Outdoor radioactivity and health risk assessment for capital city Ankara, Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the soil radioactivity levels and assess the possible relevant health hazards for the inhabitants of Ankara province. Total of 341 samples were collected from predetermined locations and outdoor gamma dose rate measurements were carried out. The mean activity of K-40, Ra-226, Th-232, and Cs-137 with the ranges were determined as 454 (23-1355), 27 (6-186), 33 (2-181) and 3.3 (0.5-20.9)Bqkg(-1), respectively. The average annual effective dose equivalent was found to be 71.8 mu Svy(-1) for public exposure and the average excess lifetime cancer risk value was calculated as 2.69E-04.