Natural Radioactivity in Wadi Muhrim, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

During the past decades, the population in Saudi Arabia expanded significantly causing an increase in demand of land for housing. . Some people, such as people in Wadi Muhrim area in the Taif region, decided to build their homes near the mountains and in the valleys. Some of these places contain a very high level of natural radioactivity in soil and rocks. This radioactivity originates naturally from ²³⁵U, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th series, natural ⁴⁰K, gas ²²²Rn and its radioactive progeny; while cosmic rays mostly come from the Galaxy's and extragalactic disk. Recent investigations have been carried out in the area to follow-up and to conduct case–control studies for these radio-ecological elements. The author investigated and developed radiological maps for soil, water and air in the area to record the highest radiation level locations. Investigations included assessment of doses on the public health to create rules and regulations concerning habitat, agriculture products and utilization of building materials from these areas. The main purpose of this study is to keep data records and radiological maps of the area in order to ascertain possible changes in the environmental radioactivity due to nuclear, industrial, and other human activities.