Gamma Dose Rate Measurement and Dose Rate Calculation for Sensitive Organs in the Vicinity of Hot Springs in Kerman Province

All of the people worldwide are exposed to low levels of radiation. Cancer induction and genetic disorders are among the hazards of low level exposure. In some cases, radiation close to hot springs is higher than normal areas due to a high concentration and the decay products of Ra-226. Given the use of hot springs by the general public because of their therapeutic properties, preparation of a guideline based on radiation levels of hot springs is believed to be necessary. In this study, gamma dose rate in the vicinity of hot springs in Kerman province was measured and the dose rates for sensitive organs were calculated. The equipments used in this study were an RDS-110 survey meter, a tripod with an aluminum frame, a chronometer and a thermometer. After defining 19 stations (one near each hot spring), the survey meter was fixed horizontally one meter above the hot spring and the gamma dose rate was recorded during one hour. Then, using the corresponding coefficients, equivalent, effective, bone marrow and reproductive organs dose rates were calculated. Independent T test and variance analysis were used for comparison of the means. Gamma absorbed dose rates near nineteen hot springs in Kerman province were measured. The results showed that Amirekeykhosravi Spring had the highest annual dose rate (1.65 0.54) and Gharayoob Spring had the lowest annual dose rate (0.53 0.23). Also, the annual bone marrow and reproductive organs dose rates were within the ranges 0.42 0.18 to 1.32 0.43 and 0.43 0.19 to 1.34 0.44, respectively. Discussion and This study shows that the maximum annual dose rate in the vicinity of the hot springs in Kerman province was 120% higher than the outdoors annual dose rate for normal areas. This is due to the existence of radioactive elements in spring water and the high altitude of the springs from the sea level. Due to the high dose rate to sensitive organs, it is suggested that Chegeri, Ghaneghah, Gharayoob, Joshan and Chaharfarsakh springs are used as spas. Also, according to the results, there is no correlation between the gamma dose rate and the temperature of the springs.