Discussions on some views presented by the paper 'natural environmental γ radiation dose rate in China'

Some views presented by the paper 'Natural Environmental γ Radiation Dose Rate in China' have been discussed in this paper. The results on comparing the survey data (SD) of natural environmental γ radiation dose rate with the calculating data (CD) using specific activities of radionuclide in soil show that, by modifying water content rate of 10 percent in soil, the SD presented by Ministry of Health is at least 10 percent higher than CD, and the SD and CD presented by NEPA accord within the range of 5 percent. By analyzing the calibration condition, response to environmental γ radiation and measurement errors, it is concluded that using FD-71 scintillator meter for environmental γ radiation survey, the results would systematically be high. By analyzing responses to terrestrial γ radiation and cosmic radiation, it is proved that the AEI high pressure ionization chamber dosimeter has high stability and is suited to environmental γ radiation survey. The uncertainties concerning the low level γ radiation survey for large water body are briefly discussed as well. (authors)