Preliminary Survey of Background Radiation Exposure in Koshi Province, Nepal

Abstract

Exposure to high background radiation is the major cause of health risks such as cancer. So, it is the prime issue of recent research to monitor the background radiation at various parts of the country. In the present study, the background radiation of Koshi Province was measured using a portable G.M. counter model GMC-300 Plus. The result showed that the average background radiation of Koshi Province is 0.28±0.05 mSv/y. It is below the threshold limit of 1mSv/y for non-radiation workers and the public. The best-fit line between the background radiation and altitude showed a gradual increase in background radiation with altitude because of cosmic radiation.