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Research articleCreated 30 Sep 2026

Assessment of terrestrial gamma radiations and implication of radiological risks in Shaqlawa, Erbil, Iraq

by An initial assessment of absorbed gamma dose rates was conducted at around 30 monitoring locations situated within specific residential structures in Shaqlawa, Iraq. This represents the first instance of conducting such measures within this particular environment. A Geiger-Müller digital survey meter was used to quantify the gamma exposure at each monitoring station, 1 meter above ground. Additionally, a GPS device was employed to correctly capture the coordinates. The average absorbed gamma dose rates observed were 0.123 and 0.117 for indoor and outdoor environments, respectively, while the average annual effective doses for these areas were found to be 0.864 mSv.y-1 and 0.205 mSv.y-1, respectively. The findings indicate that both the indoor and outdoor gamma dose rates in Shaqlawa are approximately twice the global average values reported by UNSCEAR, suggesting elevated natural background radiation exposure in the area. Additionally, the excess lifetime cancer risk was estimated at 3.74×10−3, which is considerably higher than the global average of 0.29×10−3. These results highlight a potential radiological health concern for residents and emphasize the need for continuous environmental radiation monitoring and further investigation of radionuclide sources in building materials and soils. — Nexus of Advanced Environmental Research. Volume 2(1): 163-172. Epub Feb 23, 2026.

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