The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in soil samples collected from Sijua Dhanbad, India were measured by using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector. The average activity concentration of Ra-226, Th-232, and 40K was found as 60.3, 64.5 and 481.0 Bq: kg(-1), respectively. Average radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, outdoor dose, external hazard index and internal hazard index for the area under study is determined as 189.5 Bq: kg(-1), 87.2 nGy h(-1), 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mSv. y(-1), respectively. The annual effective dose to the general public is found 0.4 mSv: y(-1). This value lies well below the limit of 1 mSv: y(1). Measured values have found safe for the environment and public health of the study area.
