Spatial distribution, risk assessment and influence factors of terrestrial gamma radiation dose in China

Abstract The current spatial distribution of the risk of terrestrial gamma radiation in China were investigated by using spatial interpolation. And the driving factors influence on the terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) distribution were identified using the geographic detector, a new statistical method based on the nonlinear hypothesis. The results showed that the values of TGRD were range from 60 to 195 nGy h−1 with the average of 86.5 nGy h−1, and the higher values were recorded in Qingahi–Tibet Plateau, which were all within the range of background value in China. In addition, the radiological indices, ELCR (Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk), TGRD and AEDE (Annual Effective Dose Equivalent) were also within the acceptable range of values by risk assessment. The results by use of the geographic detector showed that sunshine duration, atmosphere pressure, altitude, and rainfall condition have closely related to the TGRD distribution. In addition, these meteorological factors and altitude had more impact on TGRD than the air pollution-related factors. Our study can provide useful information on studying the influence mechanism of the TGRD distribution, the variability of the natural terrestrial gamma radiation in China, and exposure data for risk assessment from low dose chronic exposures.