ASSESSMENT OF BACKGROUND RADIATION IN SPORT AND RECREATIONAL PLACES IN KUANTAN

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to assess the background radiation level (BRL) in seven sport and recreational places in Kuantan district whether it is within the acceptable limit stated by radiation protection regulatory bodies. There has never been research done to assess the BRL in the sport and recreational places in Kuantan by using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeter. Methods: Reading of BRL was monitored using Inlight Environmental Dosimeter. Seven sport and recreational places inside Kuantan district were identified and located as venues for location of study. Data was collected at the designated locations for seven cycles where one cycle consists of seven days. Readings from OSLDs were taken at the end of each cycle and analyzed using Landauer microStar computer system. All background radiation doses for each designated area were also compared with the recommended value by radiation protection regulatory bodies such as IAEA, NCRP and AELB. Results: The accumulated BRL shows trend of increasing level of background radiation over the seven cycles.  The highest annual dose reading was noted in Stadium Hoki Wisma Belia with a reading of 2.286 mSv. The lowest annual dose was at Futsal Playground with a reading of 1.321 mSv. Conclusion: The accumulated dose calculated to represent estimated annual BRL of the designated places exceeded the recommended value of background radiation for public (1 mSv per year) from radiation regulatory bodies; ICRP, AELB and IAEA. Comprehensive monitoring of the designated locations must be done to ensure the safety of the surroundings. However, there are some possible influencing factors that can affect the results such as geographical, types of building materials used and infrastructure development. This study suggests that this study to be continued for a longer study period to obtain more reliable results in order to construct a platform for environmental radiation monitoring in Malaysia.