Quantitative Assessment of Alpha-Emitting Natural Radionuclides and Radiological Hazards in Soil from Pshdar Area, Iraq

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas in soil, has a profound effect on the local air quality and poses health risks to nearby populations. The disturbance of the Earth’s surface through excavation activities can enhance the release of these gases, increasing the likelihood of the 222Rn exposure. This study investigates soil samples collected from various sites across the Pshdar region in Iraq to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the area’s radiological profile. The objective is to determine the concentrations of alpha emitters 222Rn, 226Ra, and 238U present in the soil. Alpha particles emitted from 222Rn gas were recorded using CR-39 detector. To enlarge and reveal the alpha tracks, the samples underwent chemical etching using a 6.25 N NaOH solution at 60°C for 6 h, after which the tracks were analyzed under an optical microscope. The mean concentrations of 222Rn, 226Ra, and 238U were 170 Bq m–3, 0.32 Bq kg–1, and 4.16 ppm, respectively. These results were within the safe limit. Radiological hazard parameters for indoor and outdoor (annual effective dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, and effective dose rate to different body organs) were computed to assess the health risks associated with selected soil samples. The results of the study indicate that the levels of alpha-emitting radionuclides in the soil samples were below the recommended safety thresholds, suggesting that the surveyed area does not pose a radiological hazard. These findings offer important baseline data to support Iraqi public health initiatives and 222Rn management strategies.