ENVIRONMENTAL GAMMA RADIATION MEASUREMENT OF FOOD SALT IN SOUTHERN PROVINCES OF IRAQ

Abstract

The current manuscript includes measuring the natural dose of emitted gamma-rays for the table salt (nature salt) taken from different locations, in the southern provinces of Iraq. The locations selected are Basrah (Fao (Al-maamir), Hamdan industrial area, and university (Germat-Ali), Al-Nassiriya (Suq Al-Shuyookh), Al-semawa (Sawa Lake) and Al-Amara ( Qalat Salih). After using two types of standard quality dosimeters lithium fluoride and Calcium fluoride which are made by Harshaw chemical company and after a series of tests conducted on them to make sure of their validity, it is found that the natural dose rate of gamma-rays in these locations is equal to 8.02, 8.25, 8.2, 7.65, 7.45 and 7.27 µrad/h respectively. The results also show that the natural dose rate of gamma-rays falls within the allowed limit which is 0.5 rem/year as far as the technique used and referred to above is concerned. This study technique is especially interesting because of its low cost, short response times. Furthermore, dosimetric material may be used for personnel dosimetry.