Environmental radioactivity: A case study of Punjab, India

Abstract

The natural radioactivity present in our environment is a major health hazard for human populations. Many health related malignancies in humans have been attributed to the exposure to natural radioactivity. It is in this context that a series of surveys were undertaken in different areas of Punjab state of India to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in air, soil and drinking water. In the present paper we report the results of measurements of dissolved radon in drinking water in some areas of the state along with the summary of results of earlier surveys so as to present a holistic picture of radioactive environment in the state of Punjab, India. The inhalation dose rate and radioactivity in soil and water samples has been found to be within permissible limits.