Z. Zunic - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Z. Zunic
Purpose: This paper reports the results of the international collaboration on direct measurements... more Purpose: This paper reports the results of the international collaboration on direct measurements of radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) progeny in in- door environments (dwellings and schools) in some parts of the whole of Balkan region (Serbia with Kosovo, Republic of Srpska, Slovenia and Macedonia). Argumentations: Direct and time integrated measurements of Rn and Tn progeny were carried out using direct Radon and Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPS and DRPS), which are basically deposition based progeny sensors, in which the deposited progeny activity is detected by SSNTDs. These are passive detectors meant for long term time integrated measurements. The progeny or the decay products of Rn and Tn are the major dose givers. While assessing the inhalation doses to the public, pas- sive long term measurements are essential. Large scale Rn and Tn decay product monitoring was carried out in dwellings (appr.300) during a period 2011-2013, in each house for minimum 6 months up to one year (Serbia with...
Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, 2011
This paper deals with the analysis of natural radionuclide content in 23 water samples collected ... more This paper deals with the analysis of natural radionuclide content in 23 water samples collected in the vicinity of the Nikola Tesla B thermal power plant, Serbia. All samples were analyzed for 226Ra and uranium isotopes (238U, 234U) activity using radiochemical methods and alpha spectrometry. Obtained results show that the activity concentrations for uranium and radium in the water around the thermal power plant are low when compared to those from areas across Serbia with their enhanced natural uranium and radium content. No important radiological hazard related to uranium and radium activity stored in heap was found.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007
In Niska Banja, Serbia, which is a high-radon area, a comparison was made between two retrospecti... more In Niska Banja, Serbia, which is a high-radon area, a comparison was made between two retrospective radon measuring methods and contemporary radon measurements. The two retrospective methods derive the radon concentrations that occurred in dwellings over longer periods in the past, based on the amount of trapped (210)Po on the surface of glass objects (surface traps, ST) or in the bulk of porous materials (volume traps, VT). Both surface implanted (210)Po in glass objects and contemporary radon in air were measured in 46 rooms, distributed in 32 houses of this radon spa-town, using a dual alpha track detector configuration (CR-39 and LR115) and CR-39 track etched detectors, respectively. In addition to the use of surface trap measurements, in 18 rooms (distributed in 15 houses) VT samples of suitable material were also collected, allowing to compare ST and VT retrospective radon concentration estimates. For each room, contemporary annual radon concentrations (CONT) were measured or estimated using seasonal correction factors. The distribution of the radon concentration in all data sets was found to be close to lognormal (Chi-square test>0.05). Geometric means (GM) are similar, ranging from 1040 to 1380 Bq m(-3), whereas geometric standard deviations (GSD) for both the retrospective methods are greater than for the CONT method, showing reasonable agreement between VT, ST and CONT measurements. A regression analysis, with respect to the lognormal distribution of each data set, shows that for VT-ST the correlation coefficient r is 0.85, for VT-CONT r is 0.82 and for ST-CONT r is 0.73. Comparison of retrospective and contemporary radon concentrations with regard to supposed long-term indoor radon changes further supports the principal agreement between the retrospective and conventional methods.
Radiation Measurements, 2007
The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried ou... more The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried out in June 2005 at field sites in Niška Banja town. The aim of the survey was to identify risk zones characterised by high levels of this radioactive gas. Radon measurements were made at the depth of 50 cm, in the ground according to a systematic grid pattern. Furthermore, at all 48 measurement points, the surface gamma dose rates in the air was also measured at the same locations and soil samples were collected for gamma spectrometric analysis for the radionuclides 226 Ra, 228 Th and 40 K. Radon concentrations were found to range from 1270 to 155 000 Bq m −3 with an average of 33 765 Bq m −3 and a median value of 12 626 Bq m −3. The geometrical mean value and geometrical standard deviation were calculated as 16 160 Bq m −3 and 3.5 Bq m −3 , respectively. Gamma dose rate varies from 92 to 316 nGy h −1 , with an average of 132 nGy h −1. The radium content in collected soil samples ranges from 24 to 1810 Bq kg −1 with an average of 187 Bq kg −1. High correlations (r 2 > 0.8) between soil gas radon concentration, gamma dose rate and 226 Ra content in soil were found for each pair. The distribution of radon concentrations in soil gas shows bimodal shape.
Radiation Measurements, 2013
h i g h l i g h t s < The indoor 220 Rn concentrations show seasonal and regional variability. < ... more h i g h l i g h t s < The indoor 220 Rn concentrations show seasonal and regional variability. < The amplitude of seasonal variability is smaller for 220 Rn, than for 222 Rn. < Indoor 220 Rn map of FYR of Macedonia. < The influence of house characteristics were analysed and discussed. < Recommendations for future investigation were made.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2006
The measurement campaigns have been done in the rural community of Niška Banja, a spa town locate... more The measurement campaigns have been done in the rural community of Niška Banja, a spa town located in southern Serbia, to evaluate population exposure to natural radioactivity. After a screening survey in 200 houses, annual radon and thoron concentrations were measured in 34 houses, and in 2004 a detailed investigation was carried out at six houses with elevated indoor radon concentrations. The paper presents the results of these detailed measurements. The complementary techniques were applied to determine radon and thoron concentrations in indoor air, in soil gas, radon exhalation from soil, soil permeability, and indoor and outdoor gamma doses. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. Indoor radon and thoron concentrations were found to be more than 1 kBq m À3 and 200 Bq m À3 , respectively. Extremely high concentrations of soil-gas radon (>2000 kBq m À3) and radon exhalation rates * The paper is dedicated to Dr Kenzo Fujimoto, National Institute for Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Chiba, Japan, as an expression of respect and gratitude of ECE Laboratory members' team and particularly Z.S. Ž unić observing this fruitful cooperation achieved for the period 1998e2006.
Indoor Air, 2013
In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children... more In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children in schools in Serbia, a pilot study was carried out in all the 334 primary schools of 13 municipalities of Southern Serbia. Based on data from passive measurements, rooms with annual radon concentration >300 Bq/m(3) were found in 5% of schools. The mean annual radon concentration weighted with the number of pupils is 73 Bq/m(3), 39% lower than the unweighted 119 Bq/m(3) average concentration. The actual average concentration when children are in classrooms could be substantially lower. Variability between schools (CV = 65%), between floors (CV = 24%) and between rooms at the same floor (CV = 21%) was analyzed. The impact of school location, floor, and room usage on radon concentration was also assessed (with similar results) by univariate and multivariate analyses. On average, radon concentration in schools within towns is a factor of 0.60 lower than in villages and at higher floors is a factor of 0.68 lower than ground floor. Results can be useful for other countries with similar soil and building characteristics. On average, radon concentrations are substantially higher in schools in villages than in schools located in towns (double,on average). Annual radon concentrations exceeding 300 Bq/m3 were found in 5% of primary schools (generally on ground floors of schools in villages). The considerable variability of radon concentration observed between and within floors indicates a need to monitor concentrations in several rooms for each floor. A single radon detector for each room can be used provided that the measurement error is considerable lower than variability of radon concentration between rooms.
International Congress Series, 2002
11th International Congress of International Radiation Protection Agency IRPA11, pp 23-28.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the... more The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the national and international legislations are generally restricted to all the rooms located at the ground floor and basement, assuming the soil beneath the building as the main source of indoor radon. In order to verify such an assumption for small buildings having at maximum two floors, a preliminary study was performed in 50 schools located in 15 municipalities of the Republic of Srpska. Results of this study suggest that a protocol requiring measurements at the ground floor only may be considered adequate. Due to the high radon spatial variability for rooms at the ground floor, it is preferable to require measurements in a high number of rooms (preferably in all of them) in order to assess the compliance with the reference level established by the legislation.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry (1977), 1983
Journal of Radiation Research, 2009
Radon/Thoron/Natural radioactivity/Niška Banja/Obrenovac. Based on results of fieldwork in the Ba... more Radon/Thoron/Natural radioactivity/Niška Banja/Obrenovac. Based on results of fieldwork in the Balkan Region of Serbia from 2005 to 2007, soil gas radon and thoron concentrations as well as gamma dose rates were measured. Campaigns were conducted in two different geological regions: Niška Banja, considered a high natural radiation area, and Obrenovac around the TentB Thermal Power Plant (TPP), a low natural radiation area. Radon and thoron gas measurements were made by using two types of Japanese passive radon/thoron detectors, which included GPS data and gamma dose rates. The concentrations of soil radon gas in Niška Banja ranged from 1.8 to 161.1 kBq m-3 , whereas the concentrations for soil thoron gas ranged from 0.9 to 23.5 kBq m-3. The gamma dose rates varied from 70 to 320 nGy h-1. In the TentB area, radon concentration was found to range from 0.8 to 24.9 kBq m-3 and thoron from 0.6 to 1.9 kBq m-3. The gamma dose rate ranged from 90 to 130 nGy h-1. In addition, the natural radioactivity of the soil was investigated at the low background area. The radium and thorium contents in collected soil samples ranged from 23 to 58 and 33 to 67 Bq kg-1 , respectively. As a result of correlation analyses between the measured values, the highest correlation coefficient (R > 0.95) was found for thorium in the soil and the thoron gas concentration.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2014
Between 2008 and 2011 a survey of radon ((222)Rn) was performed in schools of several districts o... more Between 2008 and 2011 a survey of radon ((222)Rn) was performed in schools of several districts of Southern Serbia. Some results have been published previously (Žunić et al., 2010; Carpentieri et al., 2011; Žunić et al., 2013). This article concentrates on the geographical distribution of the measured Rn concentrations. Applying geostatistical methods we generate "school radon maps" of expected concentrations and of estimated probabilities that a concentration threshold is exceeded. The resulting maps show a clearly structured spatial pattern which appears related to the geological background. In particular in areas with vulcanite and granitoid rocks, elevated radon (Rn) concentrations can be expected. The "school radon map" can therefore be considered as proxy to a map of the geogenic radon potential, and allows identification of radon-prone areas, i.e. areas in which higher Rn radon concentrations can be expected for natural reasons. It must be stressed that the "radon hazard", or potential risk, estimated this way, has to be distinguished from the actual radon risk, which is a function of exposure. This in turn may require (depending on the target variable which is supposed to measure risk) considering demographic and sociological reality, i.e. population density, distribution of building styles and living habits.
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2010
The main scope of this paper is to point out the importance of introducing radon and thoron exhal... more The main scope of this paper is to point out the importance of introducing radon and thoron exhalation measurements from building materials in the regulating frame. Currently (2009), such a regulation of this kind of exposure is not explicitly included in the Serbian regulating network. To this end, this work reports concentration measurements of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K and radon and thoron exhalation rates from building materials used in Serbia. Following detailed analysis, it was noticed that both internal exposures to radon and/or thoron exhaling from building materials may exceed external exposures to their precursors contained therein.
Radiation Measurements, 2007
The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried ou... more The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried out in June 2005 at field sites in Niška Banja town. The aim of the survey was to identify risk zones characterised by high levels of this radioactive gas. Radon measurements were made at the depth of 50 cm, in the ground according to a systematic grid pattern. Furthermore, at all 48 measurement points, the surface gamma dose rates in the air was also measured at the same locations and soil samples were collected for gamma spectrometric analysis for the radionuclides 226 Ra, 228 Th and 40 K.
Radioprotection, 2009
The paper deals with a specific aspect of a general survey, that is being carried out during last... more The paper deals with a specific aspect of a general survey, that is being carried out during last ten years in several regions of Serbia (former Yugoslavia, former Serbia and Montenegro) to assess population exposure to natural radioactivity based on geochemical and integrative pattern research approach. The originality regarding this work is related to the facts such as follows: the first identification and assessment of high areas of natural radiation in Serbia which provides insight into its regional characteristics, the interpretation of the results in terms of geological aspects, building types and human habits, the first introduction and field applicability of both (surface and volume trap) retro techniques in Serbia and assessment of doses and risks to the population in investigated high natural radiation rural communities.
Purpose: This paper reports the results of the international collaboration on direct measurements... more Purpose: This paper reports the results of the international collaboration on direct measurements of radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) progeny in in- door environments (dwellings and schools) in some parts of the whole of Balkan region (Serbia with Kosovo, Republic of Srpska, Slovenia and Macedonia). Argumentations: Direct and time integrated measurements of Rn and Tn progeny were carried out using direct Radon and Thoron Progeny Sensors (DTPS and DRPS), which are basically deposition based progeny sensors, in which the deposited progeny activity is detected by SSNTDs. These are passive detectors meant for long term time integrated measurements. The progeny or the decay products of Rn and Tn are the major dose givers. While assessing the inhalation doses to the public, pas- sive long term measurements are essential. Large scale Rn and Tn decay product monitoring was carried out in dwellings (appr.300) during a period 2011-2013, in each house for minimum 6 months up to one year (Serbia with...
Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection, 2011
This paper deals with the analysis of natural radionuclide content in 23 water samples collected ... more This paper deals with the analysis of natural radionuclide content in 23 water samples collected in the vicinity of the Nikola Tesla B thermal power plant, Serbia. All samples were analyzed for 226Ra and uranium isotopes (238U, 234U) activity using radiochemical methods and alpha spectrometry. Obtained results show that the activity concentrations for uranium and radium in the water around the thermal power plant are low when compared to those from areas across Serbia with their enhanced natural uranium and radium content. No important radiological hazard related to uranium and radium activity stored in heap was found.
Science of The Total Environment, 2007
In Niska Banja, Serbia, which is a high-radon area, a comparison was made between two retrospecti... more In Niska Banja, Serbia, which is a high-radon area, a comparison was made between two retrospective radon measuring methods and contemporary radon measurements. The two retrospective methods derive the radon concentrations that occurred in dwellings over longer periods in the past, based on the amount of trapped (210)Po on the surface of glass objects (surface traps, ST) or in the bulk of porous materials (volume traps, VT). Both surface implanted (210)Po in glass objects and contemporary radon in air were measured in 46 rooms, distributed in 32 houses of this radon spa-town, using a dual alpha track detector configuration (CR-39 and LR115) and CR-39 track etched detectors, respectively. In addition to the use of surface trap measurements, in 18 rooms (distributed in 15 houses) VT samples of suitable material were also collected, allowing to compare ST and VT retrospective radon concentration estimates. For each room, contemporary annual radon concentrations (CONT) were measured or estimated using seasonal correction factors. The distribution of the radon concentration in all data sets was found to be close to lognormal (Chi-square test>0.05). Geometric means (GM) are similar, ranging from 1040 to 1380 Bq m(-3), whereas geometric standard deviations (GSD) for both the retrospective methods are greater than for the CONT method, showing reasonable agreement between VT, ST and CONT measurements. A regression analysis, with respect to the lognormal distribution of each data set, shows that for VT-ST the correlation coefficient r is 0.85, for VT-CONT r is 0.82 and for ST-CONT r is 0.73. Comparison of retrospective and contemporary radon concentrations with regard to supposed long-term indoor radon changes further supports the principal agreement between the retrospective and conventional methods.
Radiation Measurements, 2007
The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried ou... more The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried out in June 2005 at field sites in Niška Banja town. The aim of the survey was to identify risk zones characterised by high levels of this radioactive gas. Radon measurements were made at the depth of 50 cm, in the ground according to a systematic grid pattern. Furthermore, at all 48 measurement points, the surface gamma dose rates in the air was also measured at the same locations and soil samples were collected for gamma spectrometric analysis for the radionuclides 226 Ra, 228 Th and 40 K. Radon concentrations were found to range from 1270 to 155 000 Bq m −3 with an average of 33 765 Bq m −3 and a median value of 12 626 Bq m −3. The geometrical mean value and geometrical standard deviation were calculated as 16 160 Bq m −3 and 3.5 Bq m −3 , respectively. Gamma dose rate varies from 92 to 316 nGy h −1 , with an average of 132 nGy h −1. The radium content in collected soil samples ranges from 24 to 1810 Bq kg −1 with an average of 187 Bq kg −1. High correlations (r 2 > 0.8) between soil gas radon concentration, gamma dose rate and 226 Ra content in soil were found for each pair. The distribution of radon concentrations in soil gas shows bimodal shape.
Radiation Measurements, 2013
h i g h l i g h t s < The indoor 220 Rn concentrations show seasonal and regional variability. < ... more h i g h l i g h t s < The indoor 220 Rn concentrations show seasonal and regional variability. < The amplitude of seasonal variability is smaller for 220 Rn, than for 222 Rn. < Indoor 220 Rn map of FYR of Macedonia. < The influence of house characteristics were analysed and discussed. < Recommendations for future investigation were made.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2006
The measurement campaigns have been done in the rural community of Niška Banja, a spa town locate... more The measurement campaigns have been done in the rural community of Niška Banja, a spa town located in southern Serbia, to evaluate population exposure to natural radioactivity. After a screening survey in 200 houses, annual radon and thoron concentrations were measured in 34 houses, and in 2004 a detailed investigation was carried out at six houses with elevated indoor radon concentrations. The paper presents the results of these detailed measurements. The complementary techniques were applied to determine radon and thoron concentrations in indoor air, in soil gas, radon exhalation from soil, soil permeability, and indoor and outdoor gamma doses. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory. Indoor radon and thoron concentrations were found to be more than 1 kBq m À3 and 200 Bq m À3 , respectively. Extremely high concentrations of soil-gas radon (>2000 kBq m À3) and radon exhalation rates * The paper is dedicated to Dr Kenzo Fujimoto, National Institute for Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Chiba, Japan, as an expression of respect and gratitude of ECE Laboratory members' team and particularly Z.S. Ž unić observing this fruitful cooperation achieved for the period 1998e2006.
Indoor Air, 2013
In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children... more In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children in schools in Serbia, a pilot study was carried out in all the 334 primary schools of 13 municipalities of Southern Serbia. Based on data from passive measurements, rooms with annual radon concentration >300 Bq/m(3) were found in 5% of schools. The mean annual radon concentration weighted with the number of pupils is 73 Bq/m(3), 39% lower than the unweighted 119 Bq/m(3) average concentration. The actual average concentration when children are in classrooms could be substantially lower. Variability between schools (CV = 65%), between floors (CV = 24%) and between rooms at the same floor (CV = 21%) was analyzed. The impact of school location, floor, and room usage on radon concentration was also assessed (with similar results) by univariate and multivariate analyses. On average, radon concentration in schools within towns is a factor of 0.60 lower than in villages and at higher floors is a factor of 0.68 lower than ground floor. Results can be useful for other countries with similar soil and building characteristics. On average, radon concentrations are substantially higher in schools in villages than in schools located in towns (double,on average). Annual radon concentrations exceeding 300 Bq/m3 were found in 5% of primary schools (generally on ground floors of schools in villages). The considerable variability of radon concentration observed between and within floors indicates a need to monitor concentrations in several rooms for each floor. A single radon detector for each room can be used provided that the measurement error is considerable lower than variability of radon concentration between rooms.
International Congress Series, 2002
11th International Congress of International Radiation Protection Agency IRPA11, pp 23-28.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the... more The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the national and international legislations are generally restricted to all the rooms located at the ground floor and basement, assuming the soil beneath the building as the main source of indoor radon. In order to verify such an assumption for small buildings having at maximum two floors, a preliminary study was performed in 50 schools located in 15 municipalities of the Republic of Srpska. Results of this study suggest that a protocol requiring measurements at the ground floor only may be considered adequate. Due to the high radon spatial variability for rooms at the ground floor, it is preferable to require measurements in a high number of rooms (preferably in all of them) in order to assess the compliance with the reference level established by the legislation.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry (1977), 1983
Journal of Radiation Research, 2009
Radon/Thoron/Natural radioactivity/Niška Banja/Obrenovac. Based on results of fieldwork in the Ba... more Radon/Thoron/Natural radioactivity/Niška Banja/Obrenovac. Based on results of fieldwork in the Balkan Region of Serbia from 2005 to 2007, soil gas radon and thoron concentrations as well as gamma dose rates were measured. Campaigns were conducted in two different geological regions: Niška Banja, considered a high natural radiation area, and Obrenovac around the TentB Thermal Power Plant (TPP), a low natural radiation area. Radon and thoron gas measurements were made by using two types of Japanese passive radon/thoron detectors, which included GPS data and gamma dose rates. The concentrations of soil radon gas in Niška Banja ranged from 1.8 to 161.1 kBq m-3 , whereas the concentrations for soil thoron gas ranged from 0.9 to 23.5 kBq m-3. The gamma dose rates varied from 70 to 320 nGy h-1. In the TentB area, radon concentration was found to range from 0.8 to 24.9 kBq m-3 and thoron from 0.6 to 1.9 kBq m-3. The gamma dose rate ranged from 90 to 130 nGy h-1. In addition, the natural radioactivity of the soil was investigated at the low background area. The radium and thorium contents in collected soil samples ranged from 23 to 58 and 33 to 67 Bq kg-1 , respectively. As a result of correlation analyses between the measured values, the highest correlation coefficient (R > 0.95) was found for thorium in the soil and the thoron gas concentration.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 2014
Between 2008 and 2011 a survey of radon ((222)Rn) was performed in schools of several districts o... more Between 2008 and 2011 a survey of radon ((222)Rn) was performed in schools of several districts of Southern Serbia. Some results have been published previously (Žunić et al., 2010; Carpentieri et al., 2011; Žunić et al., 2013). This article concentrates on the geographical distribution of the measured Rn concentrations. Applying geostatistical methods we generate "school radon maps" of expected concentrations and of estimated probabilities that a concentration threshold is exceeded. The resulting maps show a clearly structured spatial pattern which appears related to the geological background. In particular in areas with vulcanite and granitoid rocks, elevated radon (Rn) concentrations can be expected. The "school radon map" can therefore be considered as proxy to a map of the geogenic radon potential, and allows identification of radon-prone areas, i.e. areas in which higher Rn radon concentrations can be expected for natural reasons. It must be stressed that the "radon hazard", or potential risk, estimated this way, has to be distinguished from the actual radon risk, which is a function of exposure. This in turn may require (depending on the target variable which is supposed to measure risk) considering demographic and sociological reality, i.e. population density, distribution of building styles and living habits.
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2010
The main scope of this paper is to point out the importance of introducing radon and thoron exhal... more The main scope of this paper is to point out the importance of introducing radon and thoron exhalation measurements from building materials in the regulating frame. Currently (2009), such a regulation of this kind of exposure is not explicitly included in the Serbian regulating network. To this end, this work reports concentration measurements of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K and radon and thoron exhalation rates from building materials used in Serbia. Following detailed analysis, it was noticed that both internal exposures to radon and/or thoron exhaling from building materials may exceed external exposures to their precursors contained therein.
Radiation Measurements, 2007
The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried ou... more The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried out in June 2005 at field sites in Niška Banja town. The aim of the survey was to identify risk zones characterised by high levels of this radioactive gas. Radon measurements were made at the depth of 50 cm, in the ground according to a systematic grid pattern. Furthermore, at all 48 measurement points, the surface gamma dose rates in the air was also measured at the same locations and soil samples were collected for gamma spectrometric analysis for the radionuclides 226 Ra, 228 Th and 40 K.
Radioprotection, 2009
The paper deals with a specific aspect of a general survey, that is being carried out during last... more The paper deals with a specific aspect of a general survey, that is being carried out during last ten years in several regions of Serbia (former Yugoslavia, former Serbia and Montenegro) to assess population exposure to natural radioactivity based on geochemical and integrative pattern research approach. The originality regarding this work is related to the facts such as follows: the first identification and assessment of high areas of natural radiation in Serbia which provides insight into its regional characteristics, the interpretation of the results in terms of geological aspects, building types and human habits, the first introduction and field applicability of both (surface and volume trap) retro techniques in Serbia and assessment of doses and risks to the population in investigated high natural radiation rural communities.