Natural radioactivity in the Syrian environment

This study shows some results of the environmental monitoring program for assessment of radiation and background radioactivity in Syria. The average external gamma radiation exposure was found to be ∼ 94 ± 8 nGy h−1, changing slightly from one district to another. Measurements of natural radioactivity in different types of soil showed a correlation between the ambient gamma exposure levels and soil radioactivity. The average activity of 40K, 232Th and 226Ra in the soil were 247 ± 100, 18.43 ± 5 and 22.2 ± 9 Bq kg−1 dry mass, respectively. Natural radioactivity in crops from different parts of the country was in accordance with levels of radioactivity in soil. The highest values for soil and crops were found in the south and the north east of the country.