Natural background gamma radiation and radioactivity concentrations were investigated from 2003 to 2005 in Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia. Sample locations were distant from any 'amang' processing plants. The external gamma dose rates ranged from 39 to 1039 nGy h(-1). The mean external gamma dose rate was 222+/-191 nG yh(-1). Small areas of relatively enhanced activity were located having external gamma dose rates of up to 1039+/-104 nGy h(-1). The activity concentrations of (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K were analyzed by using a high-resolution co-axial HPGe detector system. The activity concentration ranges were 12-426 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 19-1377 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th and <19-2204 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Based on the radioactivity levels determined, the gamma-absorbed dose rates in air at 1m above the ground were calculated. The calculated dose rates and measured dose rates had a good correlation coefficient, R of 0.94. To evaluate the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity, the radium equivalent activity, the gamma-absorbed dose rate and the mean population weighted dose rate were calculated. An isodose map for the Kinta District was also produced.
An extensive terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) rate survey has been conducted in Perak State, Peninsular Malaysia. The survey has been carried out taking into account geological and soil information, involving 2930 in situ surveys. Based on geological and soil information collected during TGRD rate measurements, TGRD rates have been predicted in Perak State using a statistical regression analysis which would be helpful to focus surveys in areas that are difficult to access. An equation was formulated according to a linear relationship between TGRD rates, geological contexts and soil types. The comparison of in situ measurements and predicted TGRD dose rates was tabulated and showed good agreement with the linear regression equation. The TGRD rates in the study area ranged from 38 nGy h(-1) to 1039 nGy h(-1) with a mean value of 224 ± 138 nGy h(-1). This value is higher than the world average as reported in UNSCEAR 2000. The TGRD rates contribute an average dose rate of 1.37 mSv per year. An isodose map for the study area was developed using a Kriging method based on predicted and in situ TGRD rate values.