Natural gamma-ray spectrometry as a tool for radiation dose and radon hazard modelling

We reviewed the calibration procedures of gamma-ray spectrometry with particular emphasis to factors that affect accuracy, detection limits and background radiation in field measurements for dosimetric and radon potential mapping. Gamma-ray spectra were acquired in western Liguria (Italy). The energy windows investigated are centred on the photopeaks of 214Bi (1.76 MeV), 208Tl (2.62 MeV) and 40K (1.46 MeV). The inferred absorbed dose rate and the radon flux are estimated to be lower than 60 nGy h −1 and 22 Bq m −2 h −1, respectively.