ASSESSMENT OF RADIATION RISK FROM SURFACE SOIL TO THE POPULATION OF THE KYZYLORDA REGION IN URANIUM MINING AREAS

The results of gamma spectrometric investigations of the radionuclide composition of the surface soil layer in uranium mining areas of the Kyzylorda region (the North and South Karamurun, Irkol, Kharasan-1 and Kharasan-2 deposits), as well as in adjacent settlements and agricultural lands, are presented. Based on the activity concentrations of natural gamma-emitting radionuclides of the uranium and thorium series and potassium, the absorbed gamma dose rate in air at a height of 1 m above ground level, the annual effective dose from external exposure to the population, the external hazard index, and the lifetime cancer risk were calculated. It is shown that, for most of the surveyed sites, the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides and the derived radiological parameters fall within ranges comparable to global average values and the reference levels recommended in UNSCEAR documents and national sanitary regulations. Local increases in radionuclide activities are confined to areas with enhanced uranium mineralization and in zones directly influenced by uranium mining activities.

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