Study of natural radionuclide concentrations in an area of elevated radiation background in the northern districts of Bangladesh

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials in soil samples from an elevated radiation background area of three northern districts of Bangladesh were determined using gamma ray spectrometry. The outdoor and indoor external effective dose rates and the radiation hazard indices from these soil activities were evaluated, The dose rates were found to be about four times higher than the reported world average value. The concentration of natural radionuclides, derived radium equivalent activities and the representative level indices were also found to be higher. Recommendations on radiolocical and dosimetric measures have been suggested with an aim of minimising the harmful effects of ionising radiation to the population of the area concerned.