Background Radiation in some Quarries and Quarry Lakes in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam

Operation of some quarries can release radioactive materials from the deep soil to other environments that potentially impact human health. The present study investigated concentrations of radon and other radionuclides in surface soil, air, and water around two quarries in the south of Vietnam. Indoor radon concentrations ranged between 6.19 Bq m -3 and 20.6 Bq m -3 . In surface soil, the average concentrations of 40 K, 226 Ra, and 232 Th were 387, 36.5, and 44.5 Bq kg − 1 , respectively. In surface soil, the average values of radioactivity found for 40 K, 226 Ra, 238 U, and 232 Th were 2.65, 1.23, 1.12, and 1.22 mBq l -1 , respectively. The results show that the radioactive levels in the quarry region are found higher than in the nearby area. However, these levels are not enough for a recommendation for public health.