Radiological assessment of radon and radium concentrations in Najran Region soils, Saudi Arabia

Radon (Rn-222) is a radioactive gas originating from the breakdown of Radium (Ra-226) through alpha particle emission, eventually released into the atmosphere via exhalation. Conducting essential environmental studies on Radon gas is crucial for evaluating pollutant levels. In this investigation, the nuclear track detector CR-39 was employed to measure Radon concentrations in 14 soil samples collected from diverse locations in the Najran region. The outcomes reveal that around 71.4% of the soil samples in this study have radon level below the 300 Bqm−3 permitted threshold, and approximately 28.60% have radon content beyond the values set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The average effective Radium concentration in the soil samples is 10.10 ± 1.39 Bqkg−1, with a range spanning from 2.71 ± 1.20 to 24.10 ± 4.52 Bqkg−1. Notably, the study reveals a strong linear association among exhalation rates, effective Radium content, and Radon concentrations. The outcomes affirm the region's safety concerning potential adverse impacts of Radium on human health. Additionally, the study suggests that the soil in this area is suitable for agricultural activities and construction material production, emphasizing its overall safety for various land uses.