%0 Journal Article %T The Impact of Low-level Exposure to Radiation in Natural Ecosystems of Najaf and Dhi Qar Cities, Iraq %J Iranian Journal of Medical Physics %I Mashhad University of Medical Sciences %Z 2345-3672 %A Almayahi, Basim A %A I, Hakeem J. %D 2018 %\ 01/01/2018 %V 15 %N 1 %P 1-5 %! The Impact of Low-level Exposure to Radiation in Natural Ecosystems of Najaf and Dhi Qar Cities, Iraq %K Background Radiation %K Environment %K Gamma Ray %K Public health %R 10.22038/ijmp.2017.24540.1245 %X Introduction: This study investigated the exposure rates of background radiations in selected locations of Najaf and Dhi Qar cities, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Exposure rates were quantified using a portable Geiger–Müller meter. Frequent readings of gamma dose rates were recorded (82 and 101 nGy h-1). Results: The lowest absorbed doserate was found to be 43.5±17.4 nGyh-1 in Najaf (outdoor environments), and the highest was 174±8.7 nGy h-1 in Dhi Qar city (outdoor environments). Overall, the absorbed dose rates of background radiation fell within the worldwide range reported in other regions. Conclusion: The selected locations in Najaf and Dhi Qar cities showed normal absorbed doserates with no adverse biological effects on people in the studied areas. %U https://ijmp.mums.ac.ir/article_9314_fca2de392e6813adc5ec46f7908ba73e.pdf