Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in typical urban homes in Miri City (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Dominique Dodge-Wan; Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan; Sheng Qin Seow

doi:10.1007/s10967-023-08838-z

Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in typical urban homes in Miri City (Sarawak, Malaysia)

J Radioanal Nucl Chem. 2023;332(6):2177-2193. doi: 10.1007/s10967-023-08838-z. Epub 2023 Mar 8.

Authors

Dominique Dodge-Wan¹, Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan¹, Sheng Qin Seow¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak Malaysia.

Abstract

Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) at meter grid spacing in and around four urban homes in Miri City shows rates ranging from 70 to 150 nGy/h. Tiled surfaces (floors and walls) vary between properties and have a clear and significant influence on TGRD which is highest in kitchens, washrooms and toilets. Application of a single indoor value for annual effective dose (AED) may lead to underestimations of up to 30%. The AED is unlikely to exceed 0.8 mSv in homes of this type in Miri, which is within recommended guidelines.

Keywords: Annual exposure dose; Building materials; Dwellings; Gamma; Tiles.