Assessment of terrestrial gamma exposure to the population of Belgrade (Serbia).

The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in 178 samples from 52 locations of the territory of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. Based on the results obtained, the values of absorbed gamma dose rate at 1 m above the ground, radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, annual effective dose, annual gonadal dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. The results of the present study were compared with values reported worldwide and also with internationally recommended values. The total absorbed dose rate varied between 24.7 and 89.6 nGy h(-1) with a mean of 60.5 nGy h(-1), which is close to the world average value. Since all estimated radiological impact assessment factors were lower than the recommended values there seems to be no radiological health hazard for the population living in the investigated area.