rock–water interactions and precipitation are major factors in geochemical processes controlling the water quality. Radon enrichments in the water samples are involved in the local geological structures and hydrogeological environments, as follows: PKW1 > PKW3 > PKW2 > PKW4. No significant correlation between the radon activity concentrations and major/minor ions is shown. Surface sediment samples are reported, and the activity concentrations of radium-228 and thorium-228 (radioactive decay series of thorium-232) are relatively higher than those of radium-226 (radioactive decay series of uranium-238). Therefore, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the surface sediments could be directly influenced by physical weathering, particularly the depositional environments of granitic bedrock around the quarry ponds. Long-term monitoring is necessary to consider the behavior of quarry ponds, which is related to tourism planning and the overall development of Phuket Island.

Species of Peltula (lichenized Ascomycota) are shown to tolerate rock substrate rich in natural γ-radiation in NE Brazil

Pedra Municipality in Pernambuco State (Northeastern Brazil) is known for encompassing areas with high natural radiation from 238U sources, contaminating soil, atmosphere, water, vegetation, and animals, including rural activities. A lichen survey was performed in the area, and species belonging to 19 genera were identified. The diversity is considered very low when compared to nearby municipalities and other similar regions, which might indicate the effect of radiation on the environment. The lichen genus viz. Peltula seems uranium-resistant since its three species: Peltula obscurans (Nyl.) Gyeln., Peltula euploca (Ach.) Poelt and Peltula impressa (Vain.) Swinscow & Krog were the only ones found on rocks rich in this radionuclide. In this study, we show the first report of the occurrence of different Peltula species on anomalous rocks rich in natural radionuclides. In addition, it is the first official reference of P. obscurans and P. impressa to Pernambuco state. The confirmation of the preference of Peltula for substrata radionuclides-rich can indicate this genus as a radioactivity bioindicator.

Radioactivity of inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong and environmental assessment for marine trial reclamation in Guanghai Bay

Inert construction and demolition waste from Hong Kong (HK public fills) has been used for marine trial reclamation in the Guanghai Bay (GHWT) of the Chinese Mainland. However, an environmental assessment of HK public fills is necessary due to higher radioactivity in HK soils than typical global levels. Here, radiation dose rate, gamma radionuclides and gross beta of HK public fills were analyzed. The origin information was explored using natural primordial radionuclides as fingerprints. Our data show that radiation dose rate of HK public fills before disposal was 0.14–0.54 (0.33 ± 0.03) μSv/h (n = 16,722 data with 2787 ships) in 2014, which is less than the GHWT background. Monthly detection of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 228Th, 40K, and gross beta in HK public fills was conducted on three random ships. Their specific activities were <6.27–155.5, 58.7–98.7, <7.83–238.2,97.9–168.6, 87.1–136.0, 463.1–1,018, and 1047–1658 Bq/kgDW, respectively. These results suggest that the radioactivity levels of HK public fills are essentially the same as the GHWT background. The study assessed potential risks using various indices icluding Raeq (Radium equivalent activity), Hex (External radiation hazard index), Hin (Internal radiation hazard index), Iγ (Gamma index), AUI (Activity utilization index), AUI (Activity utilization index), E (Annual effective dose), AGDE (Annual gonadal dose equivalent), RLI (Representative level index), Din (Indoor air absorbed dose rate), Dout (Outdoor air absorbed dose rate), and ELCR (Excess lifetime cancer risk). The study suggests that HK public fills should be used for the trial reclamation rather than building-house materials. This provides valuable insights for the resource utilization and minimizing environmental pollution of HK public fills. The aim is to offer fundamental technical assistance for future waste resource utilization, ecological protection, and restoration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Assessment Of Radionuclides Concentration And Radiological Impact Of Abandoned Tin Mines Soils In Some Communities Of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Nigeria

The concentration of natural radionuclides in the soil around the world has become an environmental concern for international and national authorities because of the harmful effect of radiation exposure on human health. The samples of soil used for this study were collected from Foron and Heipang districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The samples were analyzed using Canberra Model 727/727R Lead Shield Gamma-ray Spectrometer with NaI(Ti) detector. The result shows that 40K ranges from 301.91 ± 0.24 Bq/kg to 124.97 ± 0.31 Bq/kg from the mining spot to 400 m away from the mining spots. 226Ra ranges from 105.43 ± 1.76 Bq/Kg to 43.10 ± 0.62 Bq/Kg from mining spots to 400 m away from the mining spots, and 232Th also ranges from 92.79 ± 0.26 Bq/kg to 26.97 ± 0.39 Bq/kg respectively. The absorbed dose rate in the air (Dr) has a mean value of 82.88 nGh-1. The annual effective dose rate (AEDR) mean value was 0.1mSvy-1, and the radium equivalent (Ra eq) mean value was 180.23 Bq/kg, Hex and Hin have mean values of 0.49 and 0.69 respectively. The calculated excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranges from 0.0003 to 0.00039 with a mean value of 0.00035 in the soil samples. Therefore, this result suggested that the area under study could be termed radiologically unsafe for people living around or close to the area.&#x0D; &#x0D;

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.