Isodose mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate of Selangor state, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia

A terrestrial gamma radiation survey for the state of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was conducted to obtain baseline data for environmental radiological health practices. Based on soil type, geological background and information from airborne survey maps, 95 survey points statistically representing the study area were determined. The measured doses varied according to geological background and soil types. They ranged from 17 nGy h−1 to 500 nGy h−1. The mean terrestrial gamma dose rate in air above the ground was 182 ± 81 nGy h−1. This is two times higher than the average dose rate of terrestrial gamma radiation in Malaysia which is 92 nGy h−1 (UNSCEAR 2000). An isodose map was produced to represent exposure rate from natural sources of terrestrial gamma radiation. •A methodology is presented to reduce terrestrial gamma dose rate field survey.•Geological background of acid intrusive of granitic type has the highest dose rates.•The mean dose rate is 2 times higher than the world average.•Isodose map of terrestrial gamma radiation for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was produced.