Bayesian spatial modelling of terrestrial radiation in Switzerland

The geographic variation of terrestrial radiation can be exploited in epidemiological studies of the health effects of protracted low-dose exposure. Various methods have been applied to derive maps of this variation. We aimed to construct a map of terrestrial radiation for Switzerland. We used airborne gamma-spectrometry measurements to model the ambient dose rates from terrestrial radiation through a Bayesian mixed-effects model and conducted inference using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA). We predicted higher levels of ambient dose rates in the alpine regions and Ticino compared with the western and northern parts of Switzerland. We provide a map that can be used for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies and as a baseline map for assessing potential contamination.

Automated summary

This study constructed a map of terrestrial radiation for Switzerland using airborne gamma-spectrometry measurements, a Bayesian mixed-effects model, and Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation for inference. The predicted higher ambient dose rates in the alpine regions and Ticino compared to the western and northern parts of Switzerland can be used for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies and as a baseline for potential contamination assessment.