Measurement of Radon and Thoron Concentrations in Rock Samples from the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Using Track Etch Detectors

The radon and thoron concentrations in sixteen types of rock samples collected from different areas in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, were determined using the tube technique with CR-39 solid-state detector. The radon and thoron concentrations in rock samples varied from 189 to 91 and from 112 to 54 Bq m−3, respectively. The average radon and thoron concentrations in the sampling areas were 132 and 78 Bq m−3, respectively. The radon concentrations were below the suggested range of 200 to 600 Bq m−3 as recommended by ICRP. In addition, parameters related to the potential radiological hazards were calculated for the rock samples. The mean values of the estimated equilibrium potential alpha energy concentrations and annual effective dose for inhaled radon and thoron in the rock samples were 21.47, 2.117 mWL, and 1.252, 0.549 mSv year–1, respectively. These values were compared with international standards.