Assessment of the radiological hazards due to naturally occurring radionuclides in soil samples collected from the north western areas of Pakistan.

(226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in soil samples, these were collected from different localities of the North West Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan. In order to measure the specific activities in these samples P-type coaxial high purity germanium based gamma-ray spectrometer was used. Average values of the measured activities of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were 26 +/- 11, 39 +/- 17 and 485 +/- 177 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Average radium equivalent activity was found to be 122 +/- 42 Bq kg(-1). External and internal hazard indices were also calculated and found to be 0.33 +/- 0.12 and 0.40 +/- 0.14, respectively. Average effective dose received due to gamma rays was 0.34 +/- 0.12 mSv y(-1). Measured natural radioactivity, hazard indices and effective doses received by the population were found within the recommended limits. The aim of this work was to make a baseline data of natural radioactive elements for the soil of the area and to assess it radiological significance if used as a building material for the construction of houses.